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Where Masonry stands in Iraq and Afghanistan There is both good news, and bad news about Masonry in Iraq and Afghanistan. (I have been working in South-west Asia for six years). The bad news, is that after all these years, there is not one working F&AM lodge, chartered by any mainstream Grand Lodge, anywhere in South-West Asia. Not one. There are a number of working Prince Hall lodges, operating on the various military bases in Iraq/Afghanistan. Most of these are chartered by MW Prince Hall Grand Lodges of Oklahoma and Texas. Victory Base Complex (Baghdad), has four working lodges, and two Eastern Star chapters, all Prince Hall affiliated. The Grand Lodge of New York F&AM, holds the charter for Land, Sea, and Air Lodge #1 (UD). This lodge was first chartered in 1917 (World War I). The lodge was de-activated, and then brought back for WW2, Korea, Vietnam, and its most recent activation was Sep-Oct-Nov 2005. (Send me a PM, and I will send you the link). I volunteered to assist in the administration and activation of LSA#1, in November 2005. I had the traveling charter with me, at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. In December 2005, the Grand Lodge of New York, directed me to return the charter to New York, so that it could be displayed in a museum in New York City. I was promised, that a new traveling charter would be issued, next year (2006). I never received a new charter. If a military or civilian Mason, serving in this part of the world, wishes to participate in Freemasonry, the only route is through Prince Hall Masonry. If a man holds membership in a Grand Lodge, which does not recognize Prince Hall Masonry, he risks suspension or expulsion. If a man holds membership in more than one Grand Lodge, and all of his memberships are not in communication with Prince Hall Masonry, he risks suspension or expulsion. There are a number of informal Masonic assemblies here in SWA. I started a “Masonic Square and Compasses Club”, at Al Asad. It was not a working lodge, just a bi-weekly meeting, where we would drink a soda, and fellowship. The Grand Lodge of Nebraska F&AM, developed a program, to enable Masonry to be practiced in Iraq/Afghanistan. They produced a “Lodge in a box”, which included all of the working tools necessary for Craft Masonry, including a charter. They called these portable lodges “Swisher Kits”, named after the first Nebraska Freemason to be killed in Iraq. The program never got off the ground, because several Grand Lodges made it known, that they would not accept degree work, from any of these temporary lodges. It has been a real disappointment to me, that I have been working in Iraq/Afghanistan since 2004, and I have never been able to attend a lodge meeting. I am also disappointed, that not one Grand Lodge in the USA, has shown any initiative to issue a traveling charter, for a military lodge in this part of the world. “The opposite of love, is not hate. The opposite of love, is indifference"- Elie Wiesel. Nobel Prize winner, and holocaust survivor. by Charles E. Martin Original website of Charles E. Martin blogspot below: cemab4y.blogspot.com Respectfully and fraternally submitted, /s/ Terry T. Past Master Freemason Hot Topic ModeratorThis message has been edited. Last edited by: TerryTCT, | ||
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I was under the impression that at least one regular lodge operates with the British forces in Afghanistan. | |||
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I arrived at Kandahar, Afghanistan three days ago. There is Prince Hall Masonry here, but no other lodges. I cannot participate here, in Masonry. I might start a square and compasses club, so that we can have fellowship, but no masonic labor. "We must learn to live together as brothers, or we will surely perish as fools". Dr. Martin Luther King ,Jr. Nobel Peace Prize winner. | |||
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Actually, doesn't Canada Lodge UD operate in Kandahar? | |||
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I am delighted to report, that there is a working lodge at Kandahar, Afghanistan. It is sponsored by the Grand Lodge of Ontario, Canada. I am trying to get some more information, meeting times, etc. I plan to participate, if my work situation permits. | |||
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Hello Gentlemen, I would like to address the ignorant comment made by my non- prince hall members Prince Hall masonry is the only acceptable form of masonry allowed on military installations. You guys don't want to integrate. England lodge does except us. Please look up their website the Grand lodge of England and there you find prince hall free and accepted. (Hot links deleted - No hot links)This message has been edited. Last edited by: TerryTCT, | |||
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This message has been edited. Last edited by: TerryTCT, | |||
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(Hot links deleted - No hot links allowed)This message has been edited. Last edited by: TerryTCT, | |||
