Apia, SAMOA — Schools of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa which were to perform in the Pacific Games Opening Ceremony next Sunday have pulled out.

Over 300 students from Maluafou, Leulumoega and Papauta colleges have pulled out of an entertainment contingent featuring over 2000 students in total.

The organization's General Secretary Rev. Vavatau Taufao said the reason is that the church doesn't want to violate the day of worship, Sunday.

He said in an interview with Loabay LGN Online that the Church's Board of Education only learned last week when the Games Programmer was released that the opening would be held on Sunday.

Rev Taufao dismissed any suggestion that the pullout was linked to a recent tax dispute between the church and the government

He said the church is supporting all other preparations for the Pacific Gamesm, including clean up and decorating schools.

However, Newsline Samoa says the pullout has caught the Ministry of Education as the organizers, off guard.