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.

  • corsicanguppyEnglish
    153·
    6 days ago

    Christianity gave me a lot in a time in my life I needed it.

    Selection bias.

    • ComradeMiao@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
      311·
      6 days ago

      I’m biased about how it affected my own life? You can read that I also criticized Christianity but was critical of militant atheism. Hard to make your point when you just pick half a sentence

        • ComradeMiao@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
          24·
          6 days ago

          You say my evidence is anecdotal then provide your own anecdote…? Bruh.

          Anyways sorry it negatively affected you! Not defending Christianity nor its negativity.

          • explodicle@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
            51·
            6 days ago

            That’s correct. If you’re going to say it helped you at a time you really needed it, but aren’t defending Christianity, then it’s worth pointing out that your experience was atypical.

            • ComradeMiao@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
              13·
              6 days ago

              I’m sorry but that’s a bad take. Christianity is the largest religion in the world. You’re saying that it’s atypical to benefit its own believers? lol nothing more to discuss if this is your logic

              • explodicle@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
                2·
                5 days ago

                Absolutely. It’s brainwashing the working class against our own best interests - the opiate of the masses. Nice talking with you Comrade Miao, take care!