Why do you stay a Roman Catholic?

There has been a big to-do in the Catholic blogosphere over author Rod Dreher's recent switch from Roman Catholicism to the Orthodox faith. He now attends St. Serpahim Cathedral in Dallas, which is part of the Orthodox Church in America. He has been blogging about the change extensively, leading to great sadness in my heart and also to some education on the Orthodox faith. I will say that it is courageous of him to share his difficult journey so openly.

Here is a general link to follow his different posts on the move.

Here is a link to the post where he announced his change.

What I am interested in discussing here, is the big question... why do you remain a Roman Catholic? Rod writes that his departure from Roman Catholicism was due in large part to the abuse scandals in the church, a lack of a sense of community for his traditional Catholic family and poor catechesis at parishes and in Catholic schools. He was constantly angry and lost confidence that the Catholic Church could best lead his family to holiness. He began to read about orthodoxy and began to doubt some key Catholic teachings, such as its claim to the chair of Peter. There are many Catholics (and ex-Catholics) who feel his pain from the above reasons. Rod said that, as a father and spiritual leader of his family, he felt a great weight lifted when he joined the Orthodox faith. However, while some leave the church, many stay. I have been very frustrated by the church at times, but I can't imagine leaving.

Do you know someone who has left for reasons similar to Rod's? Have you seriously thought about leaving, and if so, what kept you in the church?

Let us pray that he and others who have left the Roman Catholic Church on their Christian journey someday come back stronger and more joyful and ready to share that strength and joy with others.