Father Brown was not particularly happy... not so much over Sister Thompson's issues with resisting temptation. She and the nuns that had converted with her were doing a fairly decent job at that, but high libido levels for Animalians had hit them a bit harder than initially expected and as they went through their acclimation classes, they did end up admitting that those temptations were there. To a great degree, Father Brown could accept and tolerate that. The presence of temptation wasn't so much the issue, as that was always there, and at times he did have to admit that even Human representatives of the Catholic Church had succumbed to that temptation, so it wasn't as though temptation would be something limited to Animalians. The issue, though, was more on the response to temptation, and that was where people often failed.
And it was that failure that a nosy "doctor" decided to bring himself into things while he and the nuns were actually following some of the IAC track and field events.
"You make it seem like I kidnapped Sister Thompson and the others as children and they never had a choice in the matter," Father Brown spoke to Doctor Jones.
"I didn't say that," Doctor Jones spoke defensively.
"True, but you're also throwing an accusation that our service to God is forced," Sister Thompson spoke in defense of Father Brown, "the temptation is there and it can be troubling... but everyone who has joined the church has made that choice to enter that service. The sisters and I made that choice consciously and it is to serve a higher purpose. No one denies the existence of temptation, and the Church will often make very serious questions on those who apply on if that is their true choice. And if they feel they can truly abide by them... and if not, applicants may advised not to take those vows."
"Maria von Trapp would be a good historical example," Father Brown added, "she DID seek to become a nun. And while the chain of events may not have exactly matched how it was portrayed in the musical, she did accept that life wouldn't be fur her... and on the advice of the abbess, left the abbey to marry Georg von Trapp. So, the church does not FORCE people into its service, and merely requires that those who have made that choice of service adhere to those vows once taken."
"And if that can't be done..." Sister Thompson finished, "we would be clear to leave the Church's service... and it wouldn't mean we would suddenly NOT be Catholic. We would simply be starting over outside the church and in new lives outside the church's service. All of which would represent the ability to make choices."
"And that's something that often goes across multiple religions, not just Christianity," came a new voice, getting the group to look over to see a small group of new arrivals.
There was a mixed group of people of Arabic or Turkic ancestry, with tanned skin and straight dark hair. One of the men had a well-trimmed mustache. One of the women wore a green tee shirt with a white crescent on the front with the words "God is kind" below it. They also noted that each of them was holding pamphlets that held the track and field events at the IAC.
"I'm sorry, we couldn't help overhearing," the man with the mustache spoke and offered his hand to Father Brown, "I am Abrahim, this is my wife Jezabell, and our friends..."
"You've come to convert?" Father Brown guessed, "as a... Imam, I believe the title is?"
"Oh, I'm not a leader within the various sects of my faith," Abrahim answered, "but I couldn't help but notice the discussion on faith and choice in religion and religious practices."
"And keeping up with the various sects within Islam can make things even more difficult," Abrahim's friend, "I'm Mustafa. This is my wife, Alexandra."
"Alexandra?" Sister Thompson asked as she perked her ears.
"My family was originally from Cyprus and came to America after World War Two," Alexandra answered, "And I was born here. So... my family, while Muslim in faith, has adapted to life in the US."
"And there are no restrictions on conversion?" Doctor Jones asked.
"A lot of that may depend on the sect and how stringent the belief is," Mustafa spoke, "the problem that many of us that are Muslims in the US is that America has been frightened by followers of highly conservative and fundamentalist sects that in many ways pervert the religion they claim to follow. None of us supported the 9/11 attacks and we've tried to explain that to others... but there are some people that seem to think that Islam is some singular entity where any and everyone is the same as the worst..."
"But like all religions it will have its differences," Father Brown noted.
"Yes," Abrahim nodded, "and since our Imams in America have not been as fundamentalist as others... there is no great pressure or rule that would forbid conversion... and we've been able to save up the money to convert for this year. Though, some of the IAC activities are interesting and we came to see them while waiting. Jezabell and I ran track in high school."
"The races have been interesting," Sister Thompson agreed, "what were you thinking on becoming?"
"We were thinking on going on a similar route to you and your sisters," Jezebell spoke, "though specifically with the Arabian breed. We'd heard that a refugee from Syria became an Arabian Mare... so... we felt it would seem fitting."
"Alexandra and I would be Kangal Shepard Dogs," Mustafa added.
"And from there we will live," Alexandra spoke, "and hopefully show that there are plenty of Muslims out there that are really no different than your neighbors down the street."
"A noble goal," Father Brown smiled and felt a bit better.