The "era" of shrinking parish populations, consolidation, and "shedding" is expressed in the construction of monstrous burial tombs akin to the pyramids (and sex abuse settlements). One would think that the "remnant" would see that connection at least?
The "church" perceives itself as "expert in humanity" yet demonstrates such a lack, even perversion, of insight into "community" that belies, with even more declarative statement, the invocation that they know about God'ness. 
There is an admonition somewhere in scripture that we don't build earthly monuments to self? Yet institution persists in gouging pockets to build self-congratulatory edifices as it retreats from Christ, from worship, from community, from existence. 
Reflection: where does Jesus really live?