Masonic oppression

[JMartinez]

Brethren, how can you find Mason's or Lodges in countries where masonry is oppressed? I've looked in the list of lodges Masonic (containing lodges all over the world I can visit) but it does not contain specific addresses. I realize it might not be a good idea to post on an un-tyled site how to find Mason's who don't want to be found. But if you can private message me that would be great. SMIB.

 

[Mirza Sultan Ahmad]

Yes! A good question. I am not a mason. I am a Pakistani. In Pakistan Freemasonry was banned in 1970's. Usually in Pakistan when an organization is banned, it continues under the banner of a different name. Was it so with Masonry???

 

[Bloke]

Yes! A good question. I am not a mason. I am a Pakistani. In Pakistan Freemasonry was banned in 1970's. Usually in Pakistan when an organization is banned, it continues under the banner of a different name. Was it so with Masonry???

It appears not and all the Lodges disbanded.

 

[MarkR]

I would think it best to not try to find Masons or lodges in such countries. You could endanger men by calling attention to them.

 

[cemab4y]

I have lived in nations where Freemasonry is illegal. I spent one year in Saudi Arabia, and over 10 years in Iraq/Afghanistan/Kuwait. Organized Freemasonry does not exist in these nations. You cannot find lodges in these countries. Seeking out individual masons in these countries could lead to them being arrested, and possibly subject to criminal prosecution. I suggest that you do not participate in Freemasonry, when you are in a nation where it is illegal, and do not try to seek out lodges in these countries.

 

[dfreybur]

Yes! A good question. I am not a mason. I am a Pakistani. In Pakistan Freemasonry was banned in 1970's. Usually in Pakistan when an organization is banned, it continues under the banner of a different name. Was it so with Masonry???

There are "Grand Lodge in Exile" for at least one country where Masonry was banned. They operate as ex-patriots in other countries working to overturn the ban. So no, not in under a different name. In a different country.

The main GL in exile I know of is Iran. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freemasonry_in_Asia#Iran

Before the Berlin Wall fell there were GLs in exile for several Warsaw Pact countries. After the wall fell they worked to reestablish Masonry in country after country as democracy replaced tyranny. Brothers across the world pray that this happens across the crescent wall for freedom to prevail and tyranny to wither.