Exploring The Intersection: Christianity, Black Greek Letter Organizations, & Denouncement

On May 21st, Zora Maebell Sanders, a rising senior at Howard University released a statement on social media, officially renouncing and denouncing her Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. membership.

“I am writing this letter to inform Nationals that I have officially renounced and denounced membership in the organization,” Sanders writes. “As of May 1st 2024, I have informed Alpha Chapter of my decision to depart and have appropriately given all paraphernalia/anything affiliated in any capacity- back to the organization.”

“Before I was invited to join the organization, despite all the research and information I had gathered, I was not aware of the specific requirements needed to become an official member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated,” Sanders continues.

Sanders goes on to outline her reasons, which primarily stem from conflicts between the organization’s rituals and her Christian beliefs. Sanders expressed discomfort with the requirement to take oaths and participate in rituals that she perceives as ‘conflicting with her religious convictions.’ Specifically, she cites ‘concerns about idolatry,’ highlighting instances where she believes the organization’s practices deviate from Christian principles.

The announcement has sparked widespread controversy in BGLO and HBCU communities and has led to a conflict between certain aspects of Greek life and Christian beliefs and values. Leaving some Christians, particularly those involved in BGLOs, to question whether participation in Greek organizations aligns with their faith.

Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs), also known as historically Black fraternities and sororities, are social organizations primarily founded by African American students on college campuses in the United States. These organizations serve various purposes, including promoting academic excellence, providing community service, fostering leadership development, and nurturing brotherhood or sisterhood among members.

The origins of BGLOs trace back to the early 20th century, a time when African American students faced significant racial segregation and discrimination on college campuses. Denied membership in predominantly White fraternities and sororities, Black students sought to create their own organizations that would offer similar opportunities for camaraderie, personal growth, and social advancement.

The first BGLO, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University by a group of Black students led by Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, and Eugene Kinckle Jones. Subsequently, other organizations followed suit, including Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. (1911), Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. (1911), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (1908), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. (1913), and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. (1920), among others.

BGLO organizations quickly gained popularity and influence, — spreading to college campuses across the country and becoming integral parts of the Black collegiate experience. The organizations provided platforms for advocacy, activism, and community engagement, while also fostering a sense of pride, identity, and solidarity among Black students.

Over the decades, BGLOs have expanded their focus beyond campus life to include broader community service initiatives, philanthropy, and social justice advocacy. Today, they continue to play a vital role in the African American community, serving as pillars of leadership, empowerment, and cultural preservation.

However, in recent years, a substantial share of Christians have denounced their affiliation with BGLOs, publicly criticizing them as “idolatrous” for their symbolic use of Greek letters and accusing them of prioritizing allegiance to their organization over fidelity to their faith.

The current controversy surrounding Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) and Christianity involves debates over the compatibility of Greek life principles with Christian beliefs and values. Some Christians within BGLOs and their broader religious communities contend that certain aspects of Greek organizations, such as social activities, partying, and rituals, may conflict with their faith.

Specific points of contention include concerns about the promotion of materialism, hedonism, and moral relativism within Greek life, as well as the potential for peer pressure and conformity to lead individuals away from their religious convictions. Additionally, questions arise about the spiritual implications of participating in organizational rituals or practices that may diverge from Christian teachings.

Conversely, proponents of BGLOs argue that these organizations can align with Christian values by promoting brotherhood/sisterhood, community service, leadership development, and academic excellence. They emphasize the positive impact that Greek life can have on personal growth, social networking, and community engagement, suggesting that participation in BGLOs can be compatible with a strong Christian faith.

The history of Christians denouncing their Greek letters within fraternities and sororities is rooted in a complex interplay of religious beliefs, social dynamics, and cultural shifts. While some Christians have expressed discomfort with certain aspects of Greek life, such as the emphasis on social activities and partying, others have raised concerns about the perceived conflict between the values promoted by their faith and those espoused by Greek organizations.

Christians denouncing their Greek letters have occurred sporadically over the years, — often stemming from individual convictions or personal experiences within these organizations. These denouncements may be prompted by a variety of factors, including disagreements with the organizational culture, moral objections to certain behaviors or rituals, or a desire to prioritize one’s faith above all else.

While specific details on individual cases may vary, several common themes and factors have contributed to these instances:

1. Religious Convictions: Many Christians within BGLOs have cited their religious convictions as the primary reason for their decision to denounce their letters. They may express concerns about the compatibility of certain aspects of Greek life, such as social activities, rituals, or organizational values, with their faith.
2. Moral Objections: Some individuals have raised moral objections to behaviors or practices within BGLOs that they perceive as inconsistent with Christian teachings. This could include issues such as hazing, substance abuse, or promiscuity, which may conflict with their personal values and beliefs.
3. Spiritual Awakening: In some cases, Christians have undergone a spiritual awakening or reevaluation of their faith that leads them to reassess their involvement in Greek organizations. This process of introspection may prompt individuals to prioritize their relationship with God over their membership in BGLOs.
4. External Influences: External factors, such as pressure from family members, church leaders, or religious communities, may also play a role in influencing individuals to denounce their letters. These external influences can contribute to a sense of moral obligation or duty to uphold Christian values.
5. Public Criticism: Public criticism or scrutiny of BGLOs by Christian leaders, organizations, or media outlets may prompt individuals to publicly denounce their affiliation as a way of distancing themselves from perceived moral or ethical shortcomings within these organizations.

