Hi Johnnie.
Maybe the teachings are different enough that some of the meanings could be lost if we were to merge. If I'm off on this, please correct me.
I think you're probably off on that. Certainly so far as the ceremonies go, most of the PHA Brethren do pretty much the same as the State GL Brethren. Not absolutely identical, of course, but no more different than the differences you could find by visiting in other States. And certainly more similar to one another than you'd find if you visited non-US GLs - you might be shocked if you saw how I do the work here in England, but I doubt you'd be shocked by the proceedings if you were allowed to visit your PH neighbours.
My question is how come I have never read or heard PH Masons want to merge? Has anyone ever asked PH if they would like to become one? Personally I don't think it has anything to do with racism.
PHA has been going a long time, it has a substantial history and tradition of its own, just as the State GLs do. Naturally there are a lot of PH Brethren who take pride in their tradition and don't want to lose it, and I reckon that's an understandable and respectable reason for not wanting merger. I imagine that the question must have been asked in a few places, and I'm not surprised if the answer has been no. Perhaps there might be some mergers in the long term, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
Nevertheless, I'm not so sure that racism has no relevance at all. I've occasionally seen a few PH Brethren say harsh things about whitey, same as some State GL Brethren have said harsh things the other way around. And I've noticed that one PHGL (one of the ones which is still unrecognised, not PHAoTX!) even makes some remarks on its official website which seem to be based on racial assumptions.
T & F,
Huw