The Harvard Gay and Lesbian Caucus, an organization composed of University alumni, faculty and staff, released a letter in April calling for commitment ceremonies to be held in Memorial Church. Caucus chair Robert Mack pegged membership at about 1,900 and said the organization stands behind the recommendation.

"We sent information to the Board concerning both campus churches that do perform the ceremonies and the format of those ceremonies," Mack said. "We have followed the process weekly since February and have been satisfied to the present time that the [Board] is on track," he said.

Mack said the Caucus will remain in close contact with the Board and that, should the process be stifled, the organization will mobilize to forward their cause.

"We are prepared to take action if called to do so," Mack said.

On January 12, the Undergraduate Council passed a resolution by a vote of 34 to six urging Memorial Church to allow same sex commitment ceremonies for lesbian and gay couples.

The resolution alleged that failure to do so would violate the University's non-discrimination policy, which includes sexual orientation as a potential discriminatory characteristic.

Students on both sides of the issue have been vocal. Former council member John J. Applebaum '97 was one of the votes against the resolution in the Undergraduate Council.

"The office of the president is part of a long tradition," Appelbaum said yesterday. "I can't think of a greater affront to that tradition than the thought of two men getting their union sanctified in Memorial Church."

The interdenominational Board of Ministry includes Chittick, Chrisman, Gomes, Mikelson, Rabbi Sally Finestone, Father George Salzman, University Marshall Richard Hunt, Samuel T. Lloyd III of Trinity Church, Boston, and Rev. Victor H. Kazanjian Jr., Dean of Religious Life and the Chaplaincy at Wellesley College