WASHINGTON National Cathedral is an early casualty of the economic crisis in the United States. Thirty jobs are to go, the 2009 budget will be reduced by $8 million, and “a conservative stance” will be adopted on expected revenues, the Cathedral announced this week.

The Dean, the Very Revd Samuel Lloyd, described the Chapter as “distressed” and “deeply saddened” at the job losses, but emphasised that significant capital improvement pro­jects and mission-related pro­gram­mes would bear “substantial fruit” in the years to come.

The cuts follow job losses in May, when 33 people were laid off and the budget was reduced by $3.5 million. The Cathedral, described by the Dean as “sacred space for the nation”, receives no federal funding. Two-thirds of its income comes from businesses, foundations, and indi­viduals.

The Washington Post recom­mended the Cathedral as “a church for the Obamas” in the current speculation about where the family will worship. The newspaper de­scribed it as “transcending politics and even the separation of religion”.