Hey FAMUDva:
I think you know I have real respect for you (and for other LHCF/D9 individuals). Deep respect. As you may know, I have acquaintances across the religious lines as well.
But in my personal experience-- a statement of faith is the exception-- not the rule to most GLOs. The way ITE has been ridiculed on GC is a sure example of that. I find that people love to make fun of Christians-- but don't let them dare say something about another group without the fear of not being called PC.
Anyway, Christ is the standard in my life. In Him, I live, I move and have my being. He is my everything. Some people think it's wierd, but I let them-- because I have a peace that can not be described. A peace that many people are still seeking... This is the reason I chose a CGLO and in particular ITE. These women have never had a bad word to say about anyone-- especially other sisters.
With ITE, a strong testiment of faith is the rule-- and I think it's going back to the roots of what some D9s were founded on. A strong faith in God and a strong desire to serve the community.
Unfortuately-- in my personal experience-- I have seen greeks come a far way from these virtues. With the only excuse being offered up "those were bad apples".
I know "bad" and "good" apples happen as groups get larger-- so this does not speak to certain individuals who make up the groups. But as a whole I've found these groups have been a hostile environment for people who want to take their faith to a deeper level. (ie the name calling-- wierdos, Bible thumpers were even used here on GC I believe)
However, with ITE it was different for me. Since we are small, and we require that our members be on one accord spiritually (with the Bible being our final authority) I think it really shapes the character of our group.
Never once do you see us say on the site that there are not other Christians out there. We merely say that we can only speak to what's going on within our organization. I think some people took these statements and blew them out of the water. Which, quite frankly, we expect some people would do. For those people, we just pray (Not out of malice, but with the love of Jesus in our hearts).
As I have stated b4 my Mom, Aunt and Father are 3 Christian people who pledged D9, that I know personally. That's just the tip. Others in our group, know and fellowship with Christians in other sororities. In fact, that's how we found out about the drama-- A Christian sister outside of our sorority informed us.
Our only criteria is that our members must profess a TRUE devotion to God. With other sororities invisible lines about how you look, how much money you have, what kind of clothes you wear, who's your mama, who's your mama's mama, etc-- are the demarcations. It's sad but in many respects it's still true. Hey, I'm just being real and if people want to be mad at me, well they'll just be mad. With Christians--it should not be that way.
Our one criteria-- truly wanting to please God-- is crucial to our core mission and values. As you know, the Bible states there are "wheat and weeds" in the church. Ones who truly seek to please God and honor Him in every area of their lives are the wheat.
This does not mean "wheat" won't make mistakes, it just means that when they do-- they acknowlege them AND they seek to stop making the same ones repeatedly.
As some people mentioned, there is history between the "church" and BGLOs. A lot of what is on our website speaks from the Holy Spirit to that discussion. (some of y'all may not get that-- and it's okay) It's not a matter of validating our group. Our relationship with God has already done that for us...
If people are outside of those two BGLO or BC, people will not be familiar with this ongoing discussion between the groups.
We're not here to defend ourselves, just here to answer sincere questions. 'Cause frankly we'll just continue doing what we feel lead to do.
Now that I've written you a tome LOL--- HTH & thanks for your sincerity.
With kind regards
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