When you hear that your church is being closed or your parish is merging with another it is news to you. But it isn't news to the Archdiocese of New York. They are playing a game of chess from a playbook of time tested moves. The reasons put forward for closing or merging may be true, but they are not necessarily causal. The standard reasons:
- Reduced attendance
- Shortage of priests
- Problems with the structure or condition of the church
The unvoiced causal reasons: the Archdiocese needs money, a party expressed interest in the property, a party made an offer on the property, anticipated legislation forecasts revenue from the property.
Phyllis Eckhaus's piece, Battle to Save East Village Church Goes to the Vatican in the Village Star-Revue is a very readable introduction to the machinations used to close churches and the methods parishioners can use to save their spiritual home.
No comments:
Post a Comment