I'm one of those people; I love the religion but I hate the church. It comes from a childhood of observing parish priests who acted like they were the people that Jesus chased from the temple with a scourge.
I’m sorry that you had bad experiences. I had an opposite experience growing up. You could always try going back and see if it’s different now. Of course it’s totally up to you.
Much depends on the diocese in which you reside. I grew up in a solidly orthodox rc diocese but found myself in one of the most progressive, after I relocated here 20 years ago. After battling liturgical abuse in one parish, I asked our Lord in prayer to guide me to "a holy priest, a reverent liturgy and a community where, whatever my God-given talents might be, could be of service to them". Thanks to another freeper, the list I compiled included 2 eastern Catholic Churches. Each Sunday, I visited a parish on the list, repeating that prayer. When I arrived at the Maronite Catholic Church (in full communion with the Chair of Peter), I knew I was home. Over the past 10 years, they have asked me to help with the women's society, serve on the Parish Council, establish a Religious Education program for the children, write 2 grants and now serve as editor for the parish bulletin (which is 8 pages long).
Our Lord tells us to "ask and you will receive". Give it a shot! And, if there are any Eastern Catholic parishes within a certain radius of home, add them to your list. They have smaller communities that look out for each other. Their pastors and bishops are quite devout and their liturgies are absolutely beautiful. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to freepmail me.
So, Bernard, you do not go to church although you love the church because of some priests who gave a bad example??? Have you considered that you also are giving a bad example?