If medical associations or bar associations tolerate bad doctors or lawyers, we lose confidence in those professions.
When an accountant or realtor association drums out unethical members, we gain confidence in those professions.
No large group of humans can prevent the entry of all bad actors or, if somehow they can, they cannot prevent some of their members from taking a path harmful to others.
We get more of what we tolerate.
Suspension or expulsion are sad and solemn duties. But also happy ones, as we prove to ourselves that we will not be dragged down by certain acts or actors.
Did you know that a Sitting Grand Master cannot be tried for UnMasonic Conduct? So in essence they can do anything they want and still be protected under the canopy of the Washington Masonic Code. We could theoretically have a Grand Master say racist things and its actually protected per the Washington Masonic Code
Guarding the west gate and keeping the Sanctum Sanctorum of the temple pure, is not work for the weak.
"For the good of Masonry" is the greatest test to determine whether something distasteful like rejecting a petitioner and barring them from receiving the rights and benefits of our Worshipful Lodge or suspending/expelling a brother from our craft for conduct which violates Masonic code.
Personalities conflicts and civil disputes should NOT factor in to either of these decisions. Unless, such transgressions violate Masonic Law. I have experienced, rejection as a petitioner over what seemingly amounted to a workplace personality conflict.
This was significantly distressing and almost ended my search for Masonic Light, permanently.
If it weren't for one Brother in particular I wouldn't be penning these words today.
This experience put the ugly business of protecting the Craft into the proper perspective. That doesn't make it easier, but it allows me to execute these decisions with greater empathy and confidence.
Thank you, MW.
It is a sad duty but also a happy one.
If medical associations or bar associations tolerate bad doctors or lawyers, we lose confidence in those professions.
When an accountant or realtor association drums out unethical members, we gain confidence in those professions.
No large group of humans can prevent the entry of all bad actors or, if somehow they can, they cannot prevent some of their members from taking a path harmful to others.
We get more of what we tolerate.
Suspension or expulsion are sad and solemn duties. But also happy ones, as we prove to ourselves that we will not be dragged down by certain acts or actors.
I have not experienced this personally other than the incident where our Vancouver Masonic Center’s finances were compromised.
Personally, I was shocked as a younger Mason this Man was a “look up to Ritualistic”…
I accepted what I was told and have never seen within my District or my Lodge any other Masonic infractions.
Did you know that a Sitting Grand Master cannot be tried for UnMasonic Conduct? So in essence they can do anything they want and still be protected under the canopy of the Washington Masonic Code. We could theoretically have a Grand Master say racist things and its actually protected per the Washington Masonic Code
Guarding the west gate and keeping the Sanctum Sanctorum of the temple pure, is not work for the weak.
"For the good of Masonry" is the greatest test to determine whether something distasteful like rejecting a petitioner and barring them from receiving the rights and benefits of our Worshipful Lodge or suspending/expelling a brother from our craft for conduct which violates Masonic code.
Personalities conflicts and civil disputes should NOT factor in to either of these decisions. Unless, such transgressions violate Masonic Law. I have experienced, rejection as a petitioner over what seemingly amounted to a workplace personality conflict.
This was significantly distressing and almost ended my search for Masonic Light, permanently.
If it weren't for one Brother in particular I wouldn't be penning these words today.
This experience put the ugly business of protecting the Craft into the proper perspective. That doesn't make it easier, but it allows me to execute these decisions with greater empathy and confidence.