How should John Ashcroft’s religious beliefs be factored into deciding whether he should be U.S. attorney general?

ANANDA W.P. GURUGE

Buddhist leader

Piety, faith, religious fervor and moral commitment are virtues which the public normally admire in their political leaders. But in reality, these could be disadvantages when certain public functions are concerned--especially so in a pluralistic society where religion is often a divisive factor. I feel that the position of the attorney general of the United States demands an open mind, impartiality and a great degree of flexibility. Sen. Ashcroft’s religious leanings appear to put him in a position of conflict when it comes to several burning issues of the nation. If I were in his situation, I would have recused myself on the ground that my beliefs may deny justice and fair play to some segments of the population.

RIC OLSEN

Pastor of Global Outreach, Harbor Trinity Church, Costa Mesa

It seems interesting to me that the liberal constituency argued that Bill Clinton’s private life and beliefs don’t affect his ability to be president, but now it is precisely the private beliefs of a conservative that are being used against his ability to be the attorney general.

THE REV. DR. REBECCA B. PRICHARD

Tustin Presbyterian Church

There seems to be a connection between John Ashcroft’s religious beliefs and his political views as there are for many of us--most of us. Certainly those of us who see a connection between Christian faith, justice, women’s rights and civil rights might have some concern about whether his views, religious or otherwise, will influence his legal decisions. The fact is that not all Americans agree on these things and not all Christians agree on these things. That’s part of what makes our country free and just.

HUSSAM AYLOUSH

Executive Director, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Southern California

We should not judge public officials based on their religious belief, but rather on their ability to treat citizens fairly, regardless of their religious affiliation. Just because we live in a multi-religious society, we should not expect public officials to give up their religious identity.

SENIOR PASTOR CHUCK SMITH JR.

Capo Beach Calvary Chapel

Unless a public official belongs to a bizarre cult, religious preference is irrelevant. Relevant issues are wisdom, competence, vision, integrity and compassion. If these qualities are lacking, no amount of religious devotion will qualify a person to public service. If religious devotion fosters these qualities, so much the better.

RABBI ALLEN KRAUSE

Temple Beth El, Aliso Viejo

Sen. Ashcroft has every right to apply his religious beliefs in the workplace. However, if those beliefs lead him to take political positions which some find detrimental to the welfare of America, they have every right to think that he would be the wrong choice for attorney general.

EVANGELIST GRAYLON A. FREEMAN

Church of Christ, Cypress

Having read the brief speech that Sen. Ashcroft delivered, it seems odd that a nation which was built upon the premise of religious freedom should get in an uproar when a man expresses his views from a spiritual point of view. It is only when our lives are filtered by the Scriptures, which are inspired by God, that we can possibly live up to the standard of our creed: “We hold these truths to be self evident. . . .” It appears the only thing that is evident is the fact that our nation is slowly but surely drifting away from the divine principles of God’s word. I find it most refreshing and encouraging that a man who stands on the brink of becoming the U.S. attorney general would have the conviction to invoke the principles of righteousness that are contained in the Bible.

RABBI MICHAEL MAYERSOHN

Temple Beth David Westminster

There can be no problem that Sen. Ashcroft is a man of faith and deep religious convictions. What presents a problem is that his faith, regarding abortion, for instance, includes coercing others to act according to his religious teachings. His right to believe ends at the doorstep of those who believe differently.

PASTOR BILL GARTNER

Harbor Christian Fellowship, Costa Mesa

Sen. Ashcroft’s religious beliefs should be factored in about as much as John F. Kennedy’s Catholic religious beliefs were factored in over 40 years ago. Instead of focusing on Ashcroft’s views on abortion and gun control (which shouldn’t fall under the sphere of religious beliefs anyway), the Senate Judiciary Committee should lay aside its partiality. In the end, all that should matter about Sen. Ashcroft in his appointment as attorney general is: Can he do the job and will he do the job?

GURBIR SINGH

Religious Scholar, Sikh Temple of Orange County

Nominating John Ashcroft as U.S. attorney general is a welcome choice. Believers of God live in the domain of righteousness and piety. They are adorned with intuitive ease, contentment and sweet words. No one can overthrow those who are established by the true Lord. Criticism of religious people is as old as mankind. A truly God-filled person is bold and brave enough to face any storm whatsoever.

RABBI MARTIN S. COHEN

Congregation Eilat, Mission Viejo

I don’t see any particular importance in knowing John Ashcroft’s religious beliefs. The question is--or rather, should be--whether he is prepared to uphold the principle of the separation of church and state by basing his understanding and interpretation of American law solely on the Constitution of the United States.

SENIOR PASTOR DAVID J. MITCHELL

Calvary Church of Santa Ana

It is fine to look at his religious beliefs since I know they are rooted in the Bible and he has a strong conviction and allegiance to those truths. As a result, the following will necessarily be true as he conducts business as our attorney general:

1. He knows that commandments and laws are for our benefit, to be followed and not to be manipulated for his own selfish purposes.

2. He will speak the truth to us and avoid all lies and deceptions.

3. He will pursue a holy life which will not disgrace our government.

4. He knows that we must have an allegiance to the rule of law and render to our government what it is due.

5. He knows that all authority comes from God and must be respected and honored.

6. His integrity will be beyond reproach.

7. He will not be able to force anyone else to live according to his own spiritual convictions since nobody can unless God enables them to live that way.

I would welcome full disclosure to examining any of these areas if indeed any government official adheres to the Bible as Sen. Ashcroft does. I wish that all public officials would be as open to this same inspection and understanding by the citizens of America.

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