One doesn’t often hear of ‘layoffs’ in academic circles- but economic downturn has stretched its stench encrusted, bile covered, filthy fingernailed claws into the throat of the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond.

Ethics Daily notes

Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond will eliminate four of its 13 full-time faculty positions in a downsizing plan to be presented to trustees April 28. President Ron Crawford said the school is not yet ready to announce which professors are losing their jobs

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And

Crawford projected a $450,000 deficit in this year’s $3.6 million budget. A budget being developed for next year shows a deficit of $173,000, but Crawford said that doesn’t include a recent pledge from a donor offering up to $500,000 to match a gift from a church that has not previously contributed to BTSR or any increased giving from the 66 churches that contribute regularly. Crawford said in his statement the future of BTSR is “very bright,” but “the short term is worrisome.” He appealed to supporters to pray for, give to and encourage their churches to support the school, remember it in wills or estate documents and help the seminary move forward through moral support

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Hang in there, BTSR, and I’m hopeful along with you. [BTSR is a good school. Esteban should go there. It might help him mend his facial hair wearing Orthodox ways].