CLEVELAND — As city officials mull a new law to protect Catholic churches that are scheduled to be closed, officials in suburban Lakewood, Ohio, may also try to keep church leaders from razing or gutting a threatened parish.

The Diocese of Cleveland, which has ordered Lakewood’s St. James Catholic Church and dozens of other churches closed by next summer as part of a downsizing plan, is not saying what it will do with St. James’ building once it’s locked up.

But the proposed ordinance by the Lakewood City Council, which would protect any structure that the city designated a historical or cultural landmark, could draw a constitutional battle over private property rights and separation of church and state.

“They can challenge it legally and there would be a fight,” said Mayor Ed FitzGerald, a lawyer and former prosecutor. “But I think we’re on solid ground. We’re making sure they have due process.”

Cleveland Councilman Brian Cummins is planning to introduce similar legislation that would affect closing Catholic churches in Cleveland. He had hoped to put the measure on the table last March, but said council members got delayed by other issues.

Still, Cummins said he’s confident the legislation will be passed.

The proposed Lakewood ordinance is expected to become law by next month, according to FitzGerald. “We’re going to fast-track this thing,” he said.

The next step, he said, would be to quickly designate St. James as a landmark. The proposed legislation — aimed exclusively at St. James — gives the city the authority to make that designation.

A statement by diocese spokesman Robert Tayek said, “The diocese is taking the matter under advisement to determine how to interact with the city in this matter.”

St. James is an elaborate edifice rich in classical lines and embellished with polished marble, granite sculptures, carved oak and inlaid ceramic tiles.

It was built by working-class Catholics over 10 years, beginning in 1925. Today, the roof leaks, but parishioners are ready to roll up their sleeves again. Parishioners have already pledged $700,000.

“We’re going to do everything humanly possible to keep it open,” said parishioner Toni Sabo, a member for 40 years. “And we’re praying like crazy.”

Parishioners hope they can change Bishop Richard Lennon’s mind about the closure, but Lakewood’s mayor already met the bishop to try to convince him of the building’s architectural significance and importance to the community.

“He was completely uninterested,” FitzGerald said.