Church closures hit Northeast and Midwest hardest
Research and a PBS documentary find church closures accelerating in the Northeast and Midwest as aging congregations shrink, while immigrant and tech-savvy congregations show growth.
For many Americans, churches are more than places to worship. They also serve as food pantries, meeting halls and gathering spots. But across the United States, many churches are struggling to keep their doors open as attendance declines and costs rise. Recent research and a new PBS documentary suggest some regions are being hit harder than others.