Spital said he met with Gomes; University Marshal and chair of the Faculty Council on Religion Richard Hunt; Harvard Gay and Lesbian Caucus Co-Chair Robert W. Mack '71, and several students last week to discuss same-sex commitment ceremonies.
One issue the group considered was a comparison of Memorial Church's policy to the commitment-ceremony policies of other University churches, he said.
"Reverend Gomes said whatever the Board decided, people would want to have some sort of research period to consider a decision," Spital said.
Other attendants of the meeting included James Slayten, one of the men who had originally asked to hold a commitment ceremony in the church; Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian and Transgendered Student Alliance Co-Chair Jane I. Aceituno '97, and Seth J. Persily, a Harvard Law School student who organized the candlelight vigil.
Council President Lamelle D. Rawlins '99, who attended the vigil, said she is confident the Board will eventually vote to permit same-sex ceremonies.
"I was deeply impressed [at the vigil by Reverend Mikelson's personal commitment," Rawlins said. "I believe Harvard will stand by its non-discrimination policy in this case."
Rawlins said allowing the ceremonies would benefit the University as a whole.
"It would be a victory not only for bisexual, gay and lesbian students but for all students here at Harvard," Rawlins said.
Council Vice President Mark A. Price '98 agreed but said he hopes a concrete policy in favor of the ceremonies will result from the three-month research period.
"The fact that they plan to investigate the matter seems promising, but I hope they will decide to endorse the blessings," he said.
Other Board members include: Rabbi Sally Finestone of Harvard-Radcliffe Hillel; Dr. Cyrus Mehta; Rev. Samuel T. Lloyd III of Trinity Church; Father George S. Salzmann, and Rev. Victor H. Kasanjian Jr., dean of religious life at Wellesley College.
The next Board meeting had been scheduled for May 9, but Gomes has cited a conflict and the meeting has yet to be rescheduled