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.

    • gamermanh@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
      8·
      4 days ago

      that have nothing to do with Christianity (or the other Abrahamic religions which hold the majority on representativeness)

      Lists Luciferianism as their first example

      Bruh you trolling or what?

      they’re opening fire not just towards Christianity, but also towards these marginalized and less-represented belief systems.

      We know? Why should we care that a belief system is less represented? It’s still imaginary bullshit either way

        • gamermanh@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
          3·
          4 days ago

          So, what? Luciferianism has nothing to do with Christianity.

          Ridiculous statement, holy shit. The only reason that name is relevant is Christianity, it absolutely is related from it’s very beginning.

          The Luciferian label—in the sense of Lucifer-worshipper—was first used in the Gesta Treverorum in 1231 for a religious circle led by a woman named Lucardis (Luckhardis). It was said that in private she lamented the fall of Lucifer (Satan) and yearned for his restoration to heavenly rule.

          Feel free to check out my Lemmy comment history

          Lost enough brain cells already, thanks

          It’s called “karma” on certain occult/esoteric faiths.

          “Respect people’s mythical bullshit because of mythical bullshit!” What an argument! Sadly: nah, fuck that

          Respectfulness is a must

          It absolutely isn’t

    • GrammarPolice@lemmy.world
      4·
      4 days ago

      I don’t get your point though. As an atheist, I don’t reject just Christianity, i reject all forms of supernaturality. So i don’t know why i would accord any lesser religioun more respect. It’s all pseudoscience to me!

        • GrammarPolice@lemmy.world
          2·
          4 days ago

          Oh I know about Satanism. I try to advocate for it myself although with much scorn from the people around me. I like to think of it’s main purpose as, “If it is truly my fundamental human rights to practice whichever religion, surely I as a Satanist am completely within legal boundaries to marry the same sex, or carry out abortions”.

          I think it’s name is what keeps it from widespread appeal, although you could also argue the naming is a necessity.

    • solstice@lemmy.world
      41·
      4 days ago

      All I took away from this is that there are lots of different variations of the stupid shit that stupid humans believe.