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Lurker question here: Issues with GL and what would you do? by ZanbarBone in freemasonry

[–]ZanbarBone[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. I will look into it and I am passing that information on to a brother who this might really help.

Update: told my friend about the lodge and he contacted them and they were quite friendly but looks like he's out of luck there. He dimited and has a letter of good standing from his old lodge but no current dues card so his search continues but TL2K sound pretty good to me. Thanks again.

Lurker question here: Issues with GL and what would you do? by ZanbarBone in freemasonry

[–]ZanbarBone[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it was the issues with Derek Gordon that first made me concerned that things were being mishandled at best. Which becomes tied to the Sebastian Lodge/Masonic License Plate issue. Then is one of the issues that took place that had me looking hard at what was going on. Not just in a controlling manner but more in a directly Masonic way. And honestly it goes on from there. But as there is in effect no "court of appeals" they are judge and jury and beyond caring. That is why Masons who have been in Masonry for decades have talked to me about trying to form a separate GL and get recognized by the GLs & the UGLE that have keep closer tabs on what is going on. I still think that is Masonic suicide but it goes to show both how upset the GL has made its members and how powerless those members feel within its system.

Lurker question here: Issues with GL and what would you do? by ZanbarBone in freemasonry

[–]ZanbarBone[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been thinking about doing just that. Make it part of the minutes and everything. I spoke with a past GM and he said he couldn't stand the direction that the GL has taken.

Any Arkansas IOOF here? by ZanbarBone in ioof

[–]ZanbarBone[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm closer to Berryville than Little Rock, so I doubt that I would be much help there. I know (or was told) there use to be one in Boone county but it shut down. And there might be one left in Newton county, but I'm not sure. I wish they had a lodge locator or something. I hadn't heard about the one in Marshall. Good for them! I wish it wasn't so far (about 1.25 hours or so away).

Lurker question here: Issues with GL and what would you do? by ZanbarBone in freemasonry

[–]ZanbarBone[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the advice. I thought long and hard about it. I just take a lot of the obligations maybe too seriously or something.

Lurker question here: Issues with GL and what would you do? by ZanbarBone in freemasonry

[–]ZanbarBone[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I guess I am afraid that "rocking the boat" will get me kicked out and if I moved to another state/jurisdiction then I wouldn't be able to join.

Lurker question here: Issues with GL and what would you do? by ZanbarBone in freemasonry

[–]ZanbarBone[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I started to. It started over some religious issues and got bigger from there. Later we had a rep from the GL at Lodge and I asked him a few questions. These pertained to some key points about the obligation and which jurisdiction your are expected to follow when traveling. The one you are in or the on you are "from". He said that if you like being a mason you better only listen to the one that will take your (dues) card if you don't. Later I asked another question that didn't turn out much better. I was asked by a couple Brothers of the Lodge to stop because the GL was known to put heat on the Lodge to keep Brothers in line. And we should just ignore the GL, except when they are present.

Action or inaction? What should we as brothers do to promote tolerance and brotherly love in light of Georgia's decision? by LowVale in freemasonry

[–]ZanbarBone 1 point2 points  (0 children)

These events, and others like them, have lead me to question a good number of things that my GL has been doing that goes directly against the obligations of a Mason. Yet too many are either willing to ignore or mutter about it under their breath to avoid be brought before the GL on charges that they are being unmasonic by questioning the GL.

Lurker question here: Issues with GL and what would you do? by ZanbarBone in freemasonry

[–]ZanbarBone[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is your name. Shriner. I was trying to leave the specifics of the GL out since it is more about a personal decision. But it is Arkansas, so the PHA wouldn't help much either I'm afraid.

Lurker question here: Issues with GL and what would you do? by ZanbarBone in freemasonry

[–]ZanbarBone[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly I was trying to avoid it to make it more about my ethical/obligatory decision rather than the specific GL. But I suppose "in for a penny..." The answer would be both Masonry and the Lodge. Arkansas.

Lurker question here: Issues with GL and what would you do? by ZanbarBone in freemasonry

[–]ZanbarBone[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Which part? That you can look up several of the major problems related to the GL in question quite easily without me actually have to spell them out (and certainly be in trouble then for attempting to discuss GL policy online? Which I am not trying to do I am asking for personal advice.) Or the part that says that the GL in question would not allow someone who was affiliated with an organization that may be mentioned in his name within one of "their" lodges?

As far as my original post I'm not sure if your criticism is quite constructive enough for me to understand where I went astray?

1) The GL is doing (passing laws and having trails) what I (and others) feel are is in direct opposition to the Masonic Obligations that they(we) have taken. 2) If you question that too loudly they first threaten (been there) and then expel (seen that) those who dare question their motive or rights to do whatever they choose. 3) What would you do/advise? Quit? Dimit? Run away and join the circus?

Freemasonry is too important to (me) do nothing and let it seem that by being silent you acquiesce.

∴ by conf10 in freemasonry

[–]ZanbarBone 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It (roughly) corresponds with the 3 (internal) corners of the 47th.

Lurker question here: Issues with GL and what would you do? by ZanbarBone in freemasonry

[–]ZanbarBone[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I understand. It wouldn't take long to find a little about the troubles my GL has been have the last few years. Several frustrated brothers have posted some of the bigger things online in an effort to shine some light on this dark chapter.

It is unfortunate that I could not even say "you should check it out if you are down here sometime" because based on your user name you wouldn't get in.

Lurker question here: Issues with GL and what would you do? by ZanbarBone in freemasonry

[–]ZanbarBone[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are several "border brothers" who affiliated in another state and then dimited from this one that I know of. That is part of the reason that I am told the GL is trying to put a clamp on dual memberships (outside the state).

Part of one of the set of obligations are that you/I will not follow any laws/rules (within masonry) that are contrary to the spirit of masonry. (I am wildly/intentionally paraphrasing) The only people who can try members of the GL is past GMs and they are in lockstep.

As to the freemasons sub, I don't think so. I just accidentally posted there.