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Sadly, my Grand Lodge (KY) does not yet have fraternal relations with Prince Hall Masonry. I am 1000% in favor, of my Grand Lodge recognizing Prince Hall Masonry. I have communicated this desire to my lodge, and to my Grand Lodge. I know that negotiations are underway, and some KY masons are in favor. I sincerely believe that it is only a matter of time, before the recognition occurs. If I visit a Prince Hall lodge in Afghanistan, I am in danger of suspension or expulsion from my lodge. That is the reality. I do not like it, but I accept it. Happily, there is a Canadian lodge here at Kandahar, that I just became aware of, a couple of days ago. The Grand Lodge of Ontario, has full fraternal relations with the Grand Lodge of Kentucky. I may participate in this Canadian lodge, without fear of Masonic discipline. I have been working in Iraq/Afghanistan for six years. Up until three days ago, I was unaware of any lodges in this part of the world, that were not Prince Hall affiliated. I am saddened, that no regular Grand Lodge in the USA, has any support for the troops and civilians here in South-west Asia. (for the record, I am a CIVILIAN technician, and not in the military). It is my fervent prayer that: My Grand Lodge, and all regular Grand Lodges in the USA, will move to have full fraternal relations with Prince Hall Masonry. This is a concept, whose time has come. Only about 13 Grand Lodges in the USA, are holding out. North Carolina, is one of most recent to recognize. I also pray: That somewhere, in all of the 51 regular Grand Lodges in the USA, that one of them will have the courage to establish a military traveling lodge in South-West Asia. Why should we let PH and the Canadians lead the way? The soil of Afghanistan, is red with the blood of American patriots, who have died here. SO MOTE IT BE! | |||
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I currently live in the jurisdiction of GL of Kentucky. The PHA issue is one that has generated far more discussion than needed. Kentucky does not have a single authorized ritual sanctioned by GL. This small fact enables each Lodge to develop their own version of the Virginia ritual that crossed the Cumberland Gap over 200 years ago. The degrees vary even by County and are historic to itself only. Because of this, and in an attempt to guide us into the modern era, last year the GL issued an edict directing Lodges to remove any words that refer to race or creed from its ritual. I was amazed at the resentment that caused. It may be a long time before the old Confederacy (even as Kentucky provided twice the troops to the Union as they did to the South) lives up to our own creed and treat all Masons with equal pride to themselves and honor to the Fraternity. Unfortunately, a lot of Lodges here think they are in a local club, and do not understand the principle of Universal Masonry. I have sat (by invitation) in PHA Lodges in Michigan and found them to be proficient, loyal to the principals of Masonry and some of the finest Brothers I have. | |||
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goatlockermc, you say you reside in KY. If you are a member of a Kentucky lodge, sponsored by the Grand Lodge of KY, you are in danger of masonic discipline, if you visit a PH lodge ANYWHERE, Michigan or Iraq. If the lodge is considered clandestine, and you admit to visiting the lodge, the GL of KY may choose to bring Masonic charges against you. If you are not a KY mason, and your home GL has relations with PH, then you are fine. The war between the states started 150 years ago. Kentucky sent more soldiers to the federal army than Michigan, and more soldiers to the Confederate army, than Florida. I am from Bowling Green, the Confederate capital of KY. You are quite correct, there are many Masons in KY (and elsewhere), who are virtually unaware, that Masonry is an international organization. I myself, have visited lodges in Saudi Arabia, France, and Russia. Masons are often shocked to learn of the fact, that there are Masons in other countries. Nevertheless, I am confident, that Kentucky Masonry will see it fit and proper to put the past history of racism behind us, and move to have full relations with our PH brothers. I consider PH masons to be my brothers, notwithstanding the fact that my Grand Lodge considers them to be "clandestine". The GL can control where I sit in lodge, but they cannot control my mind. I am ashamed of the fact, that not one Grand Lodge in the USA (other than Prince Hall), has seen fit, to charter a military traveling lodge in South-West Asia. This indifference to military Masons is intolerable! (For the record, I am a civilian). "The opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference" Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor, Nobel Prize winner. | |||
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Yes, I reside in KY just down the road from BG. I am a PM from Michigan and duel member with two other Lodges in two states. I understand the edicts and would not put my membership in jeopardy. This year the PHA GM was invited to our KYGL, albeit at rest, and shook hands with many. The walls are falling; at least the offensive wording is out of the EA obligation. There are several F&AM Black Brothers who were raised overseas. With a few problems, they are accepted. It’s a start. Give me a heads up when you get back. | |||
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Brother, No where in his post does he say "Prince Hall masonry is the only acceptable form of masonry allowed on military installations", he didnt say he did not want to integrate, he is simply saying that if his grand lodge does not recognize PHA he is subject to being disciplined. You immediately went into the defense without reading the content of the post. His comment was not an ignorant one, he was simply stating there are no mainstream lodges in SWA other than PHA. He never said anything about England in his post. Again, read the entire post in its content.
