Henry Louis Gatesremembered Reverend Gomes for the New Yorker this week, but he was mistaken on one point. Professor Gates wrote that Peter could inhabit a variety of identities because he "anchored himself to none." Instead, I believe that Peter could put on his other identities as the occasion demanded precisely because he knew his true identity as a child of God and a follower of Jesus.
Third, and more personally, he was my friend.
Peter never approved when he'd catch me riding my bike in Harvard Yard. It offended his sense of decorum. And my California style never did make sense to his Puritan sensibilities. But Peter was a good friend to me for nearly thirty years.
Peter was a gracious host, whether in his office or at his home. I have fond memories of sitting at his dinner table with John Stott, Tony Campolo, and other Christians famous, infamous, and nameless alike. His warmth, humor, and love of good food made us all feel welcomed and well cared for.
When I would ask for an appointment to see him in his office he would inevitably greet me with the same question, "Now, dear boy tell me how can I help you?"
And he always did. Whether we were co-sponsoring a series of revival meetings or digging our way out of some mess, Peter provided the wisdom, institutional memory, and strength of conviction to provide real help.
The University, the Christians on campus, and I lost a good friend this week, when God brought one of his friends home. May God rest his soul.
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