this post was submitted on 29 Dec 2024
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News

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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.

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[–] [email protected] 169 points 6 days ago (12 children)

Great news! Maybe we can finally tax these cults as well.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 6 days ago (4 children)

Considering scientology has their tendrils in a fair bit of Hollywood, that might actually backfire on government coffers. If they demand their members strike, the film industry is going to be in for pain.

[–] explodicle 32 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) (1 children)

No way would SAG strike over Scientology getting taxed. Scientology are parasites and we'd all be better off without them.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) (1 children)

Not SAG, just the cultists. There's enough of them in prominent roles that it would cause financial damage (including to themselves), delays, and problems.

[–] explodicle 9 points 6 days ago (1 children)

If it's not a real strike, then they're replaceable. A "bye Felicia" sort of situation.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago)

That's easier said than done when it's a lead actor refusing to work during filming. They'll be breaching a contract, sure, but replacing them is going to waste money and time in recasting, rescheduling, refilming, etc.

Would they actually do it, knowing they're in for a multimillion dollar lawsuit? Probably. The Cult of Scientology practices excommunication, and it's a strong motivator for indoctrinees.

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