Godfrey Daniel
Registered User
"tempest in a teapot"
Last edited:
Why a man may have objections to reciting the Pledge was clearly explained by reference to case law, nothing more. Somewhat off topic, but tell the Brethren of West Virginia (the most recent example) that the courts have no standing vis-a-vis "private institutions." The courts can and have gotten involved - when it could be demonstrated that the institution hadn't followed its own stated rules. For starters, I refer you the the EA charge and remind you to "conform with cheerfulness . . . "
There should be nothing inserted between opening and closing that causes any Mason to feel he needs to "opt out."
Thus, it seems the man installed in the Oriental Chair would be free to make the call as to whether or not to include it, absent a Grand Lodge requirement that he do so.
§19-15.1 ORDER OF BUSINESS
The Order of Business for Stated Communications of Subordinate Lodges shall be as follows:
1. Opening of the Lodge
2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
You are mistaken regarding decisions rendered by the courts. Whether or not we as a private institution have followed our own rules is the criteria for whether or not the courts have the authority to get involved, not necessarily what decisions they might render.