Alvida wrote:
 in terms of social interaction it offers a family to anyone who wants or needs it, and is a source of comfort for many.

Heather, yes the church offers a family to anyone, but this family is dysfunctional most of the time, and anyone who does not need is is very lucky.

It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets......Voltaire