Presbyterians to cut budget by $3.1 million

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In an effort to balance its budget, the Presbyterian Church (USA) will cut its 2004 budget by $3.1 million by eliminating 19 staff positions and using $1.67 million from its savings account. The $126.9 million budget was approved April 5 by the General Assembly Council, which acts as the church’s board of directors and then by church delegates at the General Assembly meeting in May. “It’s done. It’s balanced,” John Detterick, executive director of the council, told Presbyterian News Service.

Last year the church laid off 66 people at its Louisville, Ky., headquarters. The new round of cuts includes 10 current staff members and nine vacant positions. The last day for affected employees will be April 11.