November 28, 2007

NEW YORK – Five members of the National Council of Churches staff have been named to newly created positions in the new staffing structure of the NCC.

The new positions were created in September when the NCC Governing Board made sharp reductions in programming to bring the budget in line with projected income. Fourteen staff jobs were eliminated, but staff were given an opportunity to apply for the new posts. The new positions are effective January 1, 2008.

During its November 2007 meeting, the NCC Governing Board named the following staff:

Clare J. Chapman was elected Chief Operating Officer of the Council. Currently, Chapman is Acting General Secretary of the NCC and was formerly Deputy General Secretary for Administration and Finance.

Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos, now Associate General Secretary for International Affairs and Peace, was elected Senior Program Director for Faith & Order and Interfaith Relations.

The Rev. Dr. Eileen W. Lindner, now Deputy General Secretary for Research and Planning, was named Director of Organizational Development.

Wesley M. (Pat) Pattillo, now Associate General Secretary for Communication, was elected Senior Program Director for Justice, Advocacy and Communication.

The Rev. Garland F. Pierce was elected Senior Program Director for Education and Leadership Ministries. Pierce had similar responsibilities as Associate General Secretary.

"We are delighted that these dedicated and experienced colleagues will remain part of the NCC," said the Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, newly installed NCC General Secretary.

"At the same time, we are saddened to lose other staff members whose jobs were eliminated," Kinnamon said. "But I have no doubt that their skills and gifts will make them attractive candidates for positions elsewhere and they depart with our prayers and best wishes."

Kinnamon said it is obvious that the reduced number of staff will not be able to provide the same level of programming and service as in the past. "We'll be spending the first few months of the new year living into the new structure to determine how much we can do without overwhelming the staff," he said.

"In the long run, however, we are convinced that a reorganization to bring revenues into line with expenses is good stewardship and will enhance the vitality and energy of the Council."

National Council of Churches USA