The Christian denouncement of Greek letters holds relevance for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) students in several ways. Firstly, many HBCUs have strong ties to religious institutions or traditions, and a significant portion of their student body identifies as Christian. As such, discussions surrounding the compatibility of Greek life with Christian values may resonate deeply within these communities.

Also, HBCUs often serve as epicenters of cultural and social activism, advocating for the empowerment and progress of Black communities. Within this framework, debates surrounding the role of Greek organizations and their adherence to Christian values intersect with broader conversations about identity, social justice, and community representation.

Moreover, the historical legacy of Black Greek organizations at HBCUs adds layers to the discourse. While these organizations have historically fostered leadership, camaraderie, and community service among Black students, questions about their alignment with Christian ideals prompt reflection among Christian students engaged in Greek life.

Overall, the Christian denouncement of Greek letters among HBCU students underscores the intersectionality of faith, culture, and social dynamics within these institutions. As students navigate their personal and academic journeys, they may grapple with questions of identity, ethics, and belonging, seeking to reconcile their religious beliefs with their engagement in campus life, including participation in Greek organizations.

In recent decades, the discourse surrounding Christians and Greek letters has become more prominent, fueled in part by increased scrutiny of Greek life practices and a growing awareness of social justice issues within college campuses. This has led to greater introspection among Christian students involved in Greek organizations, prompting some to reevaluate their participation and, in some cases, to publicly renounce their affiliation with these groups.

In a February 2024 op-ed for the St. Louis American, Professor Reverend Keith Magee discusses his identity as a Christian and a proud member of two Black fraternities, Kappa Alpha Psi and Sigma Pi Phi.

“I am convinced that through the story of Jesus’ life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and soon-to-come return, the message He is sending us, in His wisdom, is one of love. I try to embody that message in everything I do. I am also a proud member of two Black fraternities, Kappa Alpha Psi (one of the Divine Nine collegiate BGLOs) and Sigma Pi Phi (for professionals),” Magee says.

Reverend Magee refutes the notion that membership in Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) conflicts with Christian beliefs, asserting that their affiliation with BGLOs has never compromised his faith or led him into ungodly alliances.

He also challenges the perception that BGLOs are inherently at odds with Christian values and advocates for extending grace and understanding to these organizations, highlighting their positive contributions to communities and their members’ commitment to service and kindness.

While the history of Christians denouncing their Greek letters is characterized by diverse experiences and perspectives, it reflects ongoing conversations about the intersection of faith, identity, and community within the context of higher education.

As societal norms continue to evolve and religious beliefs shape individual choices, the discourse surrounding Christians and Greek letters is likely to remain a topic of interest and debate within both religious and secular communities.

Overall, the controversy surrounding BGLOs and Christianity reflects broader discussions about the intersection of faith, identity, and social dynamics within collegiate communities. As individuals grapple with these complex issues, they may seek to navigate a path that honors both their religious convictions and their sense of belonging within Greek organizations.

To address the controversy surrounding Christianity and the denouncement of Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs), several solutions may be considered:

1. Dialogue and Education: Foster open and respectful dialogue between members of Christian communities and BGLOs to address misconceptions, clarify beliefs, and promote understanding. Educational initiatives could include workshops, panels, or forums where individuals can discuss their perspectives and learn from one another.
2. Interfaith Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between religious and Greek life organizations on college campuses to promote mutual respect and cooperation. Joint events, service projects, and discussions could help bridge divides and foster solidarity among diverse communities.
3. Values-Based Programming: Develop programming within BGLOs that emphasizes alignment with Christian values, such as service, integrity, compassion, and social justice. By highlighting the shared principles between Greek life and Christianity, organizations can reinforce their commitment to faith while addressing concerns raised by Christian members.
4. Accountability Measures: Implement robust accountability measures within BGLOs to address issues of hazing, misconduct, and ethical lapses. Clear policies, training programs, and reporting mechanisms can help ensure that organizational practices uphold Christian principles of integrity, honesty, and respect for others.
5. Spiritual Support Resources: Provide spiritual support resources within BGLOs for members navigating questions of faith and identity. Chaplaincy programs, mentorship opportunities, and counseling services can offer guidance, encouragement, and pastoral care to individuals grappling with the intersection of their religious beliefs and organizational affiliations.
6. Community Engagement: Encourage BGLOs to deepen their engagement with local Christian communities through collaborative service projects, worship events, and outreach initiatives. By demonstrating their commitment to shared values and goals, organizations can build stronger connections and foster mutual respect with Christian constituents.
7. Leadership Development: Invest in leadership development programs within BGLOs that cultivate ethical leadership skills and promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and integrity. By empowering members to lead with integrity and compassion, organizations can strengthen their credibility and relevance within Christian communities.

By embracing these solutions, stakeholders can come together in a spirit of collaboration to address the concerns surrounding Christianity and the denouncement of Black Greek Letter Organizations. In doing so, they can nurture a climate of empathy, mutual respect, and unity within our diverse communities.