But the truth be told, neither Grand Lodge is going to allow anybody below Grand Master to negotiate this kind of a deal. There are no playmakers that will change this other than they change the mind of their own Grand Master. That is just Masonic protocol. You and I may not like it, but that is the way things are done.
This is only partially correct. While a GM is able to negotiate recognition agreements they are only able to ratify them temporarily by edict. It takes a vote on the GL floor at annual communication for the agreement to be ratified. Here's the kicker - It's been since 2002 and no GM on either side has done so yet. The time to wait on the GMs is over.
At this point the key is to work the process from the bottom up. Back a few months ago the MWPHAGLofTX passed some resolution from the floor having to do with a new recognition agreement but it has not seen public release so I figure it's time to work as though it didn't happen. In the GLofTX this month is the deadline for submitting resolutions. At my stated meeting in Victory 1160 this month I will present the resolution I quote below and try to get the pedestal officers to sign and forward it. I will be happy if brothers in any/every other GLofTX lodge use my wording and submit as well.
Some time after a meeting was scheduled between the two Grand Masters but Prince Hall pulled out when it was informed that the GL of Texas had changed the subject and would be giving the Prince Hall GL a dressing down at the scheduled meeting.
The Ivory Coast invasion has ended. This self inflicted delay is no longer an issue. If it were between GMs it would thus be up to MW GM Curtis to reschedule because he is the one who cancelled over a territorial invasion. But I am far past thinking it is between GMs or that it should be up to GMs.
The best way to accomplish cross visitation is for each of us to work within our Grand Lodges to get each Grand Lodge to vote in Grand Session to move ahead on this issue and approve it.
Direct submission of legislation by the published process through the Gr Sec office not through the GM. Waiting on the GMs has been a losing strategy since 2002. The time to wait on them is over.
I would be happy to write and publish an article on the subject if Brothers would give me the information necessary to present the issue publicly.
Or use this one which I have quoted on this forum on several occasions -
Whereas the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas has been recognized for several years by the Grand Lodge of Texas, the United Grand Lodge of England and many other regular and recognized jurisdictions, and
Whereas there has previously been in place a custom recognition compact in place between the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas and the Grand Lodge of Texas, which compact did not include visitation, and
Whereas standard recognition compact between regular and recognized jurisdictions includes visitation, dual affiliation with jurisdictions that support dual affiliation and all of the traditional amenities between regular and recognized jurisdictions, therefore
Be it resolved that the Grand Lodge of Texas offer the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas the full standard and traditional compact of recognition to replace the previous compact bringing our jurisdictions from partial amity to full amity.
Be it further resolved that the Grand Lodge of Texas offer the full standard and traditional compact of recognition to all other Prince Hall Grand Lodges that have been recognized in their respective states, this offer to replace any previous compacts.
Be it further resolved that the Grand Lodge of Texas offer the full standard and traditional compact of recognition to Prince Hall Grand Lodges as their states achieve recognition.
Respectfully submitted,
Lots of signatures of WMs, SWs, JWs, PMs, DDGMs and various other enthusiasts
Cc: Committee on Fraternal Relations, Committee on Legislation, Grand Secretary's office, elected grand line officers, (MWPHGLofTX Grand Secretary?)