I once had a conversation with someone from South America, about whether it was right for the RC Church to maintain massive churches at great expense, while so many people lived in such severe poverty.

She said, if the church buildings and land were all sold, and the money shared out among all the poor people, they'd only get a tiny amount each. But with the church there at the heart of the community, everyone, however poor, has the chance to spend many, many hours of their lives in a beautiful, peaceful and holy place.

I'm not sure that I'm convinced by her argument. But it's an interesting alternative viewpoint.