In the heart of France, a unique fundraising initiative has emerged as a priest found a creative way to fundraise for the restoration of the antique organ at his cathedral. With limited financial resources, he converted a bell tower into a ham-curing workshop, allowing local farmers to hang their hams. For almost two years, the process was a hit, delighting local charcuterie fans and providing essential funds. However, trouble arose when a heritage inspector noticed grease stains and fire hazards, leading to an uproar that escalated to the Minister of Culture. This dispute has drawn attention to an ongoing issue: the struggle of religious buildings across France to finance their upkeep.
Hams in the Belfry: The Creative Fundraising of a French Cathedral

Hams in the Belfry: The Creative Fundraising of a French Cathedral
A small-town cathedral in France is turning heads with its unusual fundraising method involving cured hams.
In St.-Flour, France, a priest has ingeniously transformed a cathedral bell tower into a ham-curing workshop, generating funds for the restoration of its antique organ. This creative project has encountered pushback from officials, highlighting the broader funding challenges facing aging churches.