U.S. DRUG CZAR PROMOTES FAITH-BASED GUIDE

TULSA -- The nation's drug czar recruited local religious leaders Saturday
in the war on drugs. The call to arms came as John Walters, director of
National Drug Control Policy, held his first news conference since
announcing Thursday his national drive to enlist faith-based youth groups
in anti-drug programs. The effort 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 youth who are involved in their faith are many times less
likely to be involved in self-destructive behaviors," Walters said.

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

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

But he said teenagers 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 youth in our congregations," she said. "The more
information they put in our hands, the more assistance we can provide."

Others wanted more to help combat drug use among youth.

"I'm looking for something that has teeth," said the Rev. Milford Carter of
Sanctuary Evangelistic Church. "Churches have been dealing with these
issues for years with low budgets but lots of faith."

He said he wants not only funding for church-based drug programs, but
federal solutions for the economic problems of the poor who use or sell drugs.