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your comment at the cross post on Masonic
Traveler
When you enter the Masonic
fraternity you tend to take a lot for granted. For
example, that
your Lodge will operate like other nonprofit institutions
you are familiar with or the general laws and rules of the country and state
where you reside. Interestingly, it doesn't and, instead, marches to its
own unique drummer. Aside from the obligations you take as a Mason, you are
really not cognizant of the mechanisms of the fraternity or what you are
entitled to. This caused me a couple of years ago to start seeking a "Bill of Rights" for
the individual Mason. Remarkably, you don't find very much in this regards.
There is of course the Ancient Landmarks of
Freemasonry, but this is more geared towards the administration of the
Grand Lodge system. Masonic law differs from jurisdiction to jurisdiction,
but it too primarily addresses the workings of the Grand Lodge. But finding
a listing of the fundamental rights we should all enjoy as individual Master
Masons is another matter altogether. To this end, I have assembled an initial
list of rights. I began by examining the U.S. Bill of Rights as well as other
comparable documents. I then reviewed drafts of my proposed rights with other
Masons whom I respect.
Below is my final draft of the rights all Master Masons in good standing
should enjoy.
- Freedom of speech - the right for recognized Master Masons to assemble and discuss
subjects pertaining to the fraternity in general, and the right of recognized
Master Masons belonging to a specific jurisdiction to assemble and discuss
subjects pertaining to their governing Masonic body. This includes the drafting
and debating of legislation pertaining to the Master Mason's Craft Lodge and
governing Masonic body. Such discourse should be done respectfully and not
violate Masonic obligations.
- Universal treatment - the right to be treated with equal courtesy and dignity as
other members of the Lodge, whether at home or as a visitor, with friendship, morality,
and brotherly love. This includes being treated fairly, honestly, respectfully, and
helpfully by Masonic brothers and act as such in return; to offer wise counsel to
Brothers when needed, and accept such in return; and to promote trust and cooperation
between brothers. To avoid discussions in Lodge regarding religion and politics which
may disrupt the harmony of the Lodge. Master Masons respect the opinions and dignity
of the individual.
- Freedom of information - the right to be made aware of the actions and activities of
the governing Masonic body of which the Master Mason belongs. This includes full
disclosure of financial accounting, the rules and regulations under which the Masonic
body operates, all records pertaining to the individual Mason (his own records), the
names and contact information of Lodge brothers, and a report on the general
administration of the Masonic body.
- Freedom to participate - the right to attend all recognized Masonic meetings
and related functions while adhering to proper Masonic decorum. To volunteer
time and service in support of the Lodge, the community, and the world at large.
- Fair trial - In all Masonic prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a
speedy, fair and impartial trial, open to all recognized Master Masons, and judged
by a jury of his Masonic peers. The accused will be informed of the nature and
cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him;
to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the
assistance of counsel for his defense.
- Right to vote - the right to vote and ballot on all pertinent issues related
to the Master Mason's Craft Lodge and governing Masonic body.
- Right to representation - the right to expect the elected officers of the
Craft Lodge to represent the collective interests of its membership, and that
the elected officers of the governing Masonic body to represent the collective
interests of the Craft Lodges. In no event are the elected officers of the
Craft Lodge to usurp the rights or misrepresent the Master Mason, and in no
event are the elected officers of the governing Masonic body to usurp the rights
or misrepresent the Craft Lodges.
- Right to seek further light - the right for a Master Mason to seek out and
investigate the secrets, history, and workings of the Masonic Order and to
share such knowledge with recognized Master Masons.
I have been over this list numerous times and have been very sensitive to
the wording. Nonetheless, I am sure there is an omission I have undoubtedly
overlooked or something requiring clarification or improvement. Consequently,
I see this "Masonic Bill of Rights" as a work in progress and would welcome
your suggestions for improving it.
This list alone should make for some interesting food for thought, particularly
for our younger Brethren as they embark on their Masonic career.
Keep the Faith.
NOTE: The opinions expressed in this essay are my own and do not
necessarily represent the views or opinions of any Grand Masonic jurisdiction
or any other Masonic related body. As with all of my Masonic articles herein,
please feel free to reuse them in Masonic publications or re-post them on Masonic
web sites (except Florida). When doing so, please add the following:
Article reprinted with permission of the author and www.FreemasonInformation.com
Please forward me a copy of the publication when it is produced.
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Copyright © 2008 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
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