I try not to include too many personal anecdotes here on the site, but in this case, I’m willing to make an exception.
In 2001, I attended the Christian Coalition’s annual national conference, covering the event for my employer at the time. While chatting with some reporters in the lobby of the Washington Hilton, a clearly agitated man in his 60s approached me and my boss, telling us that we weren’t welcome. We explained that we had paid for our tickets, just like everyone else in attendance.
Not quite satisfied, the gentleman proceeded to threaten my boss. When I told him that it was probably time for him to be on his not-so-merry way, he put his hand on my chest and told me to stay out of it. I was, needless to say, not amused.
Perhaps he realized that he’d gone too far, or perhaps it was the small crowd that was beginning to watch, but the guy backed off and walked away, muttering. It was, as you might imagine, one of the more memorable moments of my Christian Coalition experiences. I made a mental note about who this man was, in case I came across him again someday.
Though I never saw him again, his name was Louis Beres. This Louis Beres.
After news broke that local law enforcement officials were investigating complaints that Louis Beres, longtime chairman of the Christian Coalition of Oregon, had molested three female family members when they were pre-teens, The Oregonian in Portland went out and interviewed Beres’ family members.
Two told reporters that Beres, indeed, had molested them. All three said they have been interviewed for several hours by detectives.
“I was molested,” said one of the women, now in her early 50s. “I was victimized, and I’ve suffered all my life for it. I’m still afraid to be in the same room with [Beres].”
The coalition led by Beres, 70, champions socially conservative candidates and causes. Its Web site describes the group as “Oregon’s leading grassroots organization defending our Godly heritage.”
First, as a matter of conscience, my heart goes out to those Beres allegedly abused. Second, as a matter of politics, I’ve completely lost count of how many times I’ve seen these kind of horror stories involving “pro-family” fundamentalists.
And third, I can’t remember the last time I had such a schadenfreude-filled moment.