We would be the first to admit that the Church does not always get things right - and while we do not defend some of those failings and lapses, we might also have to say that this is what makes the church what it is.
The Church is by definition a coin with two very distinct sides. There are places in the Bible where the people of God are described in the most impressive of terms - the Body of Christ; a holy people; a chosen generation; God's dwelling on earth. We might well struggle to associate such language with the contacts that we have had with a local church!
But this is the other side of the coin. It is intended to be a community where normal, ordinary human beings can find relationship with God and identity as His people. Ordinary people bring with them all the problems, hang-ups and weaknesses than anyone else might have. We believe that one day we will be made perfect, but in the meantime we are a work in progress - a people on a journey, seeking to become more like Christ, but with a long way to go.
This does mean that the church can sometimes come across as fare from ideal, and often it is our failings and weaknesses that attract the most attention. But on the positive side - this means that it is not a place that is reserved for those who are perfect, and have all their problems worked out. It is a place where ordinary people with all their failings and hang-ups can begin to believe in what they will one day become. And that means that there is plenty of room for more ordinary people - complete with their own shortcomings!