Can't speak for the world-wide RC's or anything. Most of the local churches in our neck of the woods are setting up special funds to pay their natural gas heating bills (ours is); the pastor, who had a B.A. and Master's Degree makes less than most anyone given 8 years of college and Graduate study. He drives an Olds Alero. His wife has to work full time. The congregation has no icons, precious art, etc. as an asset. It DOES have a huge vaulted ceiling that sucks heat like a baby at a teet.

The Presby church across the street has a "for sale" sign on its front lawn for its building...they "hope" to get over 100k for the lot/building---which is an older, stone ediface, but not humongous. Both churches offered emergency food, clothing, and money (at times) to the street folks of the town, or families in need to pay their phone or heating bill.

As a denomination, income is waaaaay down, and ministers and lay people have to pay hundreds of dollars to attend their "required yearly assemblies." All sorts of outreach and educational programs have been cut. So, pardon me while I wretch when I hear of all the "wealth" of churches. Maybe the Vatican with its heirlooms, art, etc.-but not the local congregation on the corner.