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.

  • @Cosmonauticus
    -18•3 days ago

    Jesus christ I thought r/atheism was bad. Anything religion related gets you ppl foaming at the mouth

    • @[email protected]
      21•3 days ago

      Oh well.

      Look, I have no problem with people worshiping God or Allah or the Flying Spaghetti Monster. This world is hard enough, if that helps them navigate it, GREAT.

      Where I do have a problem is the hypocrisy. Christians beat us over the head with their bible, claiming they’re the ones being oppressed, then they vote for a guy that’s been divorced three times and cheated on his pregnant wife with a prostitute. The bible says we should help the needy, but these “Christians” support cutting programs that do just that. They worship the prosperity gospel, which is the opposite of what the bible actually says. The bible says, “Love thy neighbor” but many Christians seem to have added, “…unless he’s gay, Muslim, or not white.” I’m a cyclist, and I firmly believe that some drivers would happily run me off the road on their way to Sunday mass.

      They go to church every Sunday and proclaim themselves “good Christians”, but then treat everyone else like shit the other 6 days and 23 hours. If my Catholic education was correct, God cares more about your behavior during that time you’re NOT in church. Maybe they’ll get theirs in hell, but they’re making life shit here on earth for everyone else.

      I know, it’s not all Christians. Unfortunately the 90% that are doing these things are ruining the reputation of the rest.

        • @meliaesc
          2•3 days ago

          Religion was inevitable. There’s no way to look at volcanic lightning or the aurora borealis and not rationalize a higher being. There’s no way to come to peace with life being meaningless without exhausting all other options first. Moving on takes patience and education, not additional hatred.

          • @WoodScientist
            2•3 days ago

            Spirituality and belief were inevitable; religion was not.