Video Project to Explore the Effects of Closing Neighborhood Churches
2×2 is embarking on a new project. 2×2 grew from a highly contentious church closing in Philadelphia. In the last two years, we’ve heard many stories of “congregational takeovers” in several denominations. The stories need to be told, but they are not likely to be adequately covered by denominational press. The topic deserves more in-depth consideration than the secular press has carried.
Secular courts have a difficult time crossing the First Amendment Separation of Church and State Clause to truly evaluate church disputes. So be it. That’s America. But the First Amendment guarantees other rights to Americans as well. The press is protected and freedom of speech is protected. There is no reason for these topics to remain hushed or controlled by the denominations any longer. The internet is a medium we can all use. The voices of congregations can be heard.
We are embarking on the creation of video diaries and perhaps a full-scale documentary of how hierarchical decisions impact neighborhoods and the lives of disenfranchised members. We will probe motivations and explore outcomes and look for alternative ways to meet the challenges of small church ministries. We are interested in the stories of congregations that have gone down this road many years ago as well as current closure attempts.
We hope that an honest appraisal will help prompt more compassionate treatment from church hierarchies and solutions to problems that hold neighborhoods and the faith of the laity in the high regard they deserve. If you’d like your voice to be heard, please contact us. Confidentiality, if desired, can be protected.
We are going to start by creating 3-minute videos of individual stories. As we collect data, we will combine the stories into longer footage.
Please contact us via this web site if you know of a congregation willing to share their story. Denominations are welcome to contribute as well.