Graham Evangelistic Assn. to lay off 50

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 1 (UPI) -- The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association based in North Carolina has announced it is trimming its staff by about 10 percent.

In a statement Wednesday, the association described the cuts as "redeploying of resources" and said it was not brought on by financial difficulties, The Charlotte Observer reported. The association said fewer than 50 people will lose their jobs.

The association plans to place more emphasis on its online ministry, SearchForJesus.net, the statement said.

Brent Rinehart, a spokesman, said laid-off employees will receive severance pay and counseling on their job searches. He said the layoffs will start in mid-March and continue through June.

The association, founded by Billy Graham in 1950, is headquartered in Charlotte.