Ashcroft Makes a Show of Faith

U.S. Atty. Gen. John Ashcroft used an appearance at Garden Grove’s legendary Crystal Cathedral on Sunday to issue a national call for personal reconciliation, forgiveness and healing.

“We need to treat each other with respect and not operate with prejudice or disdain for one another,” the nation’s highest-ranking law enforcement official told the Rev. Robert H. Schuller and several thousand people attending the 9:30 a.m. service. He also spoke at the 11:30 a.m. service.

Schuller went straight to the controversy that surrounded President Bush’s nomination of Ashcroft as attorney general. Opponents branded the former U.S. senator from Missouri as a right-wing ideologue who would turn back the clock on such issues as civil rights.

During his confirmation hearings in January, Ashcroft was criticized for his Senate voting record on abortion rights, gun control and other issues. Schuller asked Ashcroft how he handled the criticism.

“I always thought that if I was accused of being a strong Christian, there was enough evidence to convict me,” Ashcroft said.

The exchange between Schuller and Ashcroft was amiable amid the majestic setting of the Garden Grove church. The attorney general appeared relaxed and at home in a seat of honor on the dais, enjoying the bright, airy surroundings, the Crystal Cathedral Choir and guest Neli Nikolaeva, a Bulgarian violinist who performed Tchaikovsky’s “Russian Dance.”

Ashcroft’s first comments were testament to the experience.

“For someone who’s seen [the Crystal Cathedral] hundreds of times on television . . . I don’t think TV can do it justice,” he said.

Schuller asked the attorney general what lessons he learned growing up as the son of a Pentecostal preacher.

Ashcroft said: “The purpose of religion is reconciliation. Whenever you see healing and forgiveness, that’s the most joyful time.” He also remarked that his faith is not something he wants to force upon someone else. “Faith cometh by hearing, not by having someone trying to beat it into you.”

His remarks, which were broadcast on “The Hour of Power,” Schuller’s worldwide Sunday television program, were warmly received by the audience, which gave him several ovations.

“I heard a lot of political discussion where he was a right-wing wacko,” said Frank Foster of La Palma. “I think his commitment to religion is genuine and I would think it would enhance his ability to be attorney general. Being a person of good moral character is an asset to the country.”

Peter Enkhorn of Downey said: “He’s like everybody else. He has his own belief system and it’s working for him as it appears to be in line with God’s intention for humanity.”

Enkhorn’s fiancee, Jana Camille of Long Beach, said Ashcroft’s message of reconciliation and forgiveness had special meaning for her.

“I don’t see him up there condemning people,” she said, “and it’s sad that he’s being condemned for his faith.”