Episcopal Press and News

Budget Crunch Hits Episcopal Church

Episcopal News Service. March 21, 1991 [91079D]

"The Episcopal Church may be the last church in the United States to feel the financial pressure," the church's treasurer, Ellen Cooke, told a staff meeting recently. She reported that 80 of the 99 domestic dioceses had contributed 92 percent of the askings, resulting in a budget shortfall of about $800,000. "We must continue to monitor the shortfall," Cooke said, because if the trend continues with the other dioceses the total income at the national level could be less than last year. She attributed some of the crisis to the continuing recession, but added that there is a trend in many mainline denominations-including the Episcopal Church -- to do more ministry at the local level. That affects the amount of money sent on to the diocesan or national church. In response to the crisis, Cooke announced a freeze on hiring and salary increases that could continue until the end of the year, or at least until the budget situation is clearer.