The child sex abuse scandals that have swept through the Catholic church, and the cover-ups involving senior clerics, have left many ordinary Catholics feeling shamed and angry.
So much so that some are opting out of the church.
Others argue that this is the time when the church needs to make major changes – pushing subjects long dismissed by Rome, such as priestly celibacy and the ordination of women, back onto the agenda.
In the week of Pope Benedict’s visit to the UK, Edward Stourton talks to both traditional and liberal Catholics about how they negotiate their emotional and spiritual path in a church which is often portrayed as discredited in the media.
He also explores whether the current crisis could be a surprising opportunity for the church – even to the point of leading to a Third Vatican Council.
