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.
No. I have no idea what you’re talking about. Maybe if you’re in a city? My local rural library does jack shit, it just has a few shelves and a computer lab. That’s not community, not the way the local rural church is with soup kitchens and holiday events.
Skill issue. The local library in my home town does a readalong every weekend and a bunk fund every month.