Christian greeks choose divine path
Religious fraternity and sorority provide spiritual
alternatives
By Jennifer Louie
Daily Bruin Contributor
Delta Chi Xi’s answering machine message is unlike any you would
expect to find on sorority row. The message, "Let’s arise and sing
together, friends: Hymn No. 89 – ‘Our Great Savior,’" captures the
spiritual essence of this Christian sorority.
Delta Chi Xi and Alpha Gamma Omega (AGO), a self-proclaimed
"Christ-centered fraternity," provide an arena for religious
students within in the greek system.
As an alternative to the Panhellenic sororities, Delta Chi Xi
provides a fellowship group for Christian women, said its vice
president, Cynthia Mosqueda.
Similarly, Mark Gustison, president of Alpha Gamma Omega, said
promoting Christian fellowship is one of the six purposes his
fraternity seeks to serve. Other purposes include presenting
Christian ideals and making Christ known to others. Gustison said
Alpha Gamma Omega aims to "be an example of Christ and prepares
(its members) to serve as Christians."
While other greek members make no religious commitment upon
pledging, Delta Chi Xi requires its pledges to be born-again,
believing that Jesus Christ died for their sins. In addition,
members must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Delta Chi Xi’s pledge application alone makes it stand out among
other sororities. Each applicant must include a written testimony
of how she came to know Christ.
Unlike Delta Chi Xi, Alpha Gamma Omega only requires its
officers to be Christian – not its members. Gustison said
non-Christian members, however, must be in the process of seeking
to know Christ.
"AGO is a Christian house and it has to stay that way," Gustison
explained.
In sharp contrast to other sororities, Mosqueda said the four
members of Delta Chi Xi further their knowledge of God through
Bible studies and fellowship with other Christian women.
Alpha Gamma Omega also holds small group Bible studies in order
to provide an atmosphere in which its 11 active members can share
their struggles and pray for each other.
Delta Chi Xi especially defies the stereotypical image of
sorority girls with its prohibition of drinking and smoking.
Instead, members provide alcohol-free parties and mock
coffeehouses, complete with musicians and poetry readings.
Alpha Gamma Omega also hosts alcohol-free parties, such as the
post-UCLA-USC game party they had in the fall.
Despite its difference from other sororities, the Christian
sorority experiences no negativity from other sororities, Mosqueda
said.
"They (other sororities) are surprised by us starting our own
sorority, but we are encouraged by them," Mosqueda explained. She
added that this year, other greeks welcomed her sorority when it
entered a Homecoming float for the first time.
Stephanie Matter, a fourth-year history student and member of
Alpha Delta Pi sorority, expressed her support for the unique greek
group.
"We’re all for them. We welcome any fraternity or sorority that
wants to be a part of the greek system," Matter said.
John Lofy, a third-year electrical engineering student from
Theta Xi, shared Matter’s supportive attitude toward Alpha Gamma
Omega and Delta Chi Xi. "If a social fraternity isn’t for certain
Christians, a (Christ-centered) fraternity is definitely a good
option," he explained.
Mosqueda and Gustison, who said they would like to have more
interaction with other sororities and fraternities, appreciated a
warm welcome from other greeks.
Many nongreek students said they also support the Christian
houses.
"There has to be an outlet for people who don’t want to party,"
explained Mary Ho, a second-year biochemistry student.
But Kristen Crabtree, a member of Pi Beta Phi, expressed that
she does not completely agree with the structure of Alpha Gamma
Omega and Delta Chi Xi. In keeping with the Panhellenic system,
Crabtree said, "(A fraternity/sorority) shouldn’t be totally
homogenous. I am very in support of diversity. It promotes
independent thinking."
Although the Christian houses’ founding principles are distinct
from other sororities and fraternities, they also possess many
similarities. Like other greek houses, Delta Chi Xi and Alpha Gamma
Omega provide service to the community.
Delta Chi Xi’s service projects include feeding the homeless
through Habitat for Humanity and a recent blood drive. Alpha Gamma
Omega’s community service includes spending time with children from
the Holygrove Orphanage and going Christmas carolling with the
homeless.
Like other greeks, the house members enjoy having fun
together.
Delta Chi Xi’s leisure activities include going to the beach,
rollerblading and backpacking. The sorority also hosts "murder
mystery dinners."
ANDREW SCHOLER/Daily Bruin
Mike Johnston plays the guitar and sings, while the lyrics are
displayed on the wall behind him for others to follow along. Below,
Chum Wongrassamee (background) listens to a song sung by Mike
Johnston (foreground) and contemplates the lyrics.
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