Buffalo Church Converted to Mosque

churchPhoto byKarl FredricksononUnsplash

A Catholic church in Buffalo, New York, is undergoing conversion into a mosque by a Muslim group after the property was purchased for $250,000. The St. Ann Church complex had been largely unused since 2012 due to structural damage issues. Buffalo Crescent Holdings, affiliated with the Downtown Islamic Center, acquired the property. The sale sparked backlash on social media, with critics expressing concerns over the conversion and the sale price.

Father Ronald Vierling's posts about the sale garnered significant attention, attracting nearly 2 million views. Some criticized the decision, questioning why Catholics did not purchase the building themselves. The church, built in 1886 by German immigrants, had faced disrepair and high repair costs.

The Downtown Islamic Center plans to invest millions in renovating the church complex, aiming to create a space for Muslim worshipers in the Buffalo area. The former rectory at the complex, converted into apartments, was also purchased for future use. It is estimated that the space will be ready for worship within one to two years. The controversial conversion of the Catholic church in Buffalo into a mosque has sparked a heated debate among the local community. While some express concerns over the change in ownership and the sale price, others see this as an opportunity for revitalization and community integration. The decision by the Downtown Islamic Center to invest in renovating the church complex signifies a significant shift in the use of the historic building, with plans to create a welcoming space for Muslim worshipers in the Buffalo area.

Father Ronald Vierling's posts have brought attention to the issue, raising questions about the Catholic community's involvement and potential missed opportunities. As the mosque prepares to open within the next one to two years, it remains to be seen how the conversion will impact the surrounding neighborhood and foster interfaith dialogue in Buffalo.

Source:

https://www.newsweek.com/new-york-church-mosque-buffalo-1937906