*UPDATE* ST.TERESA WILL NOT CLOSE!!! Thank you for all your support! FB: savest.teresaofavilarcc IG: save.st.teresa1874 *UPDATE*
This petition has been amended to reflect that the closure of St. Teresa of Avila Church has been confirmed by the Diocese and is set to happen by the end of this year. Our demand remains clear: we are calling for a full reversal of this decision, continued community involvement, and the right to organize and resist this closure.  *Note: After signing, Change.org may ask you to donate. Please ignore that—it’s just an optional prompt to support their platform, not our campaign. All we need is your signature, not your money.* We, the undersigned, call on church leadership, the Diocese of Brooklyn, and our local elected officials to stop the closure of St. Teresa of Avila Roman Catholic Church, located in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. This church is more than a house of worship — it is a historical, spiritual, and cultural sanctuary that has served generations of Black, Brown, Caribbean, and working-class families in our neighborhood. The Diocese has confirmed that St. Teresa is scheduled to close by the end of this year.We stand united in demanding that this decision be reversed. With rising gentrification and displacement, closing this church would not only be a spiritual loss but an erasure of community history. This is not just about saving a building; it’s about keeping our community whole and ensuring transparency in decisions that affect us all.  We demand the following actions:    Immediate cessation of any plans to close and/or sell St. Teresa of Avila Church.  A full commitment to community transparency and accountability. Any future decisions must involve community input at every stage. Open and honest communication from the Archdiocese and all relevant parties regarding the future of the church, The community must be kept informed and included in all discussions.  *Under New York State law, religious institutions must follow specific legal procedures before selling or closing church property. Community members have the right to be informed, included, and heard. We are urging all decision-makers to honor that right — and protect this historic institution.* A commitment to preservation; including support for landmark status, community fundraising opportunities , or partnerships that keep the space open and accessible.    A Sacred Legacy in Prospect Heights: The History of St. Teresa of Avila Church
 
Founded in 1874, St. Teresa of Avila Roman Catholic Church has stood as a spiritual and cultural anchor in Crown Heights for over 150 years. The first Mass was held in a parishioner’s home, and the church building was officially completed and dedicated in 1887. Its twin towers, one holding ten historic bells inscribed with the names of Irish saints, remain a recognizable landmark. St. Theresa is more than just an old neighborhood church. It was built (brick and mortar by working class parishioners when they finished working all day. It has stood as a beacon of hope through two World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and various conflicts across the globe. It has memorialized firefighters and victims of 9/11 It has, through the years fed and clothed the needy with its community outreach programs.   During the COVID-19 pandemic, the church bells rang daily in solidarity with workers who cared for the sick and dying; workers who provided all kinds of critical services for all risking their own lives for humanity. In 1883, a school and convent were established by the Sisters of St. Joseph, making the church a center of education and faith. In the 1970s, St. Teresa made history again by becoming the first church in the U.S. to open its doors to newly arriving Haitian immigrants — offering both spiritual guidance and tangible support.     Though the church was merged with the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in 2018, St. Teresa has continued to serve the people of Prospect Heights. St. Teresa of Avila is important. Additionally, This issue goes beyond just the Catholic Church—it’s about community, transparency, and the right of those who are most affected to have a say in their future. We call for these actions to ensure that St. Teresa of Avila Church remains a place for all, continuing its legacy of service and support to our community.   Help us keep the bells ringing! Help us keep St. Teresa of Avila open.