WCC income stabilized by investment results The Presbyterian Layman Sept/Oct, 1997 GENEVA (WCC) – Following reductions in staffing and infrastructure costs, the financial situation of the World Council of Churches (WCC) has “stabilized,” according to its 1996 Financial Report. Last year, Konrad Raiser, WCC General Secretary, warned that income was no longer sufficient to pay for present activities. He announced “drastic action”, including reductions in staffing levels, to deal with the situation. Currently the WCC employs around 200 people who fill the equivalent of 182 full-time posts. At Jan. 1, 1996, the figures were 267 and 237 respectively. In an introduction to the 1996 financial report, Rev. Michael Davies, Assistant General Secretary for Finance and Administration, says, “ As anticipated, there was an operating shortfall in the year, but steps have been taken to ensure that this is not repeated in subsequent years.” However, Davies warns, “Whilst the operating shortfall was contained in 1996 and the Council has been able to prevent further erosion of its general reserves due to the good investment results ... it is clear that operating costs must not exceed income from now onward.” Despite efforts to increase member churches’ subscriptions by establishing a minimum level of CHF [Swiss Francs] 1,000 per annum, there has been “no significant change” in this source of income. Davies explains that although more churches have paid, “additional receipts have been offset by decreases in contributions from some churches.” Membership contributions and other undesignated income in 1996 amounted to CHF 6.35m from 166 churches (1995 CHF6.27 from 156 churches). Last year, Raiser said at least CHF10m of undesignated income was needed.

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