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Ore. Christian Coalition head to step down
The Associated Press, AP Online
October 10, 2005
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The head of the Christian Coalition of Oregon said Monday that he is "withdrawing from public life," a day after news reports detailed accusations of sexual abuse from three female relatives.

The statement by Lou Beres was posted on the organization's Web site. He did not immediately return a phone message from The Associated Press.

Beres has denied any criminal misconduct.

Multnomah County prosecutor Michael Schrunk told The Oregonian newspaper that officials are investigating the women's complaints.

The three - now adults - say they were abused by Beres as preteens. Their families called a child abuse hot line last month, after the three openly discussed the alleged abuse for the first time.

Beres, 70, has blamed "personal and political enemies" for the complaint.