Downsizing Announced in the Diocese of British Columbia

From here:

Diocesan Staff Layoffs

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

As I mentioned in my Charge to Synod, “budgetary realities are among the realities that require that we change our way of doing things as a Diocese” and that this means “there will have to be a major downsizing and re-alignment of the Diocesan Staff”.

After consultation with the Officers of Synod, and after much personal prayer and reflection, I have decided that, as part of this downsizing and restructuring, to eliminate three full-time positions and four part-time positions at the Diocesan Office. Today, March 15, I have given all of the individuals in these positions working notice. As well, I have given working notice to an individual in a position in a parish that is fully funded through the diocesan budget.
These cuts directly affect a range of ministries: congregational development, finance, administrative support, the diocesan archives, financial development and planned giving, the Diocesan Post, and Urban First Nations Ministry. Because of these cuts the remaining members of the diocesan staff, as well as the diocesan leadership as a whole, will be restructuring in order to carry out essential services and to support these ministries in new ways. That being said, it is clear that these cuts will inevitably result in a reduction of service that can be provided by the Diocesan Office, and our diocesan support of certain ministries.

While this downsizing directly affects certain individuals, it is also a decision which affects every one of us in the Diocese of British Columbia. I ask that you pray for those staff who have been laid off, and for all the Diocesan Office staff. Please pray for the leadership of the Diocese as it seeks to carry out gospel ministry with diminished resources. Please pray for the whole Diocese as it follows in the way of Christ.

Yours sincerely,

–(The Rt. Rev.) James Cowan