Church Closings

Document Title

Church Closings
Question from on 06-26-2007:
Our Bishop has decided that it is time to close some Church buildings in our diocese. He has said for years that we have too many buildings. Now he has said that over 40 of these buildings will be vacated starting this Summer.

My Church is one slated for closure. It is a beautiful Church. It has frescoes in the ceiling, stained glass windows, life sized statues,and stations of the cross that are actually inside of the walls. In short, when you enter this Church, you know that you are somewhere special and you feel God's presence!

My question is this....What is going to happen? Is there a set of guidelines that must be followed or does the Bishop just throw everything away? I have made it known that I would like to take a few of the statues home, but there is a very cool reception on that idea.

I would appreciate any help that you can provide. Thank you and God Bless!!


Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 06-26-2007:
Many dioceses that are closing parishes also have some system for maintaining certain items of historical or artistic value (e.g., stained glass windows, statues) so that they can be used later in the building of new churches. I would inquire to see if that is being done in your case.

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