Do you know the context?
I suppose the quotation is stressing that the writer has put a lot of effort into getting their argument/grievances heard by the parliament, and that said parliament is 'tyrannical', implying that it rules without concern for the people or accountability to them. It seems that the quote may be a way of justifying some later action, essentially saying; 'we've tried and failed to do this in the proper way, so now we must be more forceful'.
The government created Reparations.
I am doing it for points because it just so happened you asked me not to. :)
Answer:
Preachers were against greed and the welfare of others.