Parker, a leader in Detroit’s interfaith organization called DRIVE (Detroit Regional Interfaith Voice for Equity), says Catholics aren’t the only ones concerned. Some Baptist pastors throughout the city also received notices of increased billing.
These types of fees are paid from parish collection baskets, not archdiocesan coffers. Some poor but active parishes, like Sacred Heart Church in Eastern Market, are barely able to make ends meet. Catholics were among the many Detroiters who fled the city and left their childhood church pews — and their collection offerings — near empty.
New fees mean less church-sponsored services for the city’s poor.
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