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.

  • FuglyDuckEnglish
    4•6 days ago

    they weren’t free. Attendance required a 10% income tax.

    • queermunist she/her
      -2•6 days ago

      Is this a Catholic thing? I’ve been forced to attend many different churches and none of them forced my family to pay anything.

    • @randon31415
      -1•6 days ago

      Only in Germany. In America, that is optional. In fact, most of these closings could be avoided if all members gave 5%. Average is much lower.

      • FuglyDuckEnglish
        6•6 days ago

        Just because no one is taking it directly from the paycheck does not mean it’s “optional”. Religions in general, and Christianity in particular are very good at coercing donations.

        Most the places that are closing are closing because they never managed to get kids in and brainwashed and their core followers are aging out of an income.