Church Cemeteries And Other Property Issues
November 9, 2025 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Jerusalem Lutheran Church
252 Dock St, Schuylkill Haven, PA
The Schuylkill Mission District is offering a program on Sunday, November 9, about church cemeteries and other issues related to church real estate. This event is open to anyone interested and will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 252 Dock St, Schuylkill Haven.
The resource people for the event will be Attorney Richard J. Wiest and Pastor Carl Shankweiler.
Pastor Shankweiler wrote the synod's position paper concerning cemeteries and has been involved in selling several church properties. Attorney Wiest has served as the legal guide for several of those sales.
This program will begin with the basic issue of church property ownership. In our Lutheran system, congregations own their property and are free to sell it and even give it away within the guidelines set by state law. Only if a congregation closes without having disposed of their property does it go to the synod. An exception is when a congregation cannot maintain its property to the point that the property's safety and value are being destroyed. Of course, congregations that are closing may voluntarily give their property to the synod, which has happened frequently and which has given the synod's Mission Fund the resources needed to support important ministries.
Regarding cemeteries, they are obviously "forever." Therefore, congregations need to take steps to guarantee the financial stability and future maintenance of their church-related cemeteries. What options exist? That often depends upon the community in which the cemetery is located and the financial resources available for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the cemetery.
Registration for the November 9 program is not required, but it would be very helpful for Attorney Wiest and Pastor Shankweiler to know how many people are coming and what questions they may have. Therefore, if possible, please call Pastor Shankweiler in advance with your issues at 570-682-9834.
There is no attendance cost for this program, which is being sponsored by the Schuylkill Mission District.
