WASHINGTON — The social policy agency of the United Methodist Church, facing shrinking income and rising health care costs, cut 14 staff positions from its work force.
The cuts by the Washington-based General Board of Church and Society followed similar action by the church’s communications arm to cut eight positions at its Nashville, Tenn., headquarters.
Agency head Jim Winkler terminated 11 positions during the agency’s board meeting last month.
In addition, three positions from which employees resigned will not be filled. The cuts bring the total number of employees to 26, down from 40 at the beginning of the year, according to United Methodist News Service.
Winkler said the agency is receiving less money from the denomination, and a projected budget from the 2005–2008 period will fall $1 million short annually, based on current staffing levels.
Winkler also blamed rising health care costs and a drop in reserve funds.
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