Church downsizing should consider hardship on new arrivals | READER COMMENTARY

Aside from savoring the architecture inside the Ministry of Brewing, I have no firsthand knowledge of Baltimore’s extensive history of Catholic churches. However, reading The Baltimore Sun, one cannot help but to have sympathy for parishioners losing their places of worship and those who have suffered abuse (“Clergy abuse survivors testify in Catholic church bankruptcy case: ‘Do you see me now?’” May 21).

It seems like immigrants are fueling a resurgence of church attendance, often forming majorities at facilities now slated for closure. Church consolidation will force new Baltimore residents to travel further distances in order to continue observance of their church practices.

Our neighbors from foreign countries have overcome much adversity to make it to the shores of the Patapsco and will make the extra effort to maintain their faith. Let’s hope some good can come out of the downsizing through more integrated congregations that help celebrate the diversity of Baltimore.

— Eric Greene, Annapolis

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