The Church needs to stop ruling the minutest part of their members' lives, and remember The Greatest Commandment:  "Love the Lord your God with all your mind, heart and soul; and love your neighbor as yourself."  The RCC needs to remember:  "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8).  And when it does remember, I think it might not only stop declining in The US but pick up some members.  I am tired of tired, dour, soul-less parish priests and parish office personnel who have forgotten even basic manners.  I volunteer at our city's local (only) Muslim grade school (adding HS next year) because everyone there, from the head of the school board and The Principal downward are genuinely kind and nice. Yes, they are not perfect -- they are quite human -- but they are kind, nice, generous (with their time, affection and money), joyful, grateful people. A joy to be around.  Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world -- I understand why.