Money-short WCC makes cutbacks

Christian Century, Dec 4, 2002

Faced with continued stock market downturns and reduced donations, the World Council of Churches has announced plans to reorganize its Geneva and New York offices, reducing its staff by 16 full-time positions and its 2003 budget by a little more than $5 million.

"The council, through this reorganization, has manifested its will and its ability to respond constructively to a critical situation," said WCC General Secretary Konrad Raiser. "The adjustment of the internal organization and leadership structure will result in a clearer profile of the WCC's programs and strengthen its cooperation with ecumenical partners."

The particular staff cuts were not immediately disclosed in the mid-November announcement. Retirements, reductions in working time and relocation of activities were expected to account for part of the salary savings. The reduction in budgeted expenses for 2003 is to be accompanied by an income-generating strategy that will focus on assuring the ongoing support of current donors, and then seek to establish relations with new donors.