An Indianapolis parish says its religious freedom is at stake as city officials debate the future of Holy Cross Catholic Church, a century-old building that has been closed for nearly a decade.
Last year, St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, which owns the property, announced plans to demolish the church, but preservationists and the Holy Cross Neighborhood Association intervened, 13 WTHR reported. The city granted the property historic designation, blocking demolition and leaving the parish responsible for upkeep.
St. Philip Neri Parish wants the structure torn down, arguing the historic designation has placed both financial and spiritual burdens on the parish. Father Jeffrey Dufresne, the parish pastor, also contends that the city’s restrictions infringe on the parish’s First Amendment protections.
“Basically, what we have going on here is that local government is telling a church that they can’t practice their religion,” he said.
The parish closed Holy Cross in 2016 when it merged with St. Philip Neri. Since then, the building has fallen into disrepair and is fenced off to keep people out. The city’s Historic Preservation Commission is scheduled to hear arguments Oct. 1 and vote on whether Holy Cross retains its historic status or can be demolished.
“It’s no longer safe to enter and it really is a shell of its former beauty unfortunately,” Fr. Dufresne told WTHR.
Indiana Landmarks, a statewide preservation group, argues the building could be saved and repurposed.
“Multiple parties have expressed interest to purchase and rehab the buildings, which would bring investment and new life to the Near Eastside,” the group said in a statement.
Parish leaders remain opposed to selling. Contending that the city’s restrictions interfere with faith practice, Fr. Dufresne warned that if the property were transferred with the church intact, the parish would lose any influence over its future use.
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