(RNS) News reports of the possible demise of Operation Rescue are premature, the leader of the anti-abortion organization said Wednesday (Sept. 16).
Troy Newman, president of Operation Rescue, said responses to a fundraising appeal he sent to supporters two weeks ago has led to a sharp turnaround in the group’s finances.
“Things have improved dramatically since we sent that letter,” he said. “We appreciate the people that have made it happen.”
The Wichita, Kan.-based organization, with an annual budget of $600,000, had seen a drop in donations this year of 30 to 40 percent. In his letter, Newman said the May 31 murder of Dr. George Tiller, a Wichita abortion provider, had a detrimental effect on anti-abortion groups like his.
Newman noted that lots of nonprofits have been in similar situations because of the economic downturn.
“Like every other nonprofit, everybody’s a month away from closing,”
he said in an interview. “We’re confident that our work is going to move forward.”
Other anti-abortion groups also have had financial difficulties. On Monday, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins told supporters that the Washington-based organization needs $2.5 million to meet its budget before its fiscal year ends on Sept. 30.
Focus on the Family announced layoffs in early September, cutting its staff by 8 percent to 860 people. The Colorado-based ministry laid off 200 employees in November 2008.
— Adelle M. Banks
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