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.

    • Robust Mirror
      -4•5 days ago

      OK I’ll make you a deal you no longer pay taxes but your full pay gets cut to 1/4 of what it is now.

      Why do you think not paying taxes makes magic money appear? If people aren’t attending and donating they don’t have money to not pay taxes on in the first place.

      • @Fedizen
        3•5 days ago

        80 to 45 is less than a 50% decrease

        • Robust Mirror
          1•5 days ago

          The nationwide statistics don’t tell the complete story, as local situations can vary significantly. While some congregations may be minimally affected, stable or growing, others are experiencing severe declines that threaten their sustainability. A dramatic decline in one location (such as a 90% drop in attendance at a single church) doesn’t necessarily reflect the national average.

          And also you’re literally missing the point even if what you said was true for a given church, since I bet you wouldn’t want a 35% pay cut on your entire wage just to not pay taxes anymore either, and that depending on your circumstances that could affect your ability to live critically.