Mike Cameron
Registered User
I would like to begin this by assuring everyone that these are MY thoughts and beliefs and I do not intend to disrespect anyone by stating these beliefs. I write this asking for my Brothers thoughts concerning my ideals in order to be sure that in arriving at these ideals, I haven't missed something that will allow me to be be blinded to the light that I search for.
I know that there is a lot of talk about the recognition of "Prince Hall" Masons. There are people who say that the entire debate is fueled by racism. Here are my thoughts as a newer Brother who has attempted to educate himself through Masonic research. First of all, I am absolutely possitive that there are many good and great men within the "Prince Hall" Masons. However, it seems to me that this organization is cut off at the knees right from the beginning. This is simply a purists viewpoint. Correct me if I have the wrong understanding please. Prince Hall was born a slave and later freed. (I am simplifying the story) He founded the "Prince Hall" Masons. Thank God we moved away from the slave days. When I was initiated I was subject to the requirement that I was "Free Born". The fact that the "Prince Hall" organization was founded by a man who was not "Free Born" completely seperates that organization entirely from our AF&AM. If you are angered or feel disrepect by this so far, please keep reading. I have no problem believing that the "PR" ideals are very similar to ours. However, the organizations do not align on a fundamental level. I have no intimate knowledge of the "PR" "work", but I understand that it is very different from the AF&AM work. This further misaligns the two organizations. For these reasons I don't believe that the "Prince Hall" Masons will ever truely coexist with the AF&AM weather the Grand Lodges recognize them or not. The "Prince Hall" Masons are not the same as the AF&AM. Please, keep reading. Now having said all that, I have one more oppinion to share. I would welcome any member of the "Prince Hall" Masons to visit their local AF&AM lodge, fill out a petition, be investigated, and be initiated as an EA, thereby becoming a true worthy brother. I have no problem with any man of any race or nationality becoming an ANCIENT FREE & ACCEPTED MASON. Afterall, I am Obligated to ALL of Mankind. I think that we need not lose ourselves by comprimising our fundamentals in an attempt to increase funding or membership, assuming that these are some of the larger reasons. Again, I have no doubt that the Prince Hall Masons are comprised of GOOD and GREAT men but the fact is that the organization is a seperate one from the AF&AM.
Brothers, Please read this and reread it and give me your thoughts so I can square myself. Thank You.
I know that there is a lot of talk about the recognition of "Prince Hall" Masons. There are people who say that the entire debate is fueled by racism. Here are my thoughts as a newer Brother who has attempted to educate himself through Masonic research. First of all, I am absolutely possitive that there are many good and great men within the "Prince Hall" Masons. However, it seems to me that this organization is cut off at the knees right from the beginning. This is simply a purists viewpoint. Correct me if I have the wrong understanding please. Prince Hall was born a slave and later freed. (I am simplifying the story) He founded the "Prince Hall" Masons. Thank God we moved away from the slave days. When I was initiated I was subject to the requirement that I was "Free Born". The fact that the "Prince Hall" organization was founded by a man who was not "Free Born" completely seperates that organization entirely from our AF&AM. If you are angered or feel disrepect by this so far, please keep reading. I have no problem believing that the "PR" ideals are very similar to ours. However, the organizations do not align on a fundamental level. I have no intimate knowledge of the "PR" "work", but I understand that it is very different from the AF&AM work. This further misaligns the two organizations. For these reasons I don't believe that the "Prince Hall" Masons will ever truely coexist with the AF&AM weather the Grand Lodges recognize them or not. The "Prince Hall" Masons are not the same as the AF&AM. Please, keep reading. Now having said all that, I have one more oppinion to share. I would welcome any member of the "Prince Hall" Masons to visit their local AF&AM lodge, fill out a petition, be investigated, and be initiated as an EA, thereby becoming a true worthy brother. I have no problem with any man of any race or nationality becoming an ANCIENT FREE & ACCEPTED MASON. Afterall, I am Obligated to ALL of Mankind. I think that we need not lose ourselves by comprimising our fundamentals in an attempt to increase funding or membership, assuming that these are some of the larger reasons. Again, I have no doubt that the Prince Hall Masons are comprised of GOOD and GREAT men but the fact is that the organization is a seperate one from the AF&AM.
Brothers, Please read this and reread it and give me your thoughts so I can square myself. Thank You.