Stated above: as for the great cathedrals, abbey, friaries of the UK a good majority were "stolen" from the catholic faith who originally built them.

As a Catholic, I've heard that, but I wonder if it's true. Who really "owns" the York Minster, for example? The Church of Rome, or the Church of England? I think it's the people of York who have the most legitimate claim to the building.

Nowadays, though, Gothic cathedrals are huge liabilities, and it costs lots of money to preserve them. They're of little use to churches in this day and age. Should they be torn down? If not, who should pay for their upkeep?

We have the same problem with the Franciscan missions here in California. They're a terrific tourist attraction, but they don't work very well as churches any more. So, who should own them, and who should pay for their upkeep?

-Joe-