Why He Matters

Coe was called the "stealth Billy Graham" in a 2005 Time magazine piece that named him one of the 25 most influential evangelicals in the U.S.

Coe's political modus operandi is quiet but powerful . As a leader of the secretive group known as "The Fellowship," Coe organizes the annual National Prayer Breakfast, which draws top U.S. and foreign officials, and owns a townhouse on Capitol Hill that is or has been home to several devout lawmakers. Current or former residents are Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.), who's embroiled in controversy regarding his an affair with a former aide, and South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R), a former House Member who also had an affair outside of his marriage. He's also prayed with former Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.).

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