Ashcroft On The Spot

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Ashcroft's devout Pentecostal faith, as expressed at the office, has disturbed some employees as well. New guidelines for documents bearing Ashcroft's signature bar the use of the word pride and the phrase "no higher calling than public service," both of which contradict the former Senator's religious views. Each morning at 8 he plays host to what he calls RAMP sessions--for Read, Argue, Memorize and Pray--in his office or conference room. From three to 30 participants chew over Bible passages, commit some to memory and finish with a prayer. Non-Christians are welcome, but many staff members consider the sessions inappropriate, given Ashcroft's position as guardian of the Constitution--including separation of church and state.

Ashcroft bristles at the suggestion that he's doing anything improper. "I don't think the fact that I might want to invite the wisdom of the Almighty into my decision making is a threat to anybody," he told TIME, leading his questioners into his conference room to point out a wall relief that long predates him, depicting King Solomon's deciding the parentage of an infant. "Wisdom in making good decisions can be inspired as well as acquired," he said. If others choose to practice different faiths in their offices, "that's not my business. I'm not part of any sort of prayer police."