Since the question was asked...

1. Why I sympathize for the situation the brother has gotten himself into, it seems it is just that--a situation he got himself into. He knew the PHA Lodge was not recognized by one of his GL's, yet he attended anyway, in violation of his obligation to that GL. To be clear, this is not an instance of being in a recognized lodge and a PHA brother also comes in, even though your GL and his are not in amity. Many GL's by custom, if not by edict, have consented to such an arrangement.

2. Do not apply the laws of your GL to this situation. I would be very careful in asserting that dimission would resolve the issue (though apparently moot). Some GL's could maintain the jurisdiction to punish, and certainly can do so to ANY mason within their jurisdiction.

3. The advice to join another GL is not well taken. First, that Lodge/GL will check with Kentucky. If KY will not give a dimit, they are unlikely to give a certificate of good standing. Further, this may spur charges. I am personally aware of a circumstance where this was attempted and it lead to charges that likely otherwise would never have been brought, as it was felt the brother was trying to flee into the hill country...

4. I should think the better advice is to write to the KY GM, admit the violation, apologize, explain that it was done out of ignorance and that it won't happen again. Then, if you can't live by the laws of that jurisdiction, dimit.

5. I am unaware of California withdrawing recognition from any State GL over the PHA issue. I have a call into the GSec to clarify exactly exactly what this legislation was.

6. Assertions as to recognition must be specific. Is the recognition for the PHA and State GL which share jurisdiction? All PHA? Only PHA which are in amity w/ their State GL counterpart? Despite our efforts (which are still ongoing), my mother GL is not in amity with all PHA GL's.

7. Use of the terms of "F&AM" or "AF&AM" to distinguish between PHA and State GL's is not helpful. Any number of State GL's are AF&AM and some are neither (I'm a member of all three varieties).

8. Rather than complain on a BB about the state of recognition with your GL, wouldn't it be better to sponsor legislation to change things; To serve on a recognition committee? That's what foot soldiers do.

8. Beware of barracks lawyers. They are of little use outside the barracks.

quote:

Originally posted by cemab4y:
I honestly thought that I was doing nothing wrong. Associating with soldiers and officers in the US Army, who practice Freemasonry, should not be grounds for expulsion. I hold dual memberships KY and New York. I honestly thought that since NY recognizes Prince Hall, then my NY membership permitted me to visit the lodge. In 2006, I visited a lodge in Moscow, which is a regular lodge, and recognized by KY. I did even check with NY, because I attended under my KY membership.

I keep a blog of my activities here in Iraq. If I thought I was doing something wrong, I would not have made the posting. It is only when you are breaking a regulation, is when you keep it a secret. I am 3000 miles from home, in the Iraqi desert. No one would have ever known.

Masonic veterans are pounding the Grand Lodge of KY, with comments, that are "incendiary". But the decision has been made. I will be expelled, all that it will take is some paperwork.

Masonry is no longer part of my life. I will take my discipline like a man.

Brother Charles,
Your case has become a very interesting case to say the least. And I'm sure a few GL persons who are foaming at the mouth about anyone even discussing this on a board. But true Freemasons have always been free thinkers with nothing to hide other than the secrets of the Craft itself.
First, have you pleaded your case to the GL of KY. And as good Masons you have a claim upon their kindness for there is hope they will just whisper good council in your ear and aid a reformation. But then in some cases those teaching have been lost somewhere in time to some.
Second and hopefully the GL of NY, since they do recognize PHA, that being expelled for the reason stated is not a valid reason for NY to comply with same extreme prejudice. If they do, then they do not truly believe in their own rules.
But if you come up with the wrong end of the stick Charlie. Just turn it around and hand it back. Just don't roll over for such a petty deal in today's world. The world has far more problems and we still have a few out there that think because you sat with PHA brothers the sky will fall in.
Keep the faith Brother.
John
PDDGM

In answer to the last several posts:

I have visited lodges in 11 states, Washington DC, and four foreign countries. I always check to see that the sponsoring Grand lodge is in communication with my Grand Lodge(s). When I was in Moscow(Russia) in 2006, I satisfied myself that the Russian lodge was in communications with KY, I did not even check with NY, because once I was satisfied that the lodge was "regular", it was regular.

