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Bogus, Clandestine, Unrecognized, and In All Ways Irregular

Tela.B

Registered User
It seems to me while we fussing about who's and who's wrong we need to come together as one while the 3 and 4 letter white mason is continuing to build a bridge and us that's right I said US feel like we the ones who started this first. I been on both sides of the fence if PHA feels like FA&AM is not legit take them to court, but all the back and forward is very childish.
 

Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
It seems to me while we fussing about who's and who's wrong we need to come together as one while the 3 and 4 letter white mason is continuing to build a bridge and us that's right I said US feel like we the ones who started this first. I been on both sides of the fence if PHA feels like FA&AM is not legit take them to court, but all the back and forward is very childish.
Using abbreviations really doesn't help with a characterization of whