EDITOR’S NOTE ON A MINISTER’S VIEW OF FRATERNITIES

The following is an article that appeared in the December 2005 – January 2006 issue of Crossroads, a publication of the Catholic Campus Ministry Association.  The article is reprinted here with permission for two reasons.  First, in contrast to usually negative views published in the media on fraternities and sororities, the author offers very positive comments about his experience with fraternity and sorority members.  Secondly, the author’s observations on the value-base association of Greeks is worth emphasizing.  Emphasis on the articulated values and purpose of each fraternity and sorority remain an important part of enforcing the First Amendment Freedom of Association Right of fraternities and sororities.  Should a Greek group ever find it necessary to litigate to protect its Freedom of Association rights, courts will look to whether or not their activities qualify the organization as an expressive association.  A fraternity and sorority that honors and respects and promotes its values is more far more likely to succeed than a chapter which has ignored them.