As a New York Mason, I am entitled to visit any lodge recognized by New York. I satisfied myself that the lodge in Iraq, was "regular", and in communications with my NY lodge. I did not check to see about KY recognition. Ky forbids visitation with "clandestine" lodges. The lodge here in Iraq, is NOT clandestine, being in full communications with the GL of New York. A lodge cannot be both regular and "clandestine" at the same time.

The GL of KY told my KY lodge not to accept any requests for demit.

Men from all over the USA have contacted me, and offered me memberships in their lodges, they all promise to ignore and refuse any request for expulsion from any other GL.

I have written a lengthy letter to the GM of KY, and explained the situation in full. Also, several KY masons, have personally approached the GM, and asked him for a full consideration of the events.

Regardless, of any decision, I will not demit from KY masonry. I would not demit, if I could.

I have heard rumors that some Grand Lodges are considering a boycott of all Grand Lodges that refuse to recognize PH masonry. All I hear are runors, nothing concrete.

Since I live on an Iraqi military base that is 3,000 miles from Kentucky, my options are limited. I cannot serve on any committees, and I cannot sponsor any legislation.

Several KY masons, including some with influence, are hammering the GL with the reality of the situation. There is a chance that the outcome may be less than expulsion. I could get reprimand, or suspension. If charges are filed, I cannot attend any hearings or meetings.

It was stated: Concrete in California, our Grand lodge does not recognzine lodges or Grand Lodges that does not recognize Prince Hall Masons.

GAC: Your Grand Secretary disagrees with you.

I would like to see a reference to a specific section of the code of California that states they derecognised any Grand Lodge that does not recognize Prince Hall. I believe this statement is in error.

Secondly, all that is posted here is one side of the story yet we have many calling the Grand Lodge of Kentucky racist. The last time I checked, Grand Lodges were staffed by Brother Masons who deserve far better than being run through the mud just because someone heard something on the internet. If you do not have ALL of the facts, keep those good Brothers in your thoughts as well. They are doing the best job they can in a difficult situation.

The bottom line is that a rule (whether you like the rule or not) was broken and the appropriate action will be forthcoming.

quote:

As a New York Mason, I am entitled to visit any lodge recognized by New York. I satisfied myself that the lodge in Iraq, was "regular", and in communications with my NY lodge. I did not check to see about KY recognition. Ky forbids visitation with "clandestine" lodges. The lodge here in Iraq, is NOT clandestine, being in full communications with the GL of New York. A lodge cannot be both regular and "clandestine" at the same time.

Br. Charles,

Here is where your thinking derails. A lodge CAN be clandestine and recognised at the same time. Prince hall is an example where some Grand Lodges recognise them and others don't making them clandestine to members of that jurisdiction.

Also, you state that you did not bother to check into Kentucky's stance on Prince Hall. Brother, you participate in many Masonic forums which have debated at length the Prince Hall recognition issue. I find it a bit hard to believe that you did not know Kentucky saw them as clandestine. The appearance is that you KNEW they were clandestine to Kentucky, but chose to use your New York affiliation to circumvent the rules of that Grand Lodge. Only you know the true motives of your actions. I am just sharing what the perception is to those of us outside who are looking at this objectively and without the obfuscation of the race card.

It will be interesting to see if this is true, what the reprecussions will be here in the South. I suspect that GLofCa. will have its recognition rescinded in kind by those lodges who have not yet recognised PH. Nothing good comes of trying to use recognition as a tool to bend another Grand Lodge to your own will, no matter how self-righteous the cause.

BTW, any lodge or Grand Lodge not recognised by my jurisdiction is called clandestine in my jurisdiction:

REG. 87-1 CLANDESTINE LODGE.

A clandestine lodge is one which pretends to be Masonic but is without a warrant, dispensation, or charter from a grand lodge recognized by this Grand Lodge.

Gunner 1, Prince Hall Grand Lodge was just not recognized by the GL of E. They have been working under this charter for 200 years.

Prince Hall Original Charter



Know all men by these presents:

Thus were we greeted by the Grand Lodge of England, on the 20th day of September A.L. 5784, A.D. 1784; the following said Greeting and warranted 459, granted by the Grand Lodge of England on petition of Prince Hall, Boston Smith, Thomas Sanderson, and several other Masons, of Boston, constituting them into a regular Lodge for Free and Accepted Masons.

To all and ever our Right Worshipful and loving Brethren, we, Thomas Hall, Earl of Effingham, Lord Howard, etc., etc., etc.; acting Grand Master under the authority of His Royal Highness, Henry Frederice, Duke of Cumberland, etc., etc., etc., Grand Master of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, send Greetings:


Know ye, that we, at the humble petition of our right trust and well beloved Brethren Prince Hall, Boston Smith, Thomas Sanderson, and several other Brethren residing in Boston, New England, in North America, do hereby constitute the said Brethrren into regular Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, under the title or
denomination of the African Lodge, to be opened in Boston aforesaid, and do further at their petition hereby appoint the said Prince Hall to be Master, Boston Smith, Senior Warden, and Thomas Sanderson, Junior Warden, for the opening of the said Lodge, and for such further time only as shall be thought proper by the Brethren thereof, it being our will that this our appointment of the above officers shall in no wise affect any future election of officers of the Lodge, but that such election shall be regulated agreeably by such by-laws of said Lodge as shall be consistent with the general laws of the Society, contained in the Book of Constitution and we hereby will require you, the said Prince Hall, to take especial care that all and everyone of said Brethren are, or have been regularly made Masons, and that they do observe, perform and keep all the rules and orders contained in the Book of Constitutions; and further, that you do, from time to time, cause to be entered in a book kept for the purpose, an account of your proceedings in the Lodge, together with such rules, orders, and regulations as shall be made for the good government of the same; that in no wise you will omit once in every year to send to us, or our successors, Grand Master, or to to Roland Holt, Esq., our Deputy Grand Master, for the time being, an account in writing of your said proceedings and copies of all such rules, orders and regulations as shall be made as aforesaid, together with a list of the members of the Lodge, and such sum of money as may suit the circumstances of the Lodge, and reasonably be expected toward the Grand Charity.
.
Moreover, we hereby will and require you the said Prince Hall, as soon as conveniently may be, to send an account in writing, of what may be done by virtue of these presents.

Given at London under the hand and seal of Masonry, this 20th day of September A.L. 5784 A.D. 1784.
By the Grand Master's Command
Witness:Wm. White, G.S.
R. Holt, D.G.M

This is the text of the original charter
Issued to Prince Hall, Etc.,
on September 20, 1874
By Thomas Hall, Earl of Effingham,
Acting Grand Master, The Grand Lodge of England

I am learning more about this every day. Since I am a dual member of two(2) different lodges in two(2) different grand Lodges, I have since learned that my first grand Lodge, "trumps", my second grand lodge. I did not join the NY lodge, just to circumvent any regulations.

I have been working with the GL of NY since November 2005, on the Land, Sea, and Air lodge #1 project. In order for a NY lodge to meet, regardless of location, there must be a NY mason present at each meeting. Since there was no NY mason on my duty station, the GL of NY requested that I take out dual membership, so that I could serve as contact person, and acting worshipful master, when the lodge actually met. I agreed, and was delighted to assist.

When you join additional lodges, you normally get additional privileges. You get to vote in the second lodge, you can hold office in the second lodge, and you can visit lodges that are recognized by the second lodge. I have since been informed that this is not the case.

I never checked the GL of KY position with respect to the lodge here in Iraq. Since NY considers this lodge to be "regular", then the lodge is regular. When I was in Moscow, I never checked to see if the GL of NY considered Russian lodges to be "regular". Since KY recognizes them as regular, then "regular" is what they are.

I have been in Iraq for two years and four months, and the US forces have been here for five years. There is no operating "mainstream" F&AM lodge anywhere in the Republic of Iraq. Why the Grand Lodges of the USA, have been so indifferent to the troops/civilians over here, is beyond me.

