Churches fight to stay open as attendance dwindles
abcnews.go.com
Churches faced with empty pews are fighting to keep their doors open, while former houses of worship are being converted into bars, clubs and luxury condos.

Summary

Churches across the U.S. are grappling with dwindling attendance and financial instability, forcing many to close or sell properties.

The Diocese of Buffalo has shut down 100 parishes since the 2000s and plans to close 70 more. Nationwide, church membership has dropped from 80% in the 1940s to 45% today.

Some churches repurpose their land to survive, like Atlanta’s First United Methodist Church, which is building affordable housing.

Others, like Calcium Church in New York, make cutbacks to stay open. Leaders warn of the long-term risks of declining community and support for churches.

      • queermunist she/her@lemmy.ml
        15·
        10 months ago

        Sorry, I meant “can not” in the sense that we can’t let that be the basis of community.

        Commodified spaces and hobbies alienate people who can’t afford to pay. The church, at least, allows the poor to attend.

          • queermunist she/her@lemmy.ml
            32·
            10 months ago

            I’m not sure if the church “allows” the poor insomuch as they simply need the poor.

            That’s a distinction without a difference.

            Commodified spaces do not need the poor, and in fact, they want them to go away.

            at our local mall

            Another public space that’s disappearing as malls close.

              • queermunist she/her@lemmy.ml
                22·
                10 months ago

                True. If someone “looks” homeless a mall cop will come and escort them out.

                What we need are communal indoor spaces. People ITT keep insisting libraries would allow for game nights but that seems alien and strange to me, not something I’ve ever heard.