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I can't say too much, obviously, but SAI does reference the Greek Bible (New Testament) in ritual and in our Symphony, which can be a bit out of the blue for a non-Christian. And really, the usage can be heavy at times. Unfortunately, this aspect of our sisterhood was never made clear in my chapter, and it was only revealed at a point where most sisters said they felt unable to drop, that they were too devoted to leave over it. We come from a private Lutheran university. No-one thinks to stop and ask if someone is a non-Christian.
I understand that religious texts are quoted because of their meaning to the founders and to the populace at large. But at the same time, they can be alienating to members who do not affirm the meaning and validity of the Greek Bible. It is a hard place for many organisations, I'm sure, and a tough position out of which to navigate without being overly PC but not being insensitive to issues of cultural diversity in the 21st century. Would I be happier if the Greek Bible references were removed from ritual? I can't say right now. They have meaning now for me as a sister, but as a pledge they were jarring and only reminded me of things with which I was dealing at the time that were unconnected to the sorority.
I think religion has its place. I'm not entirely sold that it is within the formalised rites and rituals of SAI.
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