The country's largest ecumenical organization, the Canadian Council of Churches, will again run at a deficit for 2005. Its $326,000 budget includes a projected deficit of $8,000. The council is funded by its 19 member churches. The Presbyterian Church contributes $25,000 a year. "We're doing everything possible to bring it down, but we're operating on a bare-bones budget," said general secretary Rev. Karen Hamilton. "There's nothing left to cut."
Hamilton said rising expenses and tighter financial situations of churches are the culprits. A move to the Toronto School of Theology in July is not motivated by cost, but because of better visibility and opportunities for networking.
Individuals can support the council by becoming "friends of the CCC." A donation warrants a tax receipt, the council's newsletter and press releases.
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