Participants in an office prayer group led by the boss are perceived to garner professional advantage whether they do or not. Although the meetings do not appear to violate workplace rules, they do not conform to the spirit of government guidelines on a supervisor's religious expression in the workplace. And Mr. Ashcroft faces a special burden as the country's chief law officer, entrusted with enforcing federal laws about workplace conduct and the separation of church and state. However well intentioned and needed, the prayer sessions in the Justice Department offices seem to cross a prudence line if not a legal one. While many businesses and corporations recognize the need for spiritual enrichment for their employees by providing time for religious, motivational or meditation programs, those private businesses do not enforce public policy.
Prayer is constructive.
Prayer is a gift. However, it is also a very personal thing, not to be used for public show or career advancement. Mr. Ashcroft is by all accounts a seriously devout man, but as a federal employer, he would be wise to conduct his sessions off hours and off site.