Br. Charles,

I regret the position you are and were in and I sincerely hope that an amicable solution is found soon. The largest error in this whole debacle, IMO, was taking the situation public. Now we have folks from all over the world tossing out opinions about you, your Grand Lodges, Prince Hall, and other jurisdictions without any idea of the facts and more importantly, it being none of their business. On one site you even have a clique of expelled Masons tearing down Kentucky Masons who have tried to shed some light on the subject. The ugly "race" card has been tossed about as the battle flag of this uprising when "race" has nothing to do with the issue at hand. This whole situation is most unfortunate for you, the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, and Freemasonry as a whole. Now how do we put the Genie back in the bottle and move forward?

That is the tough and unenviable position of the GM of Ky. He must now decide how to handle this amongst all the sensationalism. He must make the decision of how best to enforce the rules of his position while knowing that regardless of the decision made he will be viewed as an evil man. If he lets you off with a slap on the wrist, he will have his own jurisdiction to answer to. If he does what the law demands, he will be labeled a racist by those who have no clue what the hell they are talking about. Talk about a rock and a hard place. This is the man I pray for.

While he and you suffer these times, those who claim to be your supporters do nothing but add fuel to the fire by crusading under a banner of righteousness that they themselves have not earned.

Truly a sad situation.

It has been wonderful Br. Bryan, but I must confess, I will be overjoyed when this topic no longer exists for debate but for historical reflection.

Br. Bryan,

I have asked on another forum about GLofCa. withdrawing recognition from GL's who do not recognize PH. No one has heard such a thing.

I am waiting on someone to provide a section of the code to support their disagreement with your statements. I was wondering if you could provide the section which supports your statements.

If California did such a thing, I would imagine it would be news worthy. Why has no one but yourself heard of this?

Indeed, the Grand Secretary of California advises this is not a correct statement. Further, it wasn't brought up at the Conference of Grand Masters. I assure you, there would have been a "bit" of discussion <G>.

I am not clear as to what book the brother refers.

The Grand Secretary e-mailed me 1 May.

The book to which you refer is by Pantograph. It does list Lodges, and my copy does not reflect what you've indicated (nor is it designed to do so). Regrettably, all MM do not know to check the book. Further, though I'm not sure what is meant by all "legal" lodges, it does not list all PHA Lodges, even though regular. Additionally, it does not necessarily list all overseas Lodges. It is also important to note that all jurisdictions do not recognize the same GL's. For instance, GL of CAL and UGLE recognize different GLs in Italy--but that's another story!

I look forward to your response from your Grand Secretary.

Interesting how GL-x recognizes GL-y
And GL-y recognizes GL-z
But GL-x doesn't recognizes GL-z
So where is all the confusion. No worry Lads. The Gm's will sort it out by punishing some poor brother that may have error.
Kind of like the Cuba deal. So it looks like Masonry has finally evolved into a Government type of system.
Good thing we don't run our house hold the same way. Don't get me wrong Lads. It's still the best Fraternity in the world. Just needs to be sorted out a bit.

quote:

Originally posted by Celticpiper:
Interesting how GL-x recognizes GL-y
And GL-y recognizes GL-z
But GL-x doesn't recognizes GL-z
So where is all the confusion. No worry Lads. The Gm's will sort it out by punishing some poor brother that may have error.
Kind of like the Cuba deal. So it looks like Masonry has finally evolved into a Government type of system.
Good thing we don't run our house hold the same way. Don't get me wrong Lads. It's still the best Fraternity in the world. Just needs to be sorted out a bit.

This is why in our teachings King Hiram ends up saying these words: "Craftsmen, why this confusion in the Temple?" As Freemasons, we do practice what we preach and this is no joke and no pun intended.

Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, PM
Freemason
Hot Topics Moderator

I just received notification, that a trial date has been set, where the complaint will be presented. I informed the GL of KY, that since I am in Iraq, I will be unable to attend.

The decision has probably already been made, and the trial is just a formality.

I have not resided in KY for many years, and I just don't care anymore.

