Evangelical advocacy group consolidates offices in Washington

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The National Association of Evangelicals plans to close its California office and consolidate operations in its Washington office.

The organization's board approved the move this month to bolster its work with other Christian evangelicals and lobbying efforts with the federal government.

It is the latest in a series of changes the group has made.

Last year, the NAE president, the Rev. Kevin Mannoia, quit abruptly as fund-raising declined and opposition grew to his efforts to work with more liberal Protestants.

The Rev. Leith Anderson is now serving as interim president.

The evangelical association claims a constituency of about 50 denominations, 43,000 local congregations and millions of Christians.