"About certain things in our country of which you do not approve."
Craig hesitated. "I ... am here on a scientific mission."
"Nevertheless, you have ideas in the field of politics? I hope we can be frank with each other."
"Well ... I have no intention of being critical. As you know, we—that is, in the United States the Church is separate from the government."
The corners of Brulieres' mouth quirked. "What you mean, perhaps, is that you do not understand how the Church can support a totalitarian government. Oh, do not protest; the facts are obvious. We have been called worse names than 'totalitarian.' You do not think it right that the Church should take up actual arms."
"I—yes. Since you put it into words. We have a different concept of religion."
The priest nodded slowly. "Si. Once I visited your land. In a way, I envied the priests there. Here, we have had more to contend with than the christening of fat babies and listening to trifling sins of appetite. We are in the front line of battle."
Craig said stiffly, "Do you mean a spiritual battle, or an ideological one?"
This time Brulieres nearly smiled. "Are you so certain, then, that they are not the same battle?"