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.

  • @GrammarPolice
    4•6 days ago

    I don’t get your point though. As an atheist, I don’t reject just Christianity, i reject all forms of supernaturality. So i don’t know why i would accord any lesser religioun more respect. It’s all pseudoscience to me!

      • @GrammarPolice
        2•6 days ago

        Oh I know about Satanism. I try to advocate for it myself although with much scorn from the people around me. I like to think of it’s main purpose as, “If it is truly my fundamental human rights to practice whichever religion, surely I as a Satanist am completely within legal boundaries to marry the same sex, or carry out abortions”.

        I think it’s name is what keeps it from widespread appeal, although you could also argue the naming is a necessity.