Brother Charles,
It never amazes me how so few can make so many good men look bad.
But when those few are able to achieve the highest office. But are not able to use good judgment. This is what happens. These kind of decision is exactly what has been hurting Masonry for years. The Lodges need to take back their power and start electing the Grand Lodge Line instead of the Grand lodges.
Like I said in an earlier post. "Hopefully the GL of NY, since they do recognize PHA, that being expelled for the reason stated is not a valid reason for NY to comply with same extreme prejudice. If they do, then they do not truly believe in their own rules".

Hang in their Charlie. It would be no lost tears for me to not have ties with these folks.

There are a number of good men, in KY and elsewhere who are furious about the whole situation. Yes, some have agreed to help, including one man who is the past Grand Commander of the York Rite of KY.

The Grand Junior Warden of KY will be conducting the proceedings, I do not know this man personally.

The notification I received is unclear, it says that I am to attend a meeting in Bowling Green KY, and it also says that a meeting will be held in Louisville KY.

I have only received an email notification, in the email, I am informed that a certified letter is being sent to my last known address. I am working with an individual in KY, who is advising me.

I do intend to answer the charges in writing, and send a letter to the GL of KY. As far as attending any proceedings in person, this is not possible.

I will continue with the process, and continue to accept the counsel and help from my masonic friends in KY, and elsewhere. Half a dozen lodges have contacted me, offering me membership in their lodges, I am deeply touched by this gesture.

I am going to see it through to a conclusion. I am tired of the "tap-dance", though. The GL of KY knows that I am in a war zone, and unable to attend any proceedings in person, in KY. I will have to ignore any summons to attend any meetings.

While I am not familiar with the Trial Code in Kentucky, every code with which I am familiar requires a defense counsel to be appointed to represent the accused.
I may be confused, but I had thought the poster was a civilian contractor. Are there no provisions in the contract for leave?

It's not likely an employer here in the states. Would let an employee off to attend a Kangeroo Court. Let alone one on the job in Iraq.

quote:

Originally posted by Celticpiper:
These kind of decision is exactly what has been hurting Masonry for years.

Hang in their Charlie. It would be no lost tears for me to not have ties with these folks.

True commentary. The fraternity need not worry about the anti-Masons because we have found the enemy and he is "us." It is those who sit on the sidelines that are often referred to as "Buzzard's Row," and for good reason. These lodge elders and Past Masters can't wait to pounce on some poor unsuspecting brother who makes a mistake in his ritual work, or a Master who slips up and then they pounce on him and pick the flesh right off to the bone. Worse yet, put this person in a position of power and he then rules like a dictator in his self-proclaimed empire. After his year of terror, he then becomes a sideliner where he can sit with the buzzards, disappear all together, or sit with those who love the fraternity and practice what is preached in degreework, specifically, brotherly love, relief and truth. Now, not to cast a dark cloud on the subject, but once suspended, then other jurisdictions will usually or almost always respect a decision of suspension or expulsion from another jurisdiction. On the humanitarian side of this issue, being brought up on Masonic charges while in harms way appears extreme, however, once you return to the states, then charges can be imposed. It is like a criminal matter, a suspect in a crime that left the jurisdiction should be brought back to stand trial, not convicted in absencia. Remember, there are always options in any situation, good, bad or indifferent. Who said the fraternity is a democracy.

My advice, keep all options open and keep the faith.

Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, PM
Freemason
Hot Topics Moderator

Thanks for your kind words. I have been informed by the Grand Master of Masons in KY, that I will be tried in absentia. I started working in Iraq only two months ago, and I am not eligible for any vacation until the first of 2009. In any case, My USA residence is in Washington DC, and I have no plans to return to KY.

I cannot be certain, but I think the decision to expel me from KY masonry has already been made, and a trial is only a formality.

Once the decision is finalized, the GMaster in KY will inform the GMaster of Masons in New York, and the Grand Lodge of New York will most likely respect the expulsion from KY, and expel me from NY masonry as well.

