Why don't they keep the churches open all the time so anybody can go in when they want to?

Question

They're always locked up except on Sundays.

Answer 1

Vandalism & theft

Answer 2

You misunderstand the purpose.....not to keep people out but to keep the christians IN and give the rest of us a little peace and quiet.

Answer 3

I have never had to pay to go into a Church not in New York or Washington DC or in Boston, and I have been in all the big ones.

Churches used to be open all the time, back in the day before vandalism and so many people hating others.

It is sad that so many people have so little respect for the beliefs of others that the Churches can't be kept un-locked.

Peace be with  you.

Answer 4

I was teaching a class to kids in the basement of our church during the sermon. A guy came in the basement door (unlocked) and stole  a copy machine and the preachers computer right next to my room and didn't see or hear him.

I also live near another church and homeless people are around a lot-some with mental conditions.

They are locked with good reason.

Answer 5

There isnt 24/7 security for churches an some people tend to steal stuff and even churches have to protect their assets

Answer 6

because people come in to our unattended church and steal things...

not joking.

it's ok though, the building is just the place where we meet.  If people need counsel or prayer they can go into the office any time.  If they go to our church than it's pretty easy to get one of the pastor's cell numbers or connect with other believers.

P.S. we have groups meeting most nights of the week too.

EDIT - Zippy Doo - if you want to connect with God why not just gather with a couple believers and pray and worship and discuss the Bible and life with eachother?  Do you need a church building for that?  According to the Bible the Church is the group of people who have faith in Christ and have come into a relationship with God through Him.  Go have church.

p.s. - I would rather pay for the bathroom than to enter a church building.

Answer 7

Because keeping a church building open costs money for electricity, water, and air conditioning, as well as for security and for staff to come in.  For many congregations, the use of a church outside of Sunday hours is not worth the expense of keeping the building open.

Answer 8

As far as I know, the Catholic Church I attended was largely open to the public during the day.  They did have daily masses, though, so it would make sense for it to be open.

I'd say it's for security reasons.

And you can usually get into those churches for free if you are there to pray, not to tour.

Answer 9

Well 24 hours would mean they would have to staff someone there for a long time which may cost alot. But throughout the day you should be able to visit any church atleast most Catholic Churchs. I work in the downtown Chicago area and I'm so blessed to have St.Peter's in the loop only a block away. They have several masses every day, confession all day, eucharistic adoration and so many programs like bible study and ministies for divorced and separated.  Possibly parishes in our home town should get more involved with these things on a daily basis but right now it is hard because there is a priest shortage.  We need more priests!  

Answer 10

People will steal things and break things. Why don't you keep your house open 24/7 so anyone can go in It's the same reason.

Answer 11

I used to live near a Church, and there were many bad things that happened when the Church was open.  One time a homeless man with mental problems went inside, set the altar on fire and assulted the preist. People would go in an rob the poor box, steal ikons, and even the chalices and stuff. Also, people will deface the ikons or furniture, and there can't be someone there to watch 24/6 (the other days of the week you asked about).

And it isn't just Churches either, the Buddhist Temple near my house was also burned down.

It's sad, but true.  One option is though that many places have an outside garden or a small, simple chapel that IS open 24/7. I'd ask around if there is a chapel near you - usually larger churches, universities, or hospitals have chapels.

Peace!

Answer 12

Church, Greek ekklesia, means "they who are called".

The church is NOT the building. It is the Christians, the ones who responded to God's call.

God will never live in Cathedrals!

Acts 7:48-50

"Howbeit the most High DWELLETH NOT IN TEMPLES made with hands; as saith the prophet, "Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?Hath not my hand made all these things?""

Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 3:16  

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?"

Christians experience fellowship with God 24 hours-a-day.

So why bother going to church beyond office times?

Answer 13

San Fernando Cathedral (in San Antonio, TX) is open 24/7 and there is no charge to enter.

San Fernando is, by the way, the oldest Cathedral in the USA.

Answer 14

The homeless might start living there.

Answer 15

because it cost money to keep a church open

also someone has to be there constantly to over see the church unless some one breaks in and tries to rob the church.

Answer 16

For the same reason shop-keepers don't leave their stores open and unsupervised all night long.

Winos would hang out in them and urinate in corners.. Urban youth would tag the walls,, and vindictive atheist types would break stuff.  

Answer 17

zippy... In the old days they did use to keep them open all the time but as this gentleman has stated above . People came in and stole things and vandalize them so they had to stop...God bless you !