Ok so I have heard there are 34 Lodges that have not paid their annual returns. I am told they are currently in arrears. Then I was told that the Most Worshipful Grand Master may suspend them come June 1st but they are looking for other options. Keep in mind I am told there are multiple Lodges that have not paid from last year and are still "Working". My question is this, what gives the Grand Master the power to NOT susspend these Lodges? The Article CLEARLY states they should have to give their Charters up yet they have not. It is my understanding that the GM is there to enforce the Laws that have been passed by the Grand West. It was explained to me he does not have absolute power. (This was told when racism came up. I was told he can't enforce something that is not there) So why now? Is it pick and choose?
Art. 492. (525). Annual Returns by Lodges: Penalty for Failure to Make. On June first of each year any Lodge which stands suspended for failure to send in its returns to the Grand Secretary and make payment of its dues and contributions for the previous year shall cease all work; but any Lodge, so suspended, may, on delivering its returns and paying its dues to the Grand Secretary on or before the next Annual Communication thereafter, have its charter and other property returned to it and be restored to good standing by the Grand Lodge; otherwise its charter shall be forfeited.
I am looking for guidance here? Just really from everyone how they see it. I can't find anything that says he can diviate from this or ANY law that has been put in place.
Art. 492. (525). Annual Returns by Lodges: Penalty for Failure to Make. On June first of each year any Lodge which stands suspended for failure to send in its returns to the Grand Secretary and make payment of its dues and contributions for the previous year shall cease all work; but any Lodge, so suspended, may, on delivering its returns and paying its dues to the Grand Secretary on or before the next Annual Communication thereafter, have its charter and other property returned to it and be restored to good standing by the Grand Lodge; otherwise its charter shall be forfeited.
I am looking for guidance here? Just really from everyone how they see it. I can't find anything that says he can diviate from this or ANY law that has been put in place.