DWTX from Anaheim – Saying we need to focus on abundance not scarcity, Chair of the Program, Budget and Finance (PB&F) Committee, Pan Adams-McCaslin, presented a somber budget on Wednesday to a joint session of the deputies and bishops. “This is a very difficult day,” she said. “The decisions are heart-wrenching and emotional.”
She predicted death will be reflected in the budget, both of programs “that are of immense importance to some” and of staff reductions at the Episcopal Church Center in New York City.
The draft budget proposes a $23 million reduction for the 2010-2012 triennium, largely because of reduced income from the dioceses and church investments.
However, said Adams-McCaslin, for each challenge there is new opportunity. “The economic environment and its effect on the resources available for the next triennium call us to take a close look at what we do, how we do it, what programs should continue, and how programs might continue through a network of service organizations.”
Adams-McCaslin said she wanted to be clear that budget cuts are “not a statement on the importance of the work of the ministry or on the staff and volunteers” who carry out the programs of the Church.
Along with the budget, PB&F presented a recommendation that diocesan askings be reduced over the next three years, from the current 21 percent to 20 percent in 2011 and 19 percent in 2012. In addition, the $100,000 exemption for all dioceses is being raised to $120,000. The hope is that with these changes, more dioceses will be able to pay their full asking.
McCaslin admitted that the budget can no longer sustain a ten-day General Convention and will recommend that the 77th General Convention in 2012 be reduced to eight days.
Other budget-savings will come by reducing the number of face-to-face meetings of the committees, commissions, agencies and boards (CCABs) of the church in favor of online meetings.
Deputies and bishops were given copies of the budget for their reflection overnight; voting on the enacting resolution, D067, will likely begin on Thursday. McCaslin said that amendments can be made to the draft budget during voting, but those proposing additional spending in a line item must suggest a comparable reduction in another line item.
– Marjorie George
Communications Officer
Tags: budget