Construction of Religious Buildings Hits 47-Year Low

Churches, synagogues, temples and mosques aren’t bringing in many construction jobs. Shifting religious habits, changes in donation preferences and a drop in megachurch buildings are all contributing factors in the national decline of new religious infrastructure. This is the lowest level at any time since private records began on the subject in 1967, writes Wall Street Journal reporter Ben Leubsdorf. “Religious groups will build an estimated 10.3 million square feet this year, down six percent from 2013 and 80 percent since construction peaked in 2002, according to Dodge Data & Analytics,” says Leubsdorf. One church leader interviewed in the story says he doesn’t want to worry about a new roof, but prefers to fund community programs for teens.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/decline-in-church-building-reflects-changed-tastes-and-times-1417714642