RobertTheBruce
Registered User
Like it states in the topic, I am wondering if I do petition what are some reasons I might be turned away?
When a brand new EA I asked my mentor how he had voted on a certain ballot. He very firmly instructed me in the above, Lol.In fact it is forbidden to ask any brother how he balloted or why. It is forbidden to tell anyone how you balloted or why.
Like it states in the topic, I am wondering if I do petition what are some reasons I might be turned away?
A friend of 25 years recommended me for membership and this is exactly what he told me.There are many reasons why someone is blackballed, but do not concern yourself with the reasons. Be genuine, polite and nice and you will be fine.
I must disagree. I can think of any number of reasons why a Mason might not want a man in his lodge, but be unwilling to reveal those reasons because they wish to protect someone's privacy. There's a reason we have a secret (in most states) ballot.Blackballing someone, in my eyes, is not Masonic. By doing so could severely restrict your access to a lodge.
I must disagree. I can think of any number of reasons why a Mason might not want a man in his lodge, but be unwilling to reveal those reasons because they wish to protect someone's privacy. There's a reason we have a secret (in most states) ballot.
What if the person who has the objection doesn't wish to share the reason with anyone? What if the petitioner had sexually assaulted your sister or daughter; he doesn't know that you know, because she chose not to file any charges, and has asked you to never tell anyone? Would you drop the black ball, or would you violate the confidence of your sister/daughter? Or would you let him be voted in and demit?
It is a Masonic offense to disclose your vote in some jurisdictions. Further, in some jurisdictions the petition cannot be withdrawn and must be ballotted upon.I don't believe this to be Masonic. Being polite and informing the person that someone has raised an objection, is not only ethical, it is good Masonic practice.
In UGLE, a black ball is indeed unusual. However, to broadly declare it is unmasonic in the US is simply incorrect. As you will learn here, there is a diversity of practice in the world and we cannot take the narrow view of our own obedience.Hi Robert ,
Best advice is that you visit the lodge and meet the members on several occasions. No lodge would blackball you if it is a good lodge, but would rather say that it is best to seek membership at another lodge. Blackballing someone, in my eyes, is not Masonic. By doing so could severely restrict your access to a lodge.
There are many reasons why someone is blackballed, but do not concern yourself with the reasons. Be genuine, polite and nice and you will be fine.
Good luck.
Joe Ellis, Past Master
England
I would be curious if any US State GL allows one to disclose his ballot.When a brand new EA I asked my mentor how he had voted on a certain ballot. He very firmly instructed me in the above, Lol.
I totally disagree. Not every man is Masonic material. If I consider a petitioner to be unworthy of our Fraternity, I'll drop a blackball on him without a second thought. If I believe him to be a good man but not fit the culture of my Lodge, I'll quietly advise him to petition elsewhere.I don't believe this to be Masonic. Being polite and informing the person that someone has raised an objection, is not only ethical, it is good Masonic practice.
I totally disagree. Not every man is Masonic material. If I consider a petitioner to be unworthy of our Fraternity, I'll drop a blackball on him without a second thought. If I believe him to be a good man but not fit the culture of my Lodge, I'll quietly advise him to petition elsewhere.
Yes, really. Well, maybe a second thought would be given. But I have done so and would do so.My g-d...really?
Yes, REALLY.
In Wisconsin, if there is a black ball, the Worshipful Master informs the lodge that the brother who cast the black ball has 48 hours to tell him the reason for the black ball. If no one comes forward, the ballot is declared clear. If a reason is given to the Master, it is forwarded to the Grand Master, who determines if the reason is within the rules of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin. If so, the black ball is upheld, if not, the petition is accepted.I would be curious if any US State GL allows one to disclose his ballot.