[sigmoid10]

It also varies inside countries. Some priests are simply more demure than others. The church as an institution certainly prefers the more radical conservatives as you go higher up the chain, but many low level employees that still talk to commoners do realize that these views are going to put off more people than they attract in developed countries. So in the long term they will only be left with a bunch of crazy radicalists and a silent majority that wants absolutely nothing to do with them.

[stbede]

> The church as an institution certainly prefers the more radical conservatives as you go higher up the chain

I think right now it’s the exact opposite.

[sigmoid10]

Have you seen the current pope? He's a big step back from the last one. And the reason for this is the cardinals who wanted back, because they were never fully on board anyway. Then again what would you expect from a group where average age is significantly older than even US congress.

[sigmoid10]

Perhaps you could share your alternative characterisation of the church to clarify what you mean?