Frater Cliff Porter said:There isn't much that isn't immoral, unjust, or unfair that wouldn't be a "violation" in the truest sense. But how about pulling him aside and talking with him. It is also a violation of our obligations not to whisper wise counsel, ward of danger, and assist in his reformation if we can. Charges and jurisprudence are a mechanism that we have, but bringing charges out of the gate without further discussion is bad and the GL will likely send you packing and admonish you to work it out.
Brother Porter, as always great advice.
Do you feel deliberately saying bad things about another Mason behind his back, attacking his character, is a violation and grounds for disciplinary action?
My interpretation of Chapter 2 - Article 504-505 of The Laws of The Grand Lodge of Texas says yes.
There isn't much that isn't immoral, unjust, or unfair that wouldn't be a "violation" in the truest sense. But how about pulling him aside and talking with him. It is also a violation of our obligations not to whisper wise counsel, ward of danger, and assist in his reformation if we can. Charges and jurisprudence are a mechanism that we have, but bringing charges out of the gate without further discussion is bad and the GL will likely send you packing and admonish you to work it out.
We have more GL reported violations today than we did 50 years ago. Interesting thing is we have fewer masons now than then. Why? I believe there are two reasons. 1) the three blackball rule instead of one allows questionable men through the door, and 2) we as a society have forgotten how to discuss hard issues. Now we just complain to the authorities.