Ashcroft's pulpit stint called 'non-official'

Ashcroft has been criticized for early morning prayer meetings at the Justice Department.

By Terry Frieden
CNN Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Justice Department said Monday that Attorney General John Ashcroft's unannounced appearance at the Rev. Robert H. Schuller's pulpit on Sunday was "non-official."

Ashcroft took part in an "Hour of Power" service Sunday at Schuller's Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. He answered questions posed by Schuller's son, the Rev. Robert Anthony Schuller.

"This was not announced in advance because he was appearing in a non-official capacity in his private time," a senior Justice spokesperson said.

Ashcroft is in Southern California in the midst of a weeklong West Coast swing. He made no other public appearances during the weekend. The Justice Department gave no advance notice of his decision to visit and speak at the famous glass-covered mega-church in Orange County, which is part of greater Los Angeles.

Justice Department officials said Ashcroft did not preach at the facility. "Schuller's son was the preacher. Ashcroft was asked about five questions, and the interview lasted five to seven minutes," a department official said.

The Justice Department said those interested in Ashcroft's remarks would be able to watch them when the "Hour of Power" service is televised next Sunday morning.

Justice officials said Ashcroft discussed his childhood and his faith, but he was not asked about public policy or politics. They said he was asked about his father, about growing up the son of a Pentecostal preacher, and about criticism he has received for his faith.

Americans United for the Separation of Church and State offered no immediate criticism of Ashcroft's appearance. By contrast, the organization was sharply critical of his appearance last month at a TV minister's gathering on Capitol Hill.

The invitation-only event in a House of Representatives office building was sponsored by Florida evangelist D. James Kennedy. Americans United called Kennedy "extreme," and said he referred to the United States as "a Christian nation" in his introduction of the attorney general.

Ashcroft's voluntary early morning prayer meetings at the Justice Department also have prompted criticism from some civil liberties groups. Justice officials, including some Jewish employees, have defended Ashcroft's prayer meetings as totally voluntary and free of any coercion.