It's Time for the Church to Pay Taxes: Alen Simonian

I regret that the church got involved in all this. I believe it's time for us to discuss and understand why the tax obligations that exist for everyone in the Republic of Armenia are not applied to the church.

This was stated by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Alen Simonian, during a parliamentary session on May 21. He stated, “I think we should discuss this issue soon because enough is enough; we can no longer rely on our emotions or our history to avoid acting in the political arena. Gathering money from the global Armenian community, becoming wealthy, selling candles, selling Coca-Cola, selling wine, having wine restaurants, and not paying taxes is unacceptable.”

“I want to understand why they should not pay taxes. Overall, from a legislative perspective, we need to reassess and understand why ecclesiastical figures, who are revered, are held to a different standard than ordinary business people who pay taxes and buy bullets for the army. Our major taxpayers are the most important people; they finance the security of the Republic of Armenia. Now those people should pay taxes while others do not?” Simonian added.

Referring to gatherings in the courtyard of St. Anna Church, he said, “Who allowed you to enter my church and organize meetings?”