text: Perhaps what you are seeing is people adhering to those institutions that offer certainty; the only certainty the Faithful have is the certainty of hope. Basing any understanding of the 'known mind of God' on numbers in the pews, rather than admitting where the Institution has deviated in doctrine and canon law from the teachings and example of Christ, rather than discerning how we can change direction to be more in step with Christ. The oft repeated 'Christ chose only men as priests' is an example. There were NO Christian priests for over 300 yrs; priests were needed in other religions to perform sacrifices, Christians have no need to perform sacrifices except those of 'thanks and praise'. 
  It is good that we can seek to understand the Living God, the Scripture and Church history in the light of our increasing knowledge, and to offer faithful commitment to God (not the Institution) without fretting about the diversity of expression or condemning those with whom we do not agree.