Shrinking Cities Means Shuttered Churches

Since 2005, fourteen Catholic churches in Detroit have closed because of a lack of collections and membership, and the 55 churches left in the diocese are struggling to hold on.

From The Detroit News: "'We've seen parishes that are struggling to maintain crumbling buildings,' said Lory McGlinnen, director of the Department of Parish Life and Services for the archdiocese. 'Often, parishioners are the last to know what kind of financial predicament (parishes) are in. It's very hurtful.'"

Mayor Bing is preparing to to release his Detroit Works Project next year, which will propose closing down some of the city's neighborhoods and moving residents to others that are less impacted.

"Church leaders are expected to meet with Detroit Mayor Dave Bing and others in mid-January about the plans."

Thanks to BVos