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Originally posted by sugar and spice
Personally I think it's kind of shady if ANY organization is saying "We don't have religious references in our ritual" when in reality they do, but that's just me. Fortunately I don't think I've seen that happen yet . . . the closest thing is when people refuse to comment on whether or not the ritual involves religion.
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Alpha Chi Omega does not use religion in our rituals, initiation, or any other aspect of Fraternity and hasn't since our ritual was re-written (I am sure the original writers of initiation - not our founders coincidentally - included it, but not since it was re-written several decades ago has it used religion).
In fact, we are voting to change ritual at convention this year to further clarify this aspect. So not only is it not mentioned in a religious context, its going to be MENTIONED that it is NOT MENTIONED in a religious context. Does that make sense?
It is so funny because of all the groups, we have never had to deal with this issue -- and we have such a Christian sounding name!! I can't tell you how many people think AXO for the religious reference to Jesus being the Alpha and Omega. Nope - not us!
I would say that I would have a big problem putting my hand on a Bible, kneeling at an alter, etc. -- not because I don't consider myself a Christian, but because I consider my sorority life being set apart from my religious beliefs.
And yes, we do discuss with our NM's the importance and significance of our ritual as a dramatization and not a religious experience. In fact, there is a little spiel that is read to both the NM's and the actives at every initiation to remind us of that. No one is in for any surprises and no life-size Jesus statues are going to be brought out
As for this guy - he is a fool, and I agree with ktsnake - he is trying to cover up the fact that he wasn't doing his job. If you disagree with ritual, you should leave -- and if you are initiated and disagree, then you should have the right not to participate, but also not to hold an office where that is going to be required.
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