POLIS

Looks like I spoke too soon about seeing the end of this story. Page A1 of today's (Wednesday) Washington Post:

More than a dozen lawmakers attended a congressional reception this year honoring the Rev. Sun Myung Moon in which Moon declared himself the Messiah and said his teachings have helped Hitler and Stalin be "reborn as new persons."

At the March 23 ceremony in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.) wore white gloves and carried a pillow holding an ornate crown that was placed on Moon's head. The Korean-born businessman and religious leader then delivered a long speech saying he was "sent to Earth . . . to save the world's six billion people. . . . Emperors, kings and presidents . . . have declared to all Heaven and Earth that Reverend Sun Myung Moon is none other than humanity's Savior, Messiah, Returning Lord and True Parent."

Yep, that pretty much sums it up. Poor Danny; you'll never be able to shake the "white glove-wearing Congressman who crowned Moon" label.

This bit caught my eye:

Davis said in an interview that he is a lifelong Methodist who does not agree with many of Moon's religious teachings. [emphasis added]

Hmm? I'm no Divinity School alum, but I'm almost certain Davis is a Baptist, and has claimed as much in the recent spate of Moon-related interviews. Did the interviewer transcribe this wrong, or did Davis tell him "Methodist?"

Davis said that some Moon associates have donated money to his congressional campaigns, but that that has nothing to do with his support for Moon's organization.

The thing is: I believe him. Until he started going on the record comparing Moon's coronation to a Scouts meeting, I just assumed Davis was in it for the money. Of course no serious person would have anything to do with Moon unless it was strictly business, I thought. I think the relationship to Moon is closer and more complex than we yet know.