Brother Charles,
In either case, don't give up on Freemasonry. It has some of the finest men in it I have ever met. It is like a piece of silver. If you keep polishing it, it will shine even though tarnish try's to set in.
Like Brother Terry said, there are a few that for some reason use it for their own agenda of applying un-Masonic power. And these are very few and are not supported by the majority. And one day I hope the craft will free itself of these individuals.
The person who felt they had to notify the GLoKY of you attending a PHA lodge is the most detestable of them all. If you were in KY it may have been another case. But you were in a foreign country which GLoKY had no jurisdiction. The only working lodge in Iraq was the PHA Lodge so the Grand Lodge they were working under should be holding sole jurisdiction. So in MHO this situation should be mute. In the end it is just a witch hunt by a few individuals. Masonic trials should be for felonies and criminal offenses only. This all could have been settled very easily instead of tarnishing the Fraternity by disrupting the piece and harmony.

John

quote:

Originally posted by cemab4y:
I have been informed by the Grand Master of Masons in KY, that I will be tried in absentia.

I cannot be certain, but I think the decision to expel me from KY masonry has already been made, and a trial is only a formality.

Once the decision is finalized, the GMaster in KY will inform the GMaster of Masons in New York, and the Grand Lodge of New York will most likely respect the expulsion from KY, and expel me from NY masonry as well.

Bro. Charles: If the decision was made, then you would have been informed. Until then, you are a brother Mason and you have a dues card to prove it, otherwise, it would have been requested by your lodge to be returned. It hasn't therefore, you remain a dues card carrying member of this fraternity and I will treat you as such until otherwise informed. This is my interpretation of the blue book as it relates to my jurisdiction. I could be wrong in the interpretation of your jurisdiction. Remember this, I have seen well respected brethren suspended from Freemasonry by one Grand Lodge by one Grand Master only to be reinstated by another Grand Master. One can take away a Masonic dues card one day, and give it back the next, but does that take away your closely held lessons of Freemasonry, or respect for those you have grown to know as your brother, right? Hopefully not, so, in the end, or worst case scenario, you just won't be able to sit in lodge, no more, no less and that should not in of itself be the end of the world. It can be like the death of a loved one emotionally, it hurts and it is painful, but one has to pick himself up and move forward because life goes on until we all lay down our working tools of life. Also, you are welcome to continue posting on this forum because it is not a tyled lodge room and you will always be a brother to me/us because no one other than the moderators of this forum can stop you from being a member of military.com, other than the powers to be of military.com. We just can't converse Masonically if you are ever suspended. Regardless, we don't converse Masonically on this forum anyway. Keep the faith and never say die.

Fraternally and sincerely,
/s/
Terry, PM
Freemason
Hot Topics Moderator

As of this moment, I am still carried on the books as a Mason. But I have emails from the Grand Master of Masons in KY, stating that I will be expelled from KY Masonry. The decision has already been made, and the "trial" has been scheduled for 24 May, even though I cannot attend and cannot present a defense.

The Grand Lodge of KY, is going ahead with their kangaroo court, and they will finalize the decision of the Grand Master. They are required to inform me, by certified mail, but my exact location is not disclosed, and I cannot receive certified mail.

The leadership of the Grand Lodge of KY, has been out to nail me for many years.

quote:

Originally posted by cemab4y:
As of this moment, I am still carried on the books as a Mason. But I have emails from the Grand Master of Masons in KY, stating that I will be expelled from KY Masonry. The decision has already been made, and the "trial" has been scheduled for 24 May, even though I cannot attend and cannot present a defense.

The Grand Lodge of KY, is going ahead with their kangaroo court, and they will finalize the decision of the Grand Master. They are required to inform me, by certified mail, but my exact location is not disclosed, and I cannot receive certified mail.

The leadership of the Grand Lodge of KY, has been out to nail me for many years.

My sincere regrets. I won't deviate into a question/answer session regarding the cause and effect for the decision and for obvious reasons. The only remaining questions is will Prince Hall accept you regardless of the suspension/expulsion? How about other jurisdictions? Just curious. There is a warrior motto that goes like this, "When a man finds himself with his head in the mouth of the lion, he should face death like a man." Life goes on my friend, there are much worse things that happen in life. Nothing is permanent in the world except death. Keep the faith and keep us posted.

Fraternally and sincerely,
/s/
Terry, PM
Freemason
Hot Topics Moderator

I appreciate your remarks, and all of the kindness expressed here. A man I have never known, is mounting a defense, and there is always a chance that the trial will not end in expulsion.

