Restructuring and layoffs were announced at the national office of the Anglican Church of Canada on Oct. 5. Fourteen staff positions were affected. Although the complete picture of how the cuts will affect departments and programs was not available at press time, some details have emerged. The Partnerships department, which fosters inter-Anglican and ecumenical relationships in Canada and internationally, appears to be the most heavily affected. The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF), which is separately incorporated, will maintain current staffing levels.The General Synod Library at Church House, which is part of the Communications and Information Resources department, will be phased out over the course of 2011, but the Archives, which manages all of the information about Indian Residential Schools, will remain. The restructuring follows a 2009 decision by General Synod to eliminate deficit budgeting by 2012. The amount to be cut from the 2011 budget is expected to be $1.1 million. The draft budget is subject to approval by the Financial Management Committee and the Council of General Synod.Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, met with staff and explained that every department of General Synod has been affected. “When you are in budget restraint…you have to make tough decisions. And so, unfortunately, staff live with the consequences of diminished resources.” For more, go to anglicanjournal.com
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