The aftermath of Nehor’s trial and death proved difficult. Alma, as High Priest over the church, attempted to reduce contention and promote peace, but the contention did not subside. A strict law was put in place for members of the church: "there should not any man, belonging to the church, arise and persecute those that did not belong to the church." Furthermore, "there should be no persecution among themselves" (v. 21). Alma saw enough contention going on. He taught church members to respond peacefully by implying, "We’re not going to contend. We will not fight back. We will not return evil for evil."