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
    47·
    6 days ago

    I’m here for fun, not community. None of this shit matters. It’s not real.

    I don’t know why I’m here. Just to get ganged up on and hurt myself.

    • enkers@sh.itjust.works
      2·
      6 days ago

      ._. *patpat*

      It do be like that sometimes…

      But even having fun maybe matters too?

      I’m sorry you got ganged up on… I, at least, enjoyed reading your comments.

      Edit:

      It just occurred to me that tone really doesn’t come across on the internet, and “Why are you even here then?” could be read in an accusatory way, when I really didn’t intend it as such. I meant it in more of an interrogatory sense, and I wasn’t trying to be mean. I was curious. ._.

      You have as much right to be here as anyone else!