Thank you for addressing this issue. The parsonage allows church workers to survive on limited salaries. Churches should realize that maintaining these homes may be one of the advantages of securing a church worker when benefits and salaries are inadequate . Many pastors and teachers now prefer to own their own homes giving them some independence , and relieving them from the frustrations of dealing with church councils and elderly leaders who may not always understand the current economy or the modern difficulties of raising a family that were not issues in the past. Some historic parsonages should be refurbished , upgraded, and improved. Others should probably be sold or demolished as the cost of major remodel is prohibitive . No one should have to live in mold infested or substandard homes. Churches face challenges with falling membership numbers and the aging of members.Hopefully,, congregations can find innovative ways to continue to see that church workers have access to safe affordable housing.