I’ll save my thoughts for the end…
The Grand Lodge of Georgia of Free and Accepted Masons
J. Edward Jennings Jr. – Grand Master
August 19,2009
EDICT No. 2009-1
TO ALL CONSTITUTENT LODGES UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND
LODGE OF GEORGIA, FREE & ACCEPTED MASONS:
WHEREAS: Freemasonry has existed in Georgia since it founding in 1734 and is the oldest Fraternal organization in the State, and;
WHEREAS: Freemasonry is universal in scope, being a Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God, and;
WHEREAS: the Grand Lodge of Georgia, Free & Accepted Masons, holds membership in this worldwide Brotherhood, and;
WHEREAS: our Ancient and Honorable Fraternity welcomes to its doors and offers its privileges to men of all races, colors and national origins who believe in a Supreme Being, as stated in our Degrees and Lectures, and;
WHEREAS: no reference is made to exclude any petitioner with regard to race, color or national origin in any of the Rituals or Masonic Code authorized for use in the Constituent Lodges chartered by the Grand Lodge of Georgia, Free and Accepted
Masons, and;
WHEREAS: it is incumbent on all members of our Brotherhood to abide by the Rule’S, Regulations, Laws and Edicts of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, Free and Accepted Masons;
THEREFOR BE IT RESOLVED:
That no negative reference be made by any officer or member of any lodge chartered under the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, Free and Accepted Masons, in reference to a petitioner’s race, color or national origin, who believe in a Supreme Being, during any Lodge communication, conferral of degrees, proficiency practice o proficiency examination;
Further, be it resolved, that it is the responsibility of the Worshipful Master of each Lodge constituted under the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, Free and Accepted Masons, to insure and enforce strict compliance with this EDICT, an, further, to have it read at the next two communications of the Lodge after receipt by the Lodge.
Any Lodge reported in violation of this Edict will be disciplined.
Given under my hand as Grand master of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, Free and Accepted Masons, this 19th day of August, 2009.
Signed:
J. Edward Jennings Jr.
Attested:
Donald I. DeKalb
The Resolution addresses the issue of the “incident” that took place in June about the charges brought against Gate City Lodge (see My Brothers Keeper) for their raising of an African American to the degree of Master Mason and then allowing him to progress to an officer’s position.
Reading the above, it seems to say nothing of the charges brought, or their spurious nature, any past exclusion based on race, or impropriety of racial segregation. Essentially, it is a safe way of saying that “we don’t promote any bias on race, religion, or color (never mind sexual orientation)” despite what people say. Neither does it seem to suggest any acknowledgment of the bias that this edict was written to.
What do you think? Is this enough? Does this speak to an enlightened brotherhood of man under the fatherhood of God? Is it enough, or should it say more?
The originals below.
“no reference is made to exclude any petitioner with regard to race”
You can do it, you just can’t say it out loud?
I applaud this effort, and I congratulate the MW Grand Master. The current MW Grand Master of Kentucky, has issued a similar edict in Kentucky (I am a KY Mason). I hope that Masonry, nationally, can put racism behind us, and move forward into the 21st century.
As a Tx and FL Freemason (via PHA), I applaude the GM Jennings for making the statment. I would hope that the district leadership and lodge leadership would tkae brothers to tasks on the full adopotion of our “universal” acceptance of all free men. I don’t like it on ANY side of the Craft where brothers segregate or exclude based on race. And while I appreciate my PHA affiliation – I am a freemason first and only…
Travel Light
I’m not certain that it completely addresses the entire issue, but I am certain that MWBro Jennings has to be very careful in how anything is worded as Gate City has not withdrawn their civil suit against the Grand Lodge of Georgia.
I feel like it’s a step in the right direction and hopefully soon we can all put issues of race way behind us.
What of those who brought the charges in the first place? Are they no longer racist?
AF&AM F&AM used interchangeably now? Glad to see things are changing.
@Hiram – Around the US, almost all GLs are designated as either AF&AM or F&AM. The designations have nothing to do with Mainstream vs Prince Hall GLs. For example, Conn is AF&AM, while RI next door is F&AM, as is NY. The PH lodges recognized by mainstream GLs are generally designated by PHA (Prince Hall Affiliate).