Half a dozen masons have stepped forward, offering to be my first-line signer, and have me as a member of their lodge.

Other grand jurisdictions, are normally required to accept an expulsion from another jurisdiction.

The trial is set for 24th May.

quote:

Originally posted by cemab4y:
I appreciate your remarks, and all of the kindness expressed here. A man I have never known, is mounting a defense, and there is always a chance that the trial will not end in expulsion.

Half a dozen masons have stepped forward, offering to be my first-line signer, and have me as a member of their lodge.

Other grand jurisdictions, are normally required to accept an expulsion from another jurisdiction.

The trial is set for 24th May.

Thanks for the update. While I am not an attorney, or pretend to be, I cannot think of a defense that can overcome an established, law, rule or regulation of one Masonic jurisdiction that was or could have been clearly violated. However, there are always extinuating circumstances along with factors in extinuation and mitigation. Given the facts presented, if a known law, rule, or regulation was violated, then some action more than likely should be taken in this matter. Looking the other way is not an option. Also, ignorance of law is not a viable defense either in a civil or criminal matter. However, in this situation, and from my understanding about issues like this, punishment can vary from a mere verbal or written admonishment i.e. slap on the wrist, to a complete expulsion from the fraternally which other jurisdictions usually honor. Now, this is my personal take on this and hopefully, others will read this post and consider what I am about to say. First, in my humble opinion, you did nothing more than sit in a lodge that is not recognized by one of the jurisdictions you affiliated with. In doing, so, you were only wanting to be with our soldiers in harms way fighting in a war far away from home. However, in doing so, you whether intentional or not violated a standing law, rule and regulation of the jurisdiction in question that is going to prosecute this matter. What I would do given what has occurred is to reprimand you orally or in writing, and admonish you not to ever sit in a clandestine lodge ever again or be forever expelled. I would then ask you to verify your response to this affirmation with yes, I will not sit in a lodge not recognized by the jurisdiction in question ever again. Thus, if you do not swear or affirm to this promise, then I say suspension is warranted for a period of no less than one year or expulsion depending on the evidence presented and past prior conduct examinated. Do I think that this is fair, I think so. Do I think that this is it unduly harsh, I don't think so. Do I think that this a compromise, absolutely. Is there a defense in this matter? I don't think so, but I don't have the all of facts. Is there mitigating circumstances in this matter, yes. Is there room for a compromise, absolutely. Like I previously stated, if you have stepped on anyone's toes in your jurisdiction previously, then, the outcome looks bleak for you my friend. Hopefully, reasonable minds will prevail and a compromise can be reached. The question you must now ask youself if the question is asked, will you ever visit a clandestine lodge ever again regardless if it is in Iraq, Afganistan, or elsewhere? The answer to that question will possibly determine your fate. It would for me, but I am not the judge, jury, prosecuting official, or defense representative. If so, and if it would be up to me to say if you care to uphold your obligations to never ever visit a clandestine lodge again as you vowed do as you have promised and sworn to do in your Masonic obligation, then suspension or expulsion would not be justified in my opinion. If you say otherwise, the decision would be very simple and you then would have no one to blame in this matter but yourself. On a positive note, keep the faith, there is strength in the lion of the tribe of judah and he shall prevail. We will all be watching the outcome on this. My .02 cents of Master's wages.

Fraternally yours,
/s/
Terry, PM
Freemason
Hot Topics Moderator

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TerryTCT,

I have some good news. The Grand Lodge of KY decided to suspend me from KY masonry for 12 months. Since I did not attend the tyled meeting, but only had a meal prior to any masonic labor being performed, the trial committee decided that I was guilty of "unmasonic conduct".

I will just take the suspension, and drop out of Masonry for the duration. I rarely get a chance to attend any meetings anyway, so might as well make the best of it.

I am going to make myself scarce, and keep a low profile. When the time period is concluded, I am going to resign KY masonry. No point in staying where I am not wanted, and I have not resided in KY for many years anyway.

I appreciate everyone's kindness and support.