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Noting a trend with no immediate end, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the United Church of Christ have announced shortfalls in contributions, which are likely to mean cuts in national staffs.

The Presbyterians’ General Assembly mission budgets must be cut for $9.15 million between this year and 2008, officials said March 15. Staff cuts may be announced on May 1, according the Presbyterian News Service.

The top executive of the Baptist World Alliance plans to retire from the post he has held since 1988. Denton Lotz, 67, told the organization’s executive committee during its March 6-8 meeting at BWA headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia, that he would announce his departure time when the BWA General Council meets July 3-8 in Mexico City. The umbrella alliance survived a crisis in recent years when Southern Baptist Convention leaders ended the denomination’s long relationship with the BWA.