As far as recognition and visitation, in my humble opinion, we all know there is an elephant in the room.
That analogy doesn't quite fit the context of my question. A better one would be, if you are a smoker, would you like the truth, that is uncomfortable, but for your greater health? Or not have that conversation, because smoking is what you have always done?What is more important, inhaling or exhaling? Try doing only one.
I appreciate that education good Brother. You gave me a lot to think on. I have plans on doing just that. I'm also an advocate of grassroots, out of the box approaches. What is stopping these different brothers from say, meeting in a park, and having some non-Masonic, honest conversations? Voluntary attendance, where men can meet on level, and gain insight, empathy, and understanding? I mean that is kinda what "brotherhood" is about right? Too radical? Maybe so....I can think of two.
First brothers tend think it is the responsibility of the grand line not of the brethren. Our order has a bicameral system. The grand line executes policies set by legislation. The delegates at grand lodge submit and vote upon legislation. While I'd like the grand line to be proactive on topics that interest me they generally aren't.
Look up your jurisdiction's process for legislation and see what steps you would need to take to submit legislation without waiting on the grand line. Find out who your lodge's voting delegates are. Seriously consider going through the line so that you are one of the brothers who can sign and submit - I'm a PM in 2 of my 3 jurisdictions so I can submit in 2 of my 3 jurisdictions. In the third I have to convince at least 1 PM. I say we on the ground need to get past the idea that someone else in our own jurisdiction needs to do it.
Second brothers tend to think it is the responsibility of other jurisdictions - We're the senior jurisdiction so they should ask. Won't that be a problem with other jurisdictions. I say we on the ground need to get past the idea that other jurisdictions matter when it comes to recognition. One idea I say we need to get past is worrying that any one granting of recognition be mutual. Take the moral high ground proactively and let other jurisdictions be reactive.
Some jurisdictions have recognition come to vote every few years. Some jurisdictions just wait. Failing a vote isn't my problem; failing to work on legislation that comes to a vote is my problem - That's the elephant I see in the room. Elephants travel in herds, which one do you see?
Which obligation do you think governs this?As far as recognition and visitation, in my humble opinion, we all know there is an elephant in the room. My question is which is more important, peace and harmony, or ACTUALLY living certain Obligations taken? And if we don't do everything within our individual strength, are we not part of the problem, as a mere bystander?
The recognition thing that really gets me is my patent/certificate says TO ALL FREE AND EXCEPTED MASONS ON THE FACE OF THE GLOBE not just Florida jurisdiction??? But what do I know I'm a new M.M.
And I could make up a group that hands out little certificates proclaiming every member a Senator of the United States of America. Doesn't make it truth.
So this would lead me to believe that you agree with being challenged or challenging someone to prove that one is a worthy and well qualified brother mason ? If I am wrong please correct me because you're saying a dues called or patent is not sufficient because they can be forged , how would you go about inspecting a potential brother not knowing him to be such?
It's very simple: If you want to visit, go through channels. That's what lodge secretaries are for. That makes any personal challenge simply pro
I wasn't talking about visiting I was simply stating what my patent read on the subject of mutual recognition when I decide to travel I have my secretary call ahead that's just common courtesy anyway I wouldn't want someone just showing up at my house all unannounced lol
A piece of paper is, in the end, just a piece of paper, no matter how fancy.
I'm in the same boat as you, I was raised 8/4/14. We here in Kentucky have recognition between PH and AF&M but no visitation. Does not make sense to me.The recognition thing that really gets me is my patent/certificate says TO ALL FREE AND EXCEPTED MASONS ON THE FACE OF THE GLOBE not just Florida jurisdiction??? But what do I know I'm a new M.M.
Within a regularly constituted lodge....Which obligation do you think governs this?