You are welcome. I had a totally different view of both until I actually did the research. The benefit of sites such as this is the research topics it brings my way, plus the commentary of Masons.i've never really thought of internal vs external in that way, T.N. thanks.
I think you are correct, as Scialytic so well highlighted in his comment on Chuck Colson. Seems to me that there should be more involved than just the fact of a felony on the man's record. Cordially, Skip.jvarnell said:The word Felony is what I thought was bing discused and I think it needs to more a judgment call than a word.
as Scialytic so well highlighted in his comment on Chuck Colson. Seems to me that there should be more involved than just the fact of a felony on the man's record. Cordially, Skip.
With all this being said, I have a friend that is curious about joining the fraternity and I am unsure as to how to direct him. When he was 19, he was arrested and charged with felony assault. The circumstances are interesting to say the least. When he was convicted, he was convicted of a misdemeanor charge of assault. I understand that ultimately it is up the voting brethren, but should I help him on his journey and introduce him to members of my lodge? He has had no trouble since then and it was purely a case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
With all this being said, I have a friend that is curious about joining the fraternity and I am unsure as to how to direct him. When he was 19, he was arrested and charged with felony assault. The circumstances are interesting to say the least. When he was convicted, he was convicted of a misdemeanor charge of assault. I understand that ultimately it is up the voting brethren, but should I help him on his journey and introduce him to members of my lodge? He has had no trouble since then and it was purely a case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
I have been a LEO for 25 years. I can tell you that the difference between being a felon and a non-felon can be a very thin line. The first thing told to us when criminal law was taught at the a academy was that we were ALL felons because filatio was a felony in our state at the time. And yes there were people convicted for that. There are now even more laws that can condemn a good man. Our founding fathers could have easily been convicted of treason but instead they are heroes. I think each case should be examined on its own merit.
the others will quote what the GLoT by-laws say so be prepared.
Brother Bill is absolutely correct. The Grand Lodge in your area is the final Masonic Law for which you must follow. As you are on the path to becoming a Master Mason it is a time for reflection and learning. Masonry is not for everyone. Even if you are found worth to be a brother, Masonry its self might not be what you want and that is something that you need to reflect on. But Masonry is progressive and as you advance in the craft you will have an opportunity to help mold it. My arguments are made with full respect to Grand Lodge of Texas and to my fellow brethren. Like anyone I hope they give insight and are persuasive. Not to say that yours aren’t. As a Mason I do stand by my opinions but I submit to the authority of my Grand Lodge.
I beleive that puting the word felnoy in to a regulation has un intended consequences. Unintended consequences are usely bad. when "people" defines words they have in there head something that may or not be what you think it should be. To me it should be on an indivual bases and the judgment of men. If you lean on a word you can makew it mean anything. we have brains we need to use them.