I vaguely remember the 15th Psalm being part of the international exam. Is that not correct?

Aha! You are absolutely right! However, it's only fill in the blank. 8 blanks for 16 points. They could miss all but one blank and still pass the exam if they got everything else correct.

Re: 15th Psalm
 

Thank you for that clarification!

I agree that this issue is not pervasive across our membership, perhaps due in part to the location of our chapters. At a particular chapter in the Northeast, I have knowledge that it is a major issue. At the chapter where I advise, also in the NE, I find that one Alpha per class is uncomfortable placing her hand upon a bible. I know that is ok and we make it known that it is acceptable not to do so. It happens frequently but is not a major issue.

i get irritated cause i can hear girls saying "i loved the..." in 'i love the pin.' sometimes i just wanna say "it's not past tense ladies!"

Lyrica-- that's hilarious!

As far as taking an oath upon a King James' Bible, in any organization I have belonged to, I have always been invited to place my hand on the left side of the open book (pointing toward the Old Testament) or to place my hand on a table upon which the book resides, so as not to interfere with my non-Christian beliefs.

I know I mentioned it before, but there is value in leading members in an all-chapter workshop on "the meaning of our ritual" to understand the historical context upon which these references are intended, and not the religious. I feel ADPi has a done a wonderful job of acknowledging cultural diversity and is sensitive to the issue of religion and individuality....

The first time I heard the Creed was at prefs and it was the first time I heard the "Christian Womanhood" reference. It spooked me, but when I recalled what a wonderful connection I had with ADPi and the common sense to know that this group's mission wasn't to convert me, it was clear that ADPi was at the top of my bid card! And I've never once regretted it!

OK, I will tread lightly when typing this . . .

At DLC we discussed the religious nature of ADPi's ritual and other issues . . . . . . .

I typed a whole bunch of stuff, then re-read it and I chose to delete it because I felt that it was "too much."

So, I will just put it like this. "Founded May 15, 1851 at Wesleyan Female College in Macon, Georgia, Alpha Delta Pi holds the distinction of being the first secret society for women and the mother of today’s sorority system. We were founded on the principles of scholarship, leadership, service to others and sisterhood. These principles still guide the policies and programs of the sorority today."

Wesleyan was a Methodist College and therefore we started out with Methodist ideology. (sp?) I see no reason for any one sister or one group of sisters to take it upon theirselves to "change" what ADPi holds so dear. At DLC questions were asked and answered of making changes to "things" and they were denied. ADPi isn't the Baptist Student Union or the Wesleyan Organization, however our history is based on "Christian Womanhood." I respect my Jewish ADPi sisters and hope that they will choose to respect the historical aspects of ADPi as well as the "principles" set by our founders and that "still guide" ADPi today.

Oh, Connie-thank you so much for what you have expressed. Your words are exactly what I have felt everytime I read comments on this thread. There are some of us, old and young, who do not feel the need to become politically correct about every delicate issue in this day and age. The foundations of our sorority are what they are.

I agree, too, but do feel the need to point out this isn't about Jewish members-- it is regarding non-Christian members who come from all sets of faiths and those who are athiest or agnostic. I agree that ADPi has a done an excellent job supporting diversity and the beliefs of individuals, but I do think that members would have less trouble with the "Chrisitan Womanhood" portion of our Creed if there were more ritual programing to address the historical context of the religious undertones in materials like the Creed. I can't blame collegians for taking offense, however misplaced, if chapter programming hasn't addressed they "Why" in how we do things and why we do them.

ETA: As I've explained in previous posts, I'm not Christian. And at prefs when I heard the Creed for the first time, I almost joined another sorority. Why? I felt excluded. I'm glad I went with my heart and joined, and have no regrets, and have gone on to learn about the sorority's ritual history and beginnings, and I DO SUPPORT this Creed with its wording. I have worked with Alum Associations who omit the word-- and it has nothing to do with religion, but that this group is very PC. I don't agree with their subtle changes, but there are bigger battles.

If alumnae members are expected to stay on par with constantly changing sorority lingo (recruitment, alpha member, Continuous Recruitment, TME) as we strive toward being PC, then if we want to maintain our traditions, there is just as much cause to support that decision to remain traditional through educating our collegiate members. This should come from the top.

"Amen" on 2 excellent points! ;) As alumnae advisors, it is our job to guide our collegians on this programming, some of which is available on PO and some in the Ritual book.