William Murphy Pledges Omega Psi Phi

Source: Nykieria Chaney / Getty

Grammy nominated gospel artist and celebrity pastor, Bishop William Murphy, has joined Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

Last week, Murphy teased the news with an invitation to his probate – a formal presentation where newly initiated members of a fraternity or sorority publicly reveal their identities to the Greek community. The Instagram post was captioned, “I really haven’t said much about this but it’d be super cool if I looked up and saw your face in the place…” The announcement was met with much congratulations from followers, mainly from those who are a part of a Black Greek Letter Organization (BGLO).

However, it was Murphy’s friend and fellow pastor and Kappa Jamal Bryant’s clip of the probate that took social media by storm. It showed Murphy giving his formal announcement as a new member. He was dressed in purple and gold, Omega Psi Phi’s signature colors, and wore a dog collar around his neck, another trademark of the organization.

Responses to this post struck an opposite tune to the first.

One user said, “Saints, Greek life is still demonic even if your favorite gospel artist joins.” Another commented, “From clergy collar to a dog collar… What a downgrade. Y’all wanna be so accepted by the world. So sad.”

Last year the Christian community was divided as many believers found it hard to reconcile their faith and their affiliation with BGLOs.

As ones with new convictions detailed revelations of idolatry, a mass exit seemed to occur. Of those was a TikTok user who went viral for publicly denouncing her sorority less than thirty days after her initiation. In an open letter, she stated her decision was influenced by the organization’s ceremonies, oaths, and honoring of a Greek goddess. The young woman also stated she was not privy to specific process requirements needed to become an official member. She claimed they went directly against her Christian values and were behaviors she no longer wanted to compromise on.

Of said requirements was a vow ceremony. This entailed kneeling before a ceremonial table and reciting from the organization’s Ritual Book, “vows and obligations from which you can never be freed.” She argued that Scripture directly speaks against such actions, quoting the first Commandment, “You shall have no other gods before Me,” as well as Joshua 23:16, “If you violate the covenant of the Lord your God, which he commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them, the Lord’s anger will burn against you, and you will quickly perish from the good land he has given you.”

Murphy’s announcement has rekindled this conversation.

Members who are also Christians say leaving and joining are personal choices. They argue the organization will only become an idol if you make it one. Conversely, critics staunchly disapprove of joining and fully support denunciations.

Curiosity around these organizations, their history, and processes spark questions in those who are unfamiliar: If the organizations are meant to promote togetherness, why is there exclusivity and secret processes? Why does one have to pledge their life in order to be accepted? What is the correlation, if any, between Greek culture and mythology and Black culture that would cause founders to create these organizations promoting it? How do you reconcile using Bible-based text to make a pledge to an unaffiliated organization? Why has God “revealed” it to be idolatry to some and not others?

We want to hear your thoughts. Do you believe Christians can faithfully serve both God and Greek Letter Organizations?

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