A church leader in Juba has on Sunday urged Christians not to dodge paying their taxes to their government. Rev. Philip Akway, the General Secretary of South Sudan's Presbyterian Evangelical Church was addressing a congregation during Sunday worship at a church in Hai Jalaba in Juba yesterday.

Rev. Akawy said that the economic crisis in the country was also affecting the church because it is a part of the society. He added that Christians can help to revive the economy of the country if they honestly pay their taxes.

“Jesus as a fully human being paid his taxes, so we too are to follow his example,” he said.

The church leader also warned Christians not to accuse the government but instead to pray for change of hearts of the leaders of the government so that there will peace and stability in the country.

The clergy said Christians should help to revive the collapsing economy in their country instead of trying to put blame on the government. “We are asked to help our governments and leaders and pray for them instead of insulting and creating tension,” he told Christians.

The church leader also said that economic crisis in South Sudan has worsened due to many factors among which is the instability in the country.