A BOLD STAND BY AMBROSE

Daniel Clendin in his 'The Journey with Jesus' notes tells a fascinating story about
Ambrose the former Bishop of Milan.

The Emperor Theodosius was responsible for the unjust kiling of 7,000 people at Thessolonika. In response, Ambrose barred the Emperor from entering his church. He told Theodosius, "You must not be dazzled by the splendour of the purple that you wear. How could you lift in prayer hands that are stained with the blood of such an unjust massacre? Go away and do not add to your guilt by committing a second crime."

My question is this:

Is the Church best dominated by political expediency or should it have confidence in eternal values that embolden it to challenge the powerful without fear or favour when they spill blood needlessly?