New York, NY —

REPORTER: The Archdiocese of New York has closed an East Harlem church more than 2 weeks before the expected closing date after 6 parishioners were arrested for trespassing. The parishioners had staged a sit-in to save "Our Lady Queen of Angels." The church was founded more than 120 years ago and is 1 of 4 in the city slated to close under the archdiocese realignment plan. City Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito represents East Harlem. She says she admires the parishioners who protested the closing.

MARK-VIVERITO: These are very humble people, deeply rooted in their faith and that have been there for generations. There was one parishioner there, 82 years old, who had been going to that church for 52 years.

REPORTER: The Archdiocese says the decision to close the 113th Street church came after more than 2 years of consultation among the clergy, laity, planning experts, and archdiocesan senior staff.