Assembly OK's 2012 budget

One one vote, the assembly on Friday afternoon approved a synod budget for 2012 of $960,000, down about 25 percent from three years ago and containing widespread cuts.
Synod Treasurer Andreas Udbye called the budget "a carbon copy" of the 2011 spending plan. Priorities include giving to churchwide, which will rise from 39 percent to 39.5 percent; giving to synod and Region 1 administration; serving the synod's boards; and lastly, giving to agencies and missions.
The synod retains nearly $1 million in endowment funds.
"It's tougher than it's been, but we'll get through it," Udbye said.