He paused briefly, his cloudy eyes shifting. "And on another level... perhaps it is that when an organization faces external pressure while also suffering the trauma of an internal schism, its primary objective often shifts toward survival and stabilization. It must consolidate its remaining strength, maintain its basic authority, balance various internal and external factions, and prevent further collapse. These matters consume a vast amount of energy and resources."
"Aiding the poor and intervening against injustice are certainly the teachings of the Holy Scripture. But their actual implementation requires immense manpower and resources, and even more, a powerful authority to ensure their efficacy. When the organization itself is unstable, spreading its power too thin to handle these matters... is seen by many as perhaps not the wisest choice."
Elizabeth listened quietly, her expression betraying no surprise.
