June 3, 2008

Gomes Marks 40 Years of Ministry

Widely beloved Harvard figure Peter J. Gomes, Plummer professor of Christian morals and Pusey minister in the Memorial Church, celebrated 40 years as an ordained minister on Sunday...

Widely beloved Harvard figure Peter J. Gomes, Plummer professor of Christian morals and Pusey minister in the Memorial Church, celebrated 40 years as an ordained minister on Sunday; the Boston Globe covered the ceremony at First Baptist Church of Plymouth, where he was ordained.

Speaking at the service, Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick ’78, J.D. ’82, praised Gomes as an "extraordinary, scholarly, self-assured 'Afro-Saxon' utterly determined to define himself on his own terms."

Gomes, a Bates College alumnus, has preached in Memorial Church since 1970. His musings on changing marriage patterns, among Harvardians and others, figured in "The Future of Marriage," from the November-December 2004 issue of Harvard Magazine; read the story here. Another story from our archives, "Gay Like Me" (January-February 1998) discusses Gomes's views on homosexuality.

You might also like

Red brick building with large windows and greenery, set against a bright blue sky.

After a final round of layoffs, University leaders say 165 staff jobs were eliminated across the division.

University Hall with steps and the John Harvard statue, surrounded by trees and a grassy lawn.

Long-discussed reorganization includes layoffs and the end of the Dudley Community.

Ornate wrought iron gate detail against a clear blue sky.

FAS leaders say restructuring will be complete by mid-October.

Most popular

A woman with long hair stands confidently with crossed arms next to a pickup truck.

All That’s Unseen charts the Harvard graduate’s uneasy journey from Appalachia to Cambridge and back.

A smokestack spewing smoke with a wind turbine in its shadow

China’s Excess Wind Energy

Rather than shutting down turbines, China can harness surplus wind energy to make “green” hydrogen fuel and industrial chemicals.

Ellen Langer at home, with her dogs and her own painting of a dog.

Mindfulness—the unconventional research of psychologist Ellen Langer

Psychologist Ellen Langer's unconventional research. Plus, read about applying mindfulness techniques to eating.

Explore More From Current Issue

A smiling elderly man in glasses sits comfortably in a striped armchair.

Harvard Administration

Plus, veteran higher education leader Thomas Ehrlich reflects on university curricula for his 70th reunion

A woman with curly blonde hair sits casually against a stone wall, wearing a black top and jeans.

Chloe Chapin trains her Broadway costume designer’s eye on the history of men’s fashion.

A smiling William C. Kirby in a suit with glasses stands outdoors, surrounded by greenery.

Editor’s Letter

The president of Harvard Magazine’s Board of Directors will step down in September.