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.

  • metaStatic@kbin.earth
    6·
    12 days ago

    As someone who leans towards perennialism I can see the value in religious traditions but militant atheists are a reaction to the hypocrisy of organised religion. it’s great you where able to get something of value from the church but many more don’t and indeed lose something into the bargain through no fault of their own.

    • ComradeMiao@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
      210·
      12 days ago

      Good points.

      I personally dislike militant atheism. There is a line between anti-Christianity or religious it’s versus praising their downfall. It’s more terminally online atheist communities such as Reddit that are like this though.

      That said, I think you’re wrong that more are being hurt though. Christianity is actually on the rise in the US (I think?) and China (fastest growing Christian nation actually).

      • metaStatic@kbin.earth
        6·
        11 days ago

        you’re conflating the church with Christianity. I would think most western people become atheists because of the church not because of Christ. and the vast majority of them have every reason to be militant.

        • ComradeMiao@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
          21·
          11 days ago

          I don’t think everyone leaves because they’re hurt, some just begin to question it like myself. That’s an interesting question though, what percentage leaves for what reason.

          I hear your point. It’s the socioreligious organization but if you look at religion through the lens of lived religion Christianity is only its socioreligious form. I fully agree that Christianity and Christ are a lot better than how it’s often materialized!