French President Emmanuel Macron made a promise last Monday while visiting Mont-Saint-Michel for the millennium celebration of the iconic hilltop abbey in Normandy. He said the State would help villages and municipalities throughout France finance the upkeep and restoration of their empty churches. As part of his commitment, the president intends to launch a new Read more
COVID-19 safety measures and social distancing have put further strain on many Catholic churches and parishes that have already seen their flocks dwindling. While many still hope things will go back to “normal” once a vaccine is widely available, one researcher is asking a tough question: “What if they never come back?” Dan Cellucci, CEO Read more
Falling parishioner numbers, costly repairs and “changes in strategic direction” are behind a rash of for sale signs on churches across the country. From Southland to Northland, Trade Me is listing more than 20 as-is-where-is churches or completed residential conversions, and real estate agents say interest is high. Offerings range from a $150,000 original 1926 Read more
About 150 volunteers will track down every church in their district to gather information for New Zealand’s first church census since 1926. The Church Census, which will cover all churches of all denominations or none, will be taken in March-April. New Zealand’s 72 Census Districts will be covered Massey University’s associate professor of history, Peter Read more
A call has been made to make more use of empty churches. Hundreds of church buildings around Auckland stand empty throughout the week and the council is being encouraged to look at ways to save money by using them. The Pacific community came up with the idea at a meeting discussing submissions on the Auckland Read more