For many, the cost is pastoral failure from the Church’s chief pastors. This shapes profoundly how Christians treat one another, and how the Church exercises pastoral care. Allport distinguishes mature faith as dynamic, self-critical, and centred in love —nurtured by returning to its source, not fear; open to truth; compassionate; and humble before mystery. Mature faith acknowledges its incompleteness and remains open to growth, recognising the call to live in the faith of God’s love, not the certainty of our own position. When the Church learns again to love without fear, its pastoral care — reflecting the heart of Jesus Christ — will be felt by the marginalised.