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For the record, I am an active and fully participating PHA mason in every house and have been so for many, many years.
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My brothers, let me state that I am 100% in favor of full recognition and fraternal relations between PH Masonry, and ALL Grand Lodges in the USA and worldwide. Sadly, that is not the case, at least not yet. I have been living on military bases in Iraq and Afghanistan for the past six years. At the present time, the ONLY operating lodges on US military bases in South-West Asia (SWA), are Prince Hall sponsored lodges. There is a Canadian lodge operating here at Kandahar, It is chartered by the Grand Lodge of Ontario, Canada. My home Grand Lodge (KY) has full fraternal relations with the GL of Ontario. So I can participate in this Canadian lodge. I am forbidden from visiting ANY Prince Hall lodge, whether here in the combat zone, or elsewhere. As a member of a Grand Lodge, which has not yet recognized Prince Hall Masonry, the regulations are specific. Even if I join another Grand Lodge, which has full relations with PH masonry, I am still subject to the regulations of my KY membership. I am certain that US military lodges, sponsored by non-PH Grand Lodges could operate here in SWA, on military bases. One did exactly that, in the fall of 2005, at Forward Operating Base Speicher, Iraq ( Send me a PM, and I will send you the link.) There are a number of informal masonic clubs and assemblies, and such groups operating. There is a "cigar club" in Baghdad. It is my sincere hope, that some USA Grand Lodge (other than PH) will someday see fit, to sponsor a lodge here in SWA. "The opposite of love is not hate. The opposite of love is indifference". -Elie Wiesel, holocaust survivor, Nobel prize winner. | |||
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Dear Sir, Do you know how we can establish our lodge in Iraq? I can fund this Thanks HAKAM MAHDI MASTER DEGREE IN CRIMINOLOGY | |||
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Greetings, I am a Brother from ST James 494, in Hillborogh, NC. I am here in Talil, Iraq. I would like to make contact with brothers here. I can be contacted at kgmudiwa@yahoo.com. Also, two young men from Texas, who've also just arrived here, approached me in search of a military lodge here to join. I am a new MM, and would like to make contacts to also assist them. Reply and/or contact me. Travel Light. | |||
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I suggest that you check with the Chaplain's office. Freemasonry is not a religion, but Chaplains often provide administrative support, meeting rooms, etc. for military lodges. If there is no operating lodge on your base, I suggest you form a "Square and Compasses Club", where you can have informal meetings, and fellowship. You can assist interested men, in learning more about Masonry, and how to contact a lodge at their next duty station. I will be returning to Afghanistan, in July. | |||
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I just want to add my opinion here. It is a moral crime that the Grand Lodge of my state is not in Masonic Communication with the Prince Hall Lodge. That is a vestige of UnMasonic racism. Still, I must follow what my Grand Lodge insists, regarding not being in Masonic communication with Prince Hall despite my personal feelings. Masonry is VERY important because it allows men of different religions and differeing political beliefs to be able to find a place where they can sit as brother and eat togther in a sort of a communion as men who believe in God each in his own way. Anything that allows for brotherhood instead of conflict is a good thing. It teaches that we should find and discover those things which we have in common. Ultimately, Freemasonry teaches that all men (and women) are our brothers (and sisters).This message has been edited. Last edited by: josephus.flavius, | |||
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So does Christianity, so what's the point? | |||
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That you are a Christian, but not a Freemason. Guess what? Freemasonry is not a religion, therefore, a Mason can be a Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist or a person of any religious belief. I believe that the previous poster made his point, but you apparently missed it. Terry T. Past Master Freemason Christian and Hot Topics Moderator | |||
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Great post | |||
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I saw the point. I saw right through it. ;-) | |||
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Then, unfortunately, you didn't understand a word of it. Try Freemasonry, you might like it. We refer to eachother as brothers for a reason. Fraternally, /s/ Terry T. Past Master Freemason Hot Topics Moderator | |||
