CHICAGO — The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) both have slashed their 2009 budgets, cutting programs and laying off scores of personnel as denominations continue to suffer from the recession.
The ELCA, the nation’s largest Lutheran denomination, announced a $5.6 million reduction in its 2009 budget March 31. Since last November, the ELCA has eliminated more than 20 jobs and cut 12 additional vacant positions. All churchwide units reduced their budgets for 2009, staff salaries were cut by 3 percent and grants to churches, colleges, universities, seminaries and social services were slashed, according to an ELCA statement.
On March 27, the Presbyterians announced a $4 million reduction in their 2009 budget because of a projected $10 million shortfall. The denomination has eliminated 56 jobs since September of last year. Twelve new positions have been added. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) closed its National Health Ministries Office and consolidated its Collegiate and Youth Ministries offices. Remaining staff will have to take a furlough and planned salary increases in 2010 have been eliminated, according to the church.
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