Church Militant (blog)
December 3, 2020
By Stephen Wynne
Former Catholic stronghold run into the ground
Catholics in the beleaguered diocese of Pittsburgh are bracing for a new round of parish closures — the latest marker in a dramatic implosion connected to decades of sex abuse and cover-up.
In a Nov. 28 statement, Bp. David Zubik announced a series of mergers that will reduce the number of parishes from 107 to 81. The consolidations will be finalized Jan. 4, 2021.
“This is a pivotal time for our diocese as we plan for the future of the Church of Pittsburgh,” Zubik said. “Southwestern Pennsylvania is radically different than it was 100, 50, 20, even 10 years ago, yet the work of the Church and our call from God to bring His love to everyone continues as strong as ever.”
Indicators of Collapse
But some are questioning the bishop’s claim that the work of the Church in Pittsburgh is “as strong as ever,” noting that last week’s announcement is just the latest indicator of collapse.
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