Faith-Based Appeal by Drug Czar

The nation’s drug czar began calling on local religious leaders Saturday to help in the war on drugs.

John P. Walters, director of National Drug Control Policy, announced last week his national drive to enlist faith-based youth groups in anti-drug programs. The drive is the Bush administration’s latest effort to expand the role of religious organizations in government services.

Saying he visited Tulsa in part because of “violence that is taking too many lives,” Walters met with Christian and Muslim representatives. Jewish leaders, unable to attend because of the Sabbath, endorsed the program in writing.

The city has been plagued in recent months by a string of shootings believed to be tied to gangs and drugs.

“We know that youths who are involved in their faith are many times less likely to be involved in self-destructive behaviors,” Walters said.

A government brochure, “Pathways to Prevention,” encourages working anti-drug messages into sermons and suggests youth leaders discuss what their faith teaches about drug abuse -- and that they lead prayers asking for strength for youths to say no to “bad influences.”

National surveys suggest only 2% of faith communities explicitly talk to youths about substance abuse, Walters said.

But he said teens tell him the culture sends them a clear sign: “They’re expected to experiment with drugs and alcohol.”

Sheryl Siddiqui of the Islamic Society of Tulsa said she hadn’t read the booklet yet but thought it would offer helpful resources.

“Many of us work with youths in our congregations,” she said. “The more information they put in our hands, the more assistance we can provide.”

The Rev. Milford Carter of Sanctuary Evangelistic Church said he wants not only funding for church-based drug programs, but also federal solutions for the economic problems of the poor who use or sell drugs.