Sects, sects, sects.

Actually, all religions, big and small, are nothing but sects which succeeded and grew. Others remain marginal while a bunch of even smaller ones simply whither and die. The present day Catholic Church has a pretty tight grip all around and "protestant" groups in its midst are excommunicated quickly enough. But they exist and are trying to make this Church move foward. Of course, the Catholic Church itself will die before changing any of its principles or softening any of its rules . So they're losing members by droves and people at large don't care.
The Protestant Church comprises too many groups to mention. But ideas fly and there is an open-mindedness in many of its groups including the Anglican Church.
The history of Judaism is full of all sorts of groups, sub-groups and left wing and right wing "orthodox " crowds . A world in motion.
The only group seemingly stuck in the Darkest of the Dark Ages is Islam. Sunnis and Shiites battling it out. Nice religion. No central core, no Central Entity to guide the crowd. Oh, I suppose one could say that the Wahhabites, Extremists to the core, represent some kind of ideal. But lets remember that the Saudi Royal family belongs to this group. Draw your own conclusions.
Anybody can guide - anybody can be an Imam. All is needed is that he has the support of his peers, of those who seek his advice. no special training, nothing. Or he can have an exceptiona memory, become an hafiz (a muslim who knows the Koran by heart) and perhaps be considered to be "The Next One".
Perhaps what is needed is a new sort of Imam who, regardless of the consequences will rise up adapt his (or, yes, her) teachings to the modern world and guide his flock along an equally righteous road.. Teahchings will allow adaptations to a new world while keeping the best - and most charitable of the old.