Help with clan sept

[Father Bill]

A personal perspective:

My reading tells me that in any given generation dating back for centuries, about 7% of the population has a father other than the one they thought they had. (I don't imagine that has changed much recently!) That being the case, your genetics and your family history are not likely much of a match once you get back a few generations and encounter that 7% a few times, so... where does your loyalty lie?

In my case, based on some history that I've been able to find, it appears to me that my family has links to the land around the Sinclairs both in Caithness and the Orkneys, and about Rosslyn that date back for centuries. That it's in both places is an indicator to me. To think that none of my ancestors ever married a local girl, and thus become clansmen by marriage, would be unimaginable. As my good friend, a fairly accomplished geneticist and historian has said, "Bill, they didn't keep good records on peasants, and you qualify as such, but under the circumstances, give it up - you're a Sinclair. Get over it." Further, Malcolm, the clan's Chief has said (in writing even!) that those who share the clan's philosophy and goals are welcome as clansmen. Thus, I've thrown in my lot with the Sinclairs and having done so, consider myself to be a Sinclair by both most likely history and by that welcome adoption. I don't intend to fret further over it.

Not all clan chiefs are of the same generous opinion, but for those who are, if you find some history that suggests it to you, you might wish to take advantage of their kindness.

I've often pointed out to folks that we each have two families: the one with which we share DNA, and the one that cares about us. There may or may not be overlap. The question then is, "With which family do you wish to share your life?" As a priest, I can even make a theological case for throwing in your lot with those who care about you and are kind to you rather than what the world calls "relatives", and since the clan has welcomed me so warmly, I consider them to be such. It makes life so much easier than endless and often fruitless searches.

To worry about being able to trace history or genetics seems to me, under the circumstances, to be wracked with potential for error, worry, and disappointment, so I think the happiest decision is to throw in your lot with those who welcome you and not beat yourself up any further trying to "prove" something that may not really be as provable as you might like, or as some might think.

Many will disagree and set out on the quest. Good for them; I wish them well, but hope that they will remember that the history and mythology of the quest tells us that it is inevitably fraught with danger, adventure, disappointment, and possibly even disaster, as much as, and more often than, triumph, so set out only if you know that you're willing to face those, and know that you have my wishes for good luck and my blessing, whichever course you take!

For me... I'm a proud and contented Sinclair because my most likely history, the chief, the clansfolk and I all say so, and I'll support MY clan at all times and in all ways.