I found the choral parts to be overly long padding, but as it developed it became an increasingly convincing religion to me. The idea of attending services where a God would literally dissolve away traumatic memories in a haze of golden smoke would have a lot of appeal for people, I think. It's one of the better examples of worldbuilding I think we've seen.

And yes, I did love that Clara's governess job is one of her consistent traits. I have gotten to the point where I find that sort of thing refreshing in the constant onslaught of action-girls.