look at what the LDS church does with a critical eye has value. Even though I’m a firm believer I think knowing someone is watching keeps people honest (especially at middle and lower levels).
It’s like cops and prosecutors. The vast majority are great. Even good people among them can get heavy handed if no one is around to keep them in check. And sometimes in their case the line between zealous fulfillment of duty and being heavy handed is hard to see in the heat of battle.