Rev. Peter J. Gomes, known as "Harvard's Pastor," was regarded as one of America's most distinguished preachers. Although a staunch Republican, Gomes, an openly gay man, was an outspoken critic of anti-gay discrimination.
In November 1991, Gomes spoke to a crowd of students gathered to protest a student publication that had condemned homosexuality. The New York Times reported:
"I do not know when the quality of life has been more violated," he told a crowd of about 100 as he stood on the steps of Memorial Church, setting off sustained applause when he added, "I am a Christian who happens as well to be gay. ... Those realities, which are irreconcilable to some, are reconciled in me by a loving God."
Gomes was Plummer Professor of Christian Morals at Harvard's Divinity School and the author of several books, including The Scandalous Gospel of Jesus: What's So Good About The Good News? He was 68-years-old when he suffered an aneurysm and heart attack.
In November 1991, Gomes spoke to a crowd of students gathered to protest a student publication that had condemned homosexuality. The New York Times reported:
"I do not know when the quality of life has been more violated," he told a crowd of about 100 as he stood on the steps of Memorial Church, setting off sustained applause when he added, "I am a Christian who happens as well to be gay. ... Those realities, which are irreconcilable to some, are reconciled in me by a loving God."
Gomes was Plummer Professor of Christian Morals at Harvard's Divinity School and the author of several books, including The Scandalous Gospel of Jesus: What's So Good About The Good News? He was 68-years-old when he suffered an aneurysm and heart attack.
