More than 20,000 German churches may be abandoned over next decade (New York Times)

In brief

More than 20,000 churches across Germany may be abandoned within the next five to ten years, according to a report by The New York Times.

Dutch artist and art historian Hedwig Fijen, cited in the report, noted that some churches are being locked up permanently, with sacred objects sometimes found in garbage bins. Journalist Nina Siegal reported that while no central plan exists for these buildings, various groups are seeking ways to repurpose them. Secular cultural organizations, artists, preservationists, and city planners are considering using the spaces for bookstores, health care centers, or arts venues to benefit local towns and cities.