.....as opposed to the phoney and ephemeral bonds of orthodox churches......Aye, right.
Its a 'WAAAAAH PEOPLE AREN'T GOING TO CHURCH! Â Where will we raise money to buy more silly hats?!' type of whining.
I think it's suggesting that rather than going to church to make ourselves feel better about ourselves, which is a generally positive experience, are now using the tragic events that happen in the world with overt signs to show we care and are good people instead.
I don't think it's suggesting people should go to church but instead that this may be one of consequences of living in a western world where religion tends to play a lesser role than years gone by.
