What a good conversation.
It is a tricky question and I acknowledge the "slippery slope" and against "evil happens when good men do nothing".
For me, it's about Masonic Values, - "We prize each Brother, fair or dark, who bears no moral stain"" (Not a line from our ritual but the Tyler's Toast).
I think publicly articulating Masonic Values is good.
More generally however, even a statement like "we should feed the starving" will be read as "social justice" by some and a politically charged by others.
Be honest, be fair and respect others I think are way of interpreting the lessons of Masonry, and of course, try to be a better person. I think if we articulate that we are not been political. At the essence of a good society if fairness and for people to feel safe. If that is not happening, then perhaps we should speak out, but transcending the politics and events of the day, time and place.
Tyler's Toast
'Are your glasses all charged in the West and the South?'
the Worshipful Master cries.
'All charged in the West!' '
All charged in the South,'
came the Wardens' prompt replies.
Then to our final Toast tonight, our glasses freely drain,
Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.
The Mason's social Brotherhood around the festive board,
Reveals a Truth more precious far, than the miser's hoard.
We freely share the bounteous gifts, that generous hearts contain,
Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.
We meet as Masons free and true, and when our work is done,
The merry song and social glass is not unduly won.
And only at our farewell pledge is pleasure mixed with pain,
Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.
Amidst our mirth we drink to all poor Masons o'er the Earth,
On every shore our flag of love is gloriously unfurled.
We prize each Brother, fair or dark, who bears no moral stain,
Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.
We Masons prize that noble truth, the Scottish peasant told,
That rank is but a guinea stamp: The man himself the gold.
We meet the rich and poor alike, the equal rights maintain,
Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.
Dear Brethren of the Mystic tie, the night is waning fast,
Our work is done, our feast is o'er, this toast must be the last.
Good night to all, once more good night, again that farewell strain,
Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again