United Church of Christ finances look bleak

CLEVELAND — The United Church of Christ (UCC) says it is facing its most significant financial crisis in 47 years because of decreased giving from local churches. The denomination said it is facing a $3.5 million deficit next year unless drastic cuts are made. Left unchecked, officials say the deficit would grow to $33 million by 2007.

In the past year, 25 staff positions have been eliminated through layoffs or attrition, and some program budgets have been cut by 40 percent, according to the United Church News, a UCC newspaper.

Officials faulted a drop in investment income, a sagging economy and less money filtering up from local congregations to denominational headquarters.