In the latest round of layoffs, Focus on the Family has announced a reorganization that will eliminate 75 jobs--an 8% reduction in its workforce--and an additional 57 vacant positions will remain unfilled, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

The cutbacks are necessary to offset a $6 million revenue shortfall, ministry officials announced last week. The Colorado Springs, Colo.-based organization is shutting down the creative division of its advertising department, accounting for 30 of the layoffs, The Gazette of Colorado Springs reported. The others are from various departments throughout the ministry, including Love Won Out, a conference for homosexuals that Focus is handing over to Exodus International.

In 2002, Focus' employment reached a high of about 1,400. Last November, Focus eliminated just over 200 positions, bringing its workforce down to about 1,155. It is now left with 860 employees, The Denver Post reported.

"These are tough economic times," Focus spokesman Gary Schneeberger told the Gazette. "The challenges have made us take a hard look at what we do structurally and strategically so we can accomplish our mission more efficiently."

The lost jobs were comprised roughly a third of management positions, he added. Focus President and CEO Jim Daly wrote to donors in July asking for help in addressing a "serious budget shortfall," the AP reported.

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