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The LDS Church is downsizing two departments in its massive Salt Lake City headquarters, spokesman Michael Purdy said Wednesday.

"Today the church announced a planned reduction in workforce affecting primarily... the Publishing Services Department and the Information Communication Systems Department," Purdy said in a statement. "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."

The number of affected employees is "relatively small," said Purdy, comprising "between 5 and 8 percent of the workforce of the two departments."

Still, he said, "we are keenly aware that behind the numbers are individuals and families."

The Utah-based church says it is "offering a substantial severance package to those impacted by these changes and will work to help these individuals find other employment."

Peggy Fletcher Stack