Why does god need trees?

The Swedish church is up in arms. When is was belatedly separated from the state in 2000, the tax-exemption enjoyed by the church for its woodlands was prolonged for ten years. It probably seemed like a long time then, but time is now up and the church needs to pay tax just like the rest of society.
But it’s 150 million kronor a year, and since nobody feels like contributing much to the church anymore now that it’s voluntary, Swedish bishops are instead racing around in their funny outfits to "de-sanctify" churches so they can be put to better use, or out of their misery. Because there is no money.
Personally, I enjoy popping into churches now and then. When I do, I always light a candle and leave a little change for their upkeep. But as for the 150 million a year, isn’t there an obvious way to make that bill go away? Sell the land! You would cover the first year’s tax in a jiffy, and next year you wouldn’t have any!
But apparently the church would rather tear down their own houses of worship. Then cry about it in the press to emotionally blackmail the rest of us to pay the bill. For the sake of our heritage. All this so the church can keep its land and wealth. What I don’t understand is why the church needs all that land anyway? Isn’t their mission saving souls or something? Or is it managing assets?