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Venerable missions magazine to cease publication

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RICHMOND, Va. -- Facing a $10 million budget shortfall, the Southern Baptist Convention’s International Mission Board has cut 37 jobs and suspended publication of The Commission, a 65-year-old magazine that chronicles international missionary activity.

Associated Baptist Press reported that IMB decided in June to cut the 250,000-circulation magazine to save $800,000 in printing and postage costs in addition to an undisclosed amount for salaries and benefits of terminated staff members.

As many as 14 IMB communications staff members were cut, including several with more than 30 years of IMB experience.

An online version of the magazine was not affected, according to the news report.

The magazine has been the recipient of numerous journalism awards over the years. Leland Webb, a retired long-time editor, said his research shows the magazine played a significant role in raising money for the IMB, recruiting career missionaries and informing church leaders about missions.

"Because of TC, many advocates of missions bowed their heads in prayer and reached into pocket or purse to give extra dollars," Webb said.

The Commission was a training ground for photographers, designers and writers.

"These artisans, all the while maintaining professional quality in their work, kept as their primary goal to portray the rich and varied story of missions with honesty and passion," said Webb, a 30-year veteran of the magazine, who retired in 1995.

The final print edition of the magazine will be distributed in August, according to the report.