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.

      • @meliaesc
        2•6 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•6 days ago

          Spirituality and belief were inevitable; religion was not.