This is a very heart warming and encouraging story. The fact that the local community was supportive of the doctor's case has changed my perception of American public opinion.
Rightly or wrongly I always thought that Americans were more than a little conservative about what is right and what is wrong when people had to deal with questions where the bible and religion appeared to be in conflict with science.
The doctor's involved both appeared as very genuine in their own beliefs and I found myself sympathising and to some extent agreeing with both points of view. In this particular case it would appear that the majority of the population showed that their own feelings were more liberal than most people, (myself included, would believe.)
Have I got it wrong when I assume that the pastor involved also had sympathies for the problems faced by the patients, medical staff and local people.
This is a very heart warming story and I have placed Moscow high on my list of places that must be visited when I invade America.
People are all different, that's what makes me enjoy writing, I have a reason to talk to as many people as possible. But I do admit to having my own, somewhat bigoted opinions, and that is not being able to accept that people who harm children and animals are also people. When I have this internal conflict I hide behind the excuse that my acceptance of my fellow humans does not include those who would harm others.
Thank you for posting this, Catherd.

Frances