Athens News Agency: News in English, 10-03-21
CONTENTS
[01] Tax against Church unconstitutional
[01] Tax against Church unconstitutional
Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos on Sunday was quoted in
an Athens weekly as charging that a looming tax on Church-related
commercial property and revenue was unconstitutional, while warning
that the Church of Greece will seek recourse to Greek and European
courts if a relevant draft bill provision is approved.
Instead, the primate of the autocephalous Church of Greece proposed a
calculation based on revenues and expenditures, with the Church
subsequently paying a tax of 20 percent on the remainder of whatever
net income.
"The state is telling us that 'we don't know what your (Church)
revenues are; yet, I want 20 percent of what you receive'. This is
unconstitutional, and can be countered in both Greek and European
courts. However, it is also unprincipled. How can you take 20 percent
from someone when he may not even cover his expenditures?" Ieronymos
was quoted as saying.
Moreover, the Archbishop dismissed press reports of a cash-laden
Church. "Come and show us where this money is."
Finally, Ieronymos said he plans to meet with the prime minister to
discuss this issue, adding that "our patience is now exhausted."
The interview was published in the Athens weekly "Real News".
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