Sixteen Demand Gomes Resign

Sixteen people called for the resignation of the Rev. Peter J. Gomes, minister of Memorial Church, in a candlelight vigil last night on the church steps.

The vigil was sponsored by Concerned Christians at Harvard, which formed last week with the goal of obtaining Gomes' resignation.

The group contends that Gomes' view that homosexuality is not a sin makes him unfit to continue as Harvard's official minister.

The group's chair, Sumner E. Anderson '92, said the small turnout at the vigil was not indicative of general campus opinion.

"The numbers aren't that large, but there's a lot of support out there," Anderson said. "A lot of people are afraid to make a statement."

Anderson said he has received about 30 to 40 calls this week from people wanting to join his group.

"For every one of us here, there are 10 people who agree with us who are nothere," said Anderson.

But he said many people are afraid of publiclycriticizing Gomes.

"The homosexual community and those who supportGomes are very powerful in this community,"Anderson said.

Gomes announced he is gay at a rally lastNovember in response to a controversial issue ofthe conservative journal Peninsula, whichfeatured articles critical of homosexuality.

President Neil L. Rudenstine issued a statementin defense of Gomes last week. Rudenstine saidthat as long as Gomes continues to fulfill hisduties he should remain in his post.

A production crew from Hollywood-based ManifoldProductions filmed the vigil and interviewedseveral participants. The footage may be used fora planned Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)documentary, according to Anderson.

A co-founder of the group, Robert K. Wasinger'94, told the group that he does not object toGomes' sexual preference, but rather to hisinterpretation of the Bible's teachings onhomosexuality.

"It is not [Gomes'] personal behavior but hispublic defense of homosexuality as part of aChristian life [that our group is concernedabout]," Wasinger said.

Wasinger said he believes Gomes is a "manworthy of a great deal of respect," but called hismoral views "disturbingly inappropriate for a manholding the office and bearing responsibility ofChristian ministry."

Roger J. Landry '92, a cofounder ofPeninsula, last night called Gomes' views"clearly blasphemous," adding that "there is nodebate on homosexuality in the Bible."

The vigil represents "only the beginning" ofhis group's efforts to obtain Gomes' resignation,according to Anderson. "If Reverend Gomes decidesnot to step down, we'll continue to voice ourconcerns until the day that he does."

Anderson said that his group will soon expandits campaign for Gomes' resignation.

"We're not afraid to reach out to alumni," hesaid.

Anderson suggested that the issue could becomean important one in the University's upcomingfundraising drive

But he said many people are afraid of publiclycriticizing Gomes.

"The homosexual community and those who supportGomes are very powerful in this community,"Anderson said.

Gomes announced he is gay at a rally lastNovember in response to a controversial issue ofthe conservative journal Peninsula, whichfeatured articles critical of homosexuality.

President Neil L. Rudenstine issued a statementin defense of Gomes last week. Rudenstine saidthat as long as Gomes continues to fulfill hisduties he should remain in his post.

A production crew from Hollywood-based ManifoldProductions filmed the vigil and interviewedseveral participants. The footage may be used fora planned Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)documentary, according to Anderson.

A co-founder of the group, Robert K. Wasinger'94, told the group that he does not object toGomes' sexual preference, but rather to hisinterpretation of the Bible's teachings onhomosexuality.

"It is not [Gomes'] personal behavior but hispublic defense of homosexuality as part of aChristian life [that our group is concernedabout]," Wasinger said.

Wasinger said he believes Gomes is a "manworthy of a great deal of respect," but called hismoral views "disturbingly inappropriate for a manholding the office and bearing responsibility ofChristian ministry."

Roger J. Landry '92, a cofounder ofPeninsula, last night called Gomes' views"clearly blasphemous," adding that "there is nodebate on homosexuality in the Bible."

The vigil represents "only the beginning" ofhis group's efforts to obtain Gomes' resignation,according to Anderson. "If Reverend Gomes decidesnot to step down, we'll continue to voice ourconcerns until the day that he does."

Anderson said that his group will soon expandits campaign for Gomes' resignation.

"We're not afraid to reach out to alumni," hesaid.

Anderson suggested that the issue could becomean important one in the University's upcomingfundraising drive