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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America announced in mid-November that some 40 full-time jobs, of which six were vacant, will be eliminated in order to stay within a budget reduced by nearly $7.7 million. The program and staff reductions reflected the struggling U.S. economy and the decision by some congregations to withhold or redirect mission support because of their disagreements with the 2009 Churchwide Assembly decision to open ordination and ministry positions to gay and lesbian Lutherans in committed same-gender relationships. M.

Saying that “we believe there is no path to military victory in Afghanistan,” at least 77 United Methodist bishops signed a letter sent November 10 to President Obama, saying they are praying he will withdraw American troops by the end of 2010.

The signers were bishops, active and retired, who attended the November 1-5 meeting of the Council of Bishops at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina.