The Sanctified penitents expiating their sins here on Grass by digging up ruins - Sheri S. Tepper

The sergeant was braver than most, and stupider—the two qualities often going hand in hand.

Punishment is not my business, said Questioner. As I have said to others, it never works anyhow. Putting right is my business.
Unfortunately, when things are put right, often the innocent suffer with the guilty.

Here priests and prophets are doing what priests and prophets have always done, forbidding their people to become anything except what they already are! No interference. God, what foolishness!