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It's a problem of demographics. Many large inner-city churches which were built by and for large inner-city populations all have trouble. In the Episcopal Church many such churches are hugely endowed and virtually autonomous. In the Catholic Church, most parishes in a diocese belong to the Bishop. So he has a responsibility to deploy his assets where the need is greatest.

On the one hand, bishops are not always very good at this. On the other, parishioners should acquaint themselves with reality. I know when I make a gift in support of the "fabric" of my parish, I am really making a gift. I forsake control utterly. and when I make a gift in support of the priory we are building it is the same thing, except that the Dominican province has control, not the bishop.

When you give and expect something in return, we call that a purchase. When you give and renounce all claim to what you have given or to any consideration, that's a gift.

I think giving is a good thing to do.