A vicar is urging his whole community to deluge the Prime Minister and top churchmen with letters pleading for them to drop VAT charges on church repairs.
The Rev Chris Denham of Haddenham, near Thame, said churchwardens had written to Tony Blair, the Archbishop of Canterbury and their bishop.
Now he wants others to join in and include local MPs and Home Secretary Jack Straw on the list.
He said running costs of churches were the responsibility of churchgoers - but the buildings themselves were the responsibility of the community.
He said: "Not only does the nation do nothing to assist in maintaining our churches but the Government has the gall to charge 17.5 per cent VAT on all repairs we carry out.
"We are charged tax to maintain the nation's treasures on its behalf."
Mr Denham's church currently needs at least £15,000 worth of repairs to the tower and roof.
Story date: Wednesday 03 March
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