"Who would believe the Church if she did an about face?"

I can promise you that when/if the Church (whoever that is??) ever does an about face and takes a more compassionate, inclusive, field-hospital approach (as PF has admonished), the Church has potential to earn back enormous amounts of respect and credibility the world over.  

I can't promise  this will lead to increased numbers but would be far better to mimic gospel imperatives than to insist on adhering to failed/failing "imperial" traditions.