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To Invictus: Actually, you are not quite correct. Historically, Christianity has, despite whatever I teaches, killed, used forced conversion, condemned and tortured those who do not agree with it. Christianity inherently is intolerant. It seeks to changes others. (Islam has the same fault.) Freemasonry seeks to create a space where all men of faith can find a common place to sit together and eat and find fellowship without seeking to change anyone's beliefs. Now, I know many Christians who do not proselytize or force non-Christians to convert. But, as a theological system, it is intolerant, whereas Masonry encourages tolerance. | |||
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To Whom It May Concern: The purpose of this response is not an exhaustive defense of Freemasonry, because none is required. The institution of Freemasonry is not above criticism simply because it is a human institution and like all such institutions, imperfect and open to improvement. Freemasonry is a unique institution, generating a deep loyalty among its members and an equally great misunderstanding among non-members. Tolerance is one of the major underlying principles of Freemasonry. Freemasonry teaches its followers tolerance even of its assailants. What goes on in our lodge rooms are only labors designed to improve the moral character and lives of our members, nothing else. Within our fraternity, no one person can speak for Freemasonry and no Mason can speak for another Mason or Masonry as a whole when it comes to the meaning of our religious teachings. This is because we lead each man as an individual to the Holy Scriptures, whatever his beliefs in a Supreme Being, and ask that he lead his life by the teachings he finds in those pages as he finds them there. Freemasonry trusts that each brother Mason will find them and employ them through diligent prayer and application in his daily life. Masonry does not teach Salvation by works. Rather, it teaches that it is important for each man to do good in the world because we have a duty to make the lives of others better. Critics say that Masonic teaching is incompatible with biblical teaching, but they confuse religious teaching with teaching about religions. Masonry does not offer information about the various different religions, but the fraternity does offer religious teachings of the highest moral caliber based on chapters found in the Old Testament. If a brother Mason wishes to pursue the teachings of Christianity found in the New Testament, that is his choice to make unencumbered by the fraternity and he is encouraged in his every effort at religious enlightenment according to the scriptures he embraces. The critics of Freemasonry need to take a closer look at the fraternity without any preconceptions or prejudices. If they do, they will see there is nothing to fear and little to criticize about what we believe. The criticism of Freemasonry proves that the fraternity is being put on trial by the self-righteous individuals who hold little patience or tolerance for the moderate views of their fellow man and expect to spout scripture or change law until they can change us into their way of thinking. However, by so doing, they violate the very precepts of the scriptures they use to justify their criticism of Freemasonry. Fraternally and Sincerely, /s/ Terry T., Past Master Freemason Hot Topics Moderator | |||
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To Whom It May Concern: The purpose of this response is not an exhaustive defense of Freemasonry, because none is required. The institution of Freemasonry is not above criticism simply because it is a human institution and like all such institutions, imperfect and open to improvement. Freemasonry is a unique institution, generating a deep loyalty among its members and an equally great misunderstanding among non-members. Tolerance is one of the major underlying principles of Freemasonry. Freemasonry teaches its followers tolerance even of its assailants. What goes on in our lodge rooms are only labors designed to improve the moral character and lives of our members, nothing else. Within our fraternity, no one person can speak for Freemasonry and no Mason can speak for another Mason or Masonry as a whole when it comes to the meaning of our religious teachings. This is because we lead each man as an individual to the Holy Scriptures, whatever his beliefs in a Supreme Being, and ask that he lead his life by the teachings he finds in those pages as he finds them there. Freemasonry trusts that each brother Mason will find them and employ them through diligent prayer and application in his daily life. Masonry does not teach Salvation by works. Rather, it teaches that it is important for each man to do good in the world because