Church is supposed to be the spiritual house we flock to for spiritual and psychological nourishing. However, modern congregations have become increasingly loathe to attend mass on a regular basis. What accounts for this? It is likely the language of the "inherent" sinful nature of human beings and other language that condemns us. It is also other glaring issues - a church with a large proportion of gay priests and lesbian nuns but a decidedly anti-gay stance. A church with limited participation of women in positions of leadership. Iconography that is white supremacist in its depiction of all-white angels and religious figures. The commodification of many aspects of worshipping. Unless these issues are resolved, the great exodus from church will continue.

Key words: modernising the church, faith and shame, inclusive Christianity, religion and self-worth, church reform ideas

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