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PASTOR GENERAL'S
REPORT
TO THE MINISTRY OF THE
WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD
VOL.6, N0.22
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
FROM MINISTERIAL SERVICES
**** TOBE READ IN ALL CHURCHES ****
Taxes and the Christian's Duty
JUNE 1, 1984
From time to time around the United States, and in
other countries where it is possible, certain citizens
have followed tax evasion schemes in an effort to keep
from paying taxes. These schemes may include declaring
oneself a trust, declaring oneself a church, declaring
that money has no value and therefore should not be
taxed, among others.
God's Church is commanded by Jesus Christ to "render
therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's"
{Matt. 22:21). The Apostle Paul reiterated this same
teaching in Romans 13:1, 5-7. Jesus set us an example
by paying taxes {Matt. 17:24-27). Not only are we to
pay our taxes, we are also commanded to� for world
leaders so we can live a peaceful life and proclaim the
Gospel without persecution {I Tim. 2:1-3).
Taking advantage of all lawfully authorized deductions
is proper! However, to devise plans, schemes and fab
ricate facts in order to evade paying of taxes that are
lawfully due is both illegal and a SIN! Such blatant
illegal activity has no place in the Body of Christ.
Paying taxes to the government is not contrary to God's
Word. Christ has called us to be lights and examples
to the world by obeying God's Word, which includes
paying our taxes.
Therefore, it has been deemed that under the present
time and circumstances, anyone who teaches or advocates
among Church brethren that they should not pay their
taxes will be causing division.
Anyone who has questions regarding this announcement
should talk to his pastor.
Recent Ordination
Mr. John Dobritch, pastor of the Belle Vernon and Washington, Pennsylvania
Churches, was raised to the rank of preaching elder on May 19 during ser
vices in Belle Vernon. Hands were laid on Mr. Dobritch by Mr. Don Lawson,
pastor of the congregations in Pittsburgh, Beaver Valley and McKeesport.