This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Wednesday that it is reducing its workforce in two different departments due to evolving needs of the church.

The Publishing Services Dept. and the Information Communications Systems Dept. will be downsized, and between 5 and 8 percent of the workers will be laid off.

However, the LDS Church emphasized the support and help that would be given to those families affected by the employee cutbacks.

"This action is based solely on the need to be sure that resources are being used wisely to meet the evolving needs of a global Church," said LDS Church spokesperson Michael Purdy. "While the number of people affected by this reduction is relatively small, we are keenly aware that behind the numbers are individuals and families. We are offering a substantial severance package to those impacted by these changes and will work to help these individuals find other employment."

The exact number of employees being laid off was not revealed.

×