The Cathedral of Hope eliminated the equivalent of six full-time positions on Monday, and senior staff members at the church have taken voluntary pay cuts, spokeswoman Phoebe Sexton confirmed today.
Sexton said the cuts, which affected 10 people, are the result of a downturn in donations. The positions that were eliminated included both full-time and part-time staff members, as well as contract employees, Sexton said. The cuts spanned both ministerial and administrative positions.
“These are not numbers. These are people, family, friends,” Sexton said. “We will support those affected any way we can.”
She added that while the cuts were unavoidable, the leadership, staff and board see a “bright future” for the church.
The Cathedral, commonly referred to as the world’s largest gay church, claims a total membership of 4,200.
The Cathedral issued the following statement on Tuesday:
Like many churches across our nation, Cathedral of Hope (UCC), is experiencing the impact of the continuing national economic decline. Rev. Dr. Jo Hudson, Senior Pastor, in conjunction with the Executive Staff and Cathedral of Hope Board of Directors, has recently had to make difficult but necessary decisions in order for the church to be a responsible steward of its resources and live and operate within its means.
Those decisions, painful for all involved, include budget reductions, staff layoffs and staff salary reductions. Cathedral of Hope has pledged its continued support to those employees affected, but out of respect for those who have been laid off and out of legal obligation, the church will not discuss these personnel issues.
Even in the face of these challenges the Cathedral of Hope will continue to strive to maintain the highest quality ministries, serving our church, our neighborhood, the City of Dallas and beyond.
For a full story, see Friday’s Dallas Voice.
