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.

  • Flying Squid
    3•5 days ago

    I have met some of the closest friends I have ever had on the internet. There is a space on the internet I go to every day to interact with people who I am close with as people I grew up with. We’ve met up in person and were just as good friends.

    I also have friends around the world I have spent years sharing my life with and theirs with me- photos, videos, things they’ve written or drawn, questions, deep conversations… and I’ve never met them in person. I have a dear friend in Turkey who I have known since the 1990s and we’ve never met. I love him like a brother because we’ve helped each other through so much even though we’re on opposite sides of the planet.

    You need to stop projecting your experiences on everyone else.