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.

  • @[email protected]
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    1719 days ago

    while former houses of worship are being converted into bars, clubs

    i want to see the pastors faces when their church gets turned into a full nude titty bar

    • metaStatic
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      1119 days ago

      depending on the church that could be a very interesting idea.

      literally just walk into a full on church with the pews and altar and stained glass and strippers and communion shots

    • Flying Squid
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      819 days ago

      It’s not that far, but a couple of years ago, a Spirit Halloween took over an abandoned church at a town near here. I’m still mad I never took a picture.

    • @[email protected]
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      719 days ago

      Amusingly enough, one of the ministers at my childhood church brewed his own beer - and this quality featured heavily in my church’s decision to invite him to preach at our congregation.

      • @[email protected]
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        819 days ago

        In the middle ages, it was the monasteries that kept the arts of beer brewing and wine making alive.

        • @[email protected]
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          719 days ago

          Still do! Trappist monks still make stuff like beer and jam as part of their beliefs. It’s all really good stuff, and the proceeds go back to the monastery, the community, and the poor.

    • @DMCMNFIBFFF
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      118 days ago

      maybe not a safe space for girls, daughters, and grandmothers.