Jesus was in a frat. If fraternity is defined as a band of brothers brought together by common beliefs and traditions, then Jesus and his disciples fit the description.
Alpha Gamma Omega, UCLA’s Christian fraternity, strives to keep this spirit of fundamental brotherhood alive.
AGO is UCLA’s only Christian fraternity. Its name comes from the Book of Revelation when the Lord says “I am Alpha and Omega,” meaning “I am the beginning and the end.”
The fraternity was founded in 1927 at UCLA, home to the Alpha chapter of the fraternity, which includes seven chapters in southern California and one in Colorado.
Though a “Christian fraternity” can seem like an oxymoron, the brothers of AGO said that they believe their organization exemplifies the true definition of fraternity.
Rey Henry, a third-year music and history student and a member of the house, said he does not feel the two concepts are in conflict.
“It is only a contradiction because of what “˜fraternity’ has become,” he said, referencing the modern stigma of fraternities as mostly social institutions. AGO is a dry house with a no-alcohol policy, he added.
A small house with 20 members of different denominations, AGO is much like any other fraternity.
They participate in events with the Panhellenic sororities such as bonfires and bowling; hold their annual philanthropy, a powder-puff football game benefiting Union Rescue Mission; and have regular Monday night meetings.
The added element of religion permeates throughout. Prayer and devotional are held during meetings and they have regular Bible studies on Thursdays.
“Christ is our core,” said Giovanny Panginda, AGO’s vice president.
Kevin Escudero, the fraternity’s president, described AGO as a “dichotomy of the social and the religious.”
Jose Serrano, an AGO member, said, “It’s like living in two worlds.” The students said that they feel their unique place gives them purpose, and they strive to reach out to both the Christian community and the Greek community.
They often open their house to Christian groups as a venue. They recently hosted the 24/7 prayer event that lasted from midnight Oct. 29 to midnight Oct. 31.
On the Greek front, AGO members said they are proud of two projects: Thursday Night BBQs and Water on the Row.
Every Thursday night the brothers open their doors to anyone and everyone out on Frat Row. They provide free food and a safe environment for those that are intoxicated.
They also welcome students of different faiths, providing kosher hot dogs for Jewish guests. Other brothers walk around during prime socializing hours offering free water to those on the street.
The men of AGO said that they constantly encounter questions of how they reconcile their strong Christian faith with being in a fraternity, and the speculation often comes from other Christians.
However, the brothers said that being in a Christian fraternity offers advantages a regular religious group does not. Escudero said he emphasized the importance of constantly being surrounded by others of the same faith.
“Living in the house, you always have someone to talk to or pray with. We are held accountable for each other,” he said.
Michael Balderas, a third-year philosophy and Spanish student and a pledge, said, “I feel welcome and loved.”
The brothers have more than the fraternity stigma to overcome. They said they want to break the stereotype of Christians who forcibly instill their beliefs in others.
“If people want to talk to us they will,” Henry said. “We just want to love people like Christ would have and have people see, “˜Wow, they really care.'”
The guys can be lighthearted about the extent to which religion infuses their life. “Jesus loves my nerdiness,” Escudero said regarding juggling presidential responsibilities with a large class load.
At the end of the day the men of AGO take their motto “Fraternity for Eternity” very seriously.
Members said they are a band of brothers brought together by common beliefs and traditions that describe their relationships as brotherhood beyond friendship and are constantly looking to reach out with caring to the UCLA community.