Forma invites reflection and prayer

As you may be aware, the proposed 2013-15 triennial budget for The Episcopal Church as been released.

Of note is that the proposed budget for Christian formation has been reduced by 90% – from $3 million to $300,000 (actual 2010-12 budget as compared to 2013-15 proposed budget).  The budget reductions would affect Christian formation programs for people of every age-children, youth, and all adults. We recognize that the Church has fewer resources and that this proposed budget reflects this reality.  The challenge for educators is that while Christian formation program expenditures represented 2.5% of the overall 2010-12 budget, it accounts for more than 20% of the 2013-15 proposed reductions in overall expenditures.

We as a Forma leadership board are aware, first of all, that livelihoods of the formation officers of the Episcopal Church are at stake and, also, that this means far fewer resources for partnering on formation activities at the congregational and diocesan levels.

As Christian educators who value collaboration and partnership, we can respond with care, creativity, and imagination to support the Christian formation that is so vital to the life of the Church.

We as a board are considering a short-term response and a strategy to challenge General Convention to re-examine budget priorities in Indianapolis.  If you have ideas for how to be influential please contact Wendy Claire Barrie at barrie@stbarts.org.

Let us all be in reflection and prayer for the current and future priorities of our Church.

Lyle SmithGraybeal, President and Wendy Claire Barrie, Vice-President
For the Forma Board of Directors

This letter was sent to the membership of Forma (formerly known as The National Association of Episcopal Christian Education Directors) on Friday, March 2, 2012. It is shared with permission. 

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