Ukraine?

[Mike Mendelson]

Brothers,

Are there any active lodges in Ukraine and if so, what can we do to support them during this dark and disturbing time?

 

[Elexir]

To be honest, with the war that's going on I think we honestly should support the Ukrainian people in general.

Ukraine

The international armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine is fueling a devastating humanitarian crisis that is affecting the lives of millions of people. We have worked in Ukraine since 2014 and since 24 February 2022, we have massively scaled up our response to meet the rising needs.We have...

www.icrc.org

 

[Mike Mendelson]

Very true, Brother, but with respect, the one does not preclude the other.

 

[Glen Cook]

Yes, there are. https://www.freemason.org.ua/default.aspx

 

[Mike Mendelson]

Thank you, brother! Much appreciated. I will mention this at lodge tonight.

 

[usar123]

I ag

To be honest, with the war that's going on I think we honestly should support the Ukrainian people in general.

Ukraine

The international armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine is fueling a devastating humanitarian crisis that is affecting the lives of millions of people. We have worked in Ukraine since 2014 and since 24 February 2022, we have massively scaled up our response to meet the rising needs.We have...

www.icrc.org

I agree there must be a great need for our brothers and families need assistance in a time like now !

 

[tuxton]

As a person who is new to Masonry, I'm looking for guidance on how to reconcile this thread since it's my understanding that politics (and religion) are "forbidden topics". It seems that there may be some Russian Mason Brothers that might have a different take, and thus cause discord.

With a listening ear.

 

[Glen Cook]

We are neither in lodge nor a lodge building. Not everyone here is a mason.

I saw little discussion of politics. I did see sympathy for others.

That is a masonic trait.

 

[tuxton]

We are neither in lodge nor a lodge building. Not everyone here is a mason.

I suppose this is the answer I was looking for.

 

[Brother_Steve]

As a person who is new to Masonry, I'm looking for guidance on how to reconcile this thread since it's my understanding that politics (and religion) are "forbidden topics". It seems that there may be some Russian Mason Brothers that might have a different take, and thus cause discord.

With a listening ear.

read below. We may choose sides in conflict but we do not abandon our duty we owe to our Brothers. It is a weird concept, but it is akin to the old saying, “it’s nothing personal. It’s just business.”

A Savannah Story​

Found in the records of a lodge in Savannah is a story of how, with war raging, Confederate soldiers helped a Union Brother complete a Masonic degree. According to an article from the Georgia Masonic Messenger, shortly after the start of the war, Union soldiers captured the beaches on Hilton Head. Before long, the northerners sent a message under the white flag: A Union soldier had passed through the Fellowcraft Degree before shipping out, and they wanted to see if a nearby lodge could test and raise him to a Master Mason.

Within days, a detail of Confederate cavalry escorted the Fellowcraft Mason and several Master Masons of the north safely through the Confederate Lines and over 30 miles of Confederate defenses to Savannah and the local Masonic lodge. The records note that this Brother was proficient in the Fellowcraft Degree, and he was raised to the Degree of a Master Mason. After the ritual was complete, the Confederate cavalry returned their Brothers to Hilton Head without incident.

 

[usar123]

I heard this Awesome Story before when I was stationed with the Army in GA ! I was attending a Lodge meeting when a brother was sharing this Story over our dinner powerful Story thanks Brother Steve !

Fraternally,
WB. Sal

 

[Winter]

As a person who is new to Masonry, I'm looking for guidance on how to reconcile this thread since it's my understanding that politics (and religion) are "forbidden topics". It seems that there may be some Russian Mason Brothers that might have a different take, and thus cause discord.

With a listening ear.

Just curious how you saw politics and religion in this thread. How does your jurisdiction draw the line on what constitutes these topics to avoid in open Lodge.

 

[Bloke]

As a person who is new to Masonry, I'm looking for guidance on how to reconcile this thread since it's my understanding that politics (and religion) are "forbidden topics". It seems that there may be some Russian Mason Brothers that might have a different take, and thus cause discord.

With a listening ear.

I think you have your answer, but the original post talked of supporting lodges, not any government or ideaology. I would think this is a welfare theme, not a political one.

 

[Mike Mendelson]

Yes, that was the intention. Thank you! This quickly got sidetracked, which is rather disappointing, given the humanitarian crisis going on. Pray for our brothers on both sides of the conflict.

 

[Keith C]

I saw the attached on a PA Freemasonry FB post and figured I should share it here.

 

[Number4]

I've just got in from a Royal Arch chapter meeting where the chaplain was asked to speak on this by the HP and in doing so, went way beyond offering prayers for the civilian victims of war. IMHO this crossed the line into politics and has no place in a tiled lodge whatsoever.

 

[Winter]

I've just got in from a Royal Arch chapter meeting where the chaplain was asked to speak on this by the HP and in doing so, went way beyond offering prayers for the civilian victims of war. IMHO this crossed the line into politics and has no place in a tiled lodge whatsoever.

This is absolutely not politics and I believe would be appropriate to read and discuss in open Lodge. This is a call for assistance from distressed Masons of a Regular jurisdiction whose country has been invaded by a neighboring power. Exactly how has this crossed the line? Good on any Lodge that makes this plea known and even more if they take some action. If we can't help Brothers and their families in need then our Obligations are so much empty air.

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

 

[Number4]

So far as I am aware, there has been no 'call for assistance' from the Grand Lodge of Ukraine, and if there is we should await guidance from our own governing bodies before responding collectively. Respectfully, you were not there: the remarks as I said went far beyond assisting distressed Brothers or their families, and I have no intention of repeating them here.

 

[Glen Cook]

I've just got in from a Royal Arch chapter meeting where the chaplain was asked to speak on this by the HP and in doing so, went way beyond offering prayers for the civilian victims of war. IMHO this crossed the line into politics and has no place in a tiled lodge whatsoever.

As we were not there, you place brother masons at a disadvantage in making disparaging comments for which we cannot determine the accuracy.

 

[Winter]

So far as I am aware, there has been no 'call for assistance' from the Grand Lodge of Ukraine, and if there is we should await guidance from our own governing bodies before responding collectively. Respectfully, you were not there: the remarks as I said went far beyond assisting distressed Brothers or their families, and I have no intention of repeating them here.

You're absolutely correct Brother, I wasn't at your Commandery meeting to hear what was said. I was responding more to the letter from the MW Bro. Dymchuk that Brother Keith posted, which is what I thought your Commandery was discussing, that calls for assistance in the form of asylum of refugees, humanitarian aid and monetary donations.

On a related note, Freemasons in England and Wales have donated £50,000 to the British Red Cross to help refugees.

Freemasons give £50,000 to help Ukrainian refugees - The Masonic Charitable Foundation

Thousands of Ukrainian refugees will be given help and support from Freemasons in England and Wales, following a £50,000 grant to the Red Cross.

mcf.org.uk