"Romig is, over the last 20 years, the person most responsible for creating a cross-culture of history, moving beyond just LDS or Community of Christ history into a larger concept of Mormon history," said Melvin C. Johnson, a professor of history and English at Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas. "He has been really important in cutting down a lot of the angst, anger and religious one-upsmanship."

So far, Community of Christ president Steve Veazey has received 18 letters written on Romig's behalf, said church spokeswoman Kendra Friend.

She said the recession had affected the church's ability to maintain current staffing, despite cost-cutting efforts.

"It was necessary to reduce our staffing in countries throughout the world and international headquarters in Independence," Friend wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "This is a difficult time for us and so many others."

It's not clear if the letters of support will have any effect on the church's decision, though a similar effort a few years ago did save Romig's job. On Thursday, Romig said he was aware of the letter campaign but had not asked for anyone to lobby church leaders on his behalf.

Romig is scheduled to leave his job at the end of August. He said the church has been gracious in allowing him some time to try to secure a new position.

"It's been a great privilege working in this position," Romig said. "I've developed great respect for the different ecclesiastical expressions of Mormonism. I find that each perspective brings something important."