I haven't had the experience that people in the Church behave worse towards me (yet), but I know that it always hurts more when people in the church behave badly - especially when done under the guise that I am "not [something] enough."
My mother has had at least one similar experience.
Comments
People become worse with anonymity and long distances.
Fr. Groeschel once said, "If you're going to get close to the Church, you're going to get hurt."
I hate to be cynical, but scoundrels are scoundrels, and sanctimoniousness is good cover for bad behavior.
This is not to overlook all the goodness and love expressed by many - in the Church and out.
My mother has had at least one similar experience.