we have a duty to make the lives of others better. Critics say that Masonic teaching is incompatible with biblical teaching, but they confuse religious teaching with teaching about religions. Masonry does not offer information about the various different religions, but the fraternity does offer religious teachings of the highest moral caliber based on chapters found in the Old Testament. If a brother Mason wishes to pursue the teachings of Christianity found in the New Testament, that is his choice to make unencumbered by the fraternity and he is encouraged in his every effort at religious enlightenment according to the scriptures he embraces. The critics of Freemasonry need to take a closer look at the fraternity without any preconceptions or prejudices. If they do, they will see there is nothing to fear and little to criticize about what we believe. The criticism of Freemasonry proves that the fraternity is being put on trial by the self-righteous individuals who hold little patience or tolerance for the moderate views of their fellow man and expect to spout scripture or change law until they can change us into their way of thinking. However, by so doing, they violate the very precepts of the scriptures they use to justify their criticism of Freemasonry. Respectfully submitted, Terry T. Past Master Freemason Hot Topics Moderator | |||
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To Whom It May Concern: The purpose of this response is not an exhaustive defense of Freemasonry, because none is required. The institution of Freemasonry is not above criticism simply because it is a human institution and like all such institutions, imperfect and open to improvement. Freemasonry is a unique institution, generating a deep loyalty among its members and an equally great misunderstanding among non-members. Tolerance is one of the major underlying principles of Freemasonry. Freemasonry teaches its followers tolerance even of its assailants. What goes on in our lodge rooms are only labors designed to improve the moral character and lives of our members, nothing else. Within our fraternity, no one person can speak for Freemasonry and no Mason can speak for another Mason or Masonry as a whole when it comes to the meaning of our religious teachings. This is because we lead each man as an individual to the Holy Scriptures, whatever his beliefs in a Supreme Being, and ask that he lead his life by the teachings he finds in those pages as he finds them there. Freemasonry trusts that each brother Mason will find them and employ them through diligent prayer and application in his daily life. Masonry does not teach Salvation by works. Rather, it teaches that it is important for each man to do good in the world because we have a duty to make the lives of others better. Critics say that Masonic teaching is incompatible with biblical teaching, but they confuse religious teaching with teaching about religions. Masonry does not offer information about the various different religions, but the fraternity does offer religious teachings of the highest moral caliber based on chapters found in the Old Testament. If a brother Mason wishes to pursue the teachings of Christianity found in the New Testament, that is his choice to make unencumbered by the fraternity and he is encouraged in his every effort at religious enlightenment according to the scriptures he embraces. The critics of Freemasonry need to take a closer look at the fraternity without any preconceptions or prejudices. If they do, they will see there is nothing to fear and little to criticize about what we believe. The criticism of Freemasonry proves that the fraternity is being put on trial by the self-righteous individuals who hold little patience or tolerance for the moderate views of their fellow man and expect to spout scripture or change law until they can change us into their way of thinking. However, by so doing, they violate the very precepts of the scriptures they use to justify their criticism of Freemasonry. | |||
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I started a new project on 1 Nov 2011. I am at the Kabul Military Airport. I do unclassified telecom consulting, and I really like this project. There is no lodge at this small base, but a couple of us, are interested in starting a Masonic "Square and Compasses" club. | |||
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I have some information about a lodge operating in Afghanistan, under the Grand Lodge of Nebraska. I am delighted to hear this. I am back in the USA for a training conference, and I am returning to Afghanistan in early 2012. I am glad that the last combat troops have left Iraq. I am sad that no regular USA lodge ever assisted in setting up a lodge in Iraq. (Other than for a short while in 2005, by the Grand Lodge of New York) | |||
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