In the national spotlight, the opposing sidessharpened their tongues. The usually reservedGomes harshly criticized the students, whom hecharacterized as "young Buchanan Republicans" inan interview with The Post.

For its part, Concerned Christians garneredconsiderable media attention with a candlelightvigil held on the Memorial Church steps. Only 16students turned out for the vigil, butHollywood-based Manifold Productions was on handto film it for a PBS documentary.

The group also issued a press release askingthe University to look into allegations made by aformer Memorial Church employee.

Edwin R. Melhorn, who was fired by Gomes in May1987, said the minister mismanaged Memorial Churchfunds, created budget deficits and violatedanti-nepotism rules by hiring another resident ofGomes' house.

Vice President and General Counsel DanielSteiner '54 said that the charges wereinvestigated and dismissed in 1987.

Gomes released a two paragraph statementdenying the allegations. Gomes is bound by aconfidentiality agreement--part of the settlementof Melhorn's employment dispute withHarvard--which prohibits him from discussing thespecific allegations, according to his attorney,Steven Brooks.

Gomes says that while he dislikes the nationalpress attention--sermons, not interviews, beinghis preferred form of self-expression--the addedattention is "part of the price" of making theNovember announcement.

"Maybe 14 out of my 15 minutes have run out,"says Gomes, referring to Andy Warhol's maxim thateveryone has his or her 15 minutes in thelimelight. "That's fine. I'm not trying to be aspokesman.

While Gomes claims to shun the role ofspokesperson, students on both sides of thehomosexuality issue say the minister'sannouncement makes him a more political figure oncampus.

"I think it's a very unfortunate circumstancefor Christians at Harvard to have Reverend Gomestake such a radical view on that issue," saysAnderson. "Essentially, now he has taken up thiscause."

Gay student leaders say Gomes is now a morepolitical figure because being openly homosexualis in some senses inherently an activiststatement.

"Every time someone comes out it's sort of anactivist statement," says Dubowski. "If he isstarting to play a different role, it opens up thedoor to a lot more discussion of homosexuality andChristianity."

Some Harvard community leaders feel that Gomes'role has not changed.

"I have not perceived any change in his role,"says Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III. "Hecontinues to draw large audience to MemorialChurch. Equally important, he remains one of themost popular College speakers for alumni."

Political Costs?