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.

    • ComradeMiao@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      4 days ago

      You’re replying to my comment on militant atheists against religion asking what I would call people who say a children’s story isn’t real? I’m sure this sounded like a got me but comparing two thousand year old religious tradition to a fairy tale and their very different roles in society throughout history is just silly.

        • ComradeMiao@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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          4 days ago

          I’m not ignorant enough to say just because one doesn’t think god or Santa are real that both things are the same. Semantics matter. Comparing religion to fairy tales is generalizing to the max.

          Blocked. You’re arguing in bad faith and just trying to get me without reading what I even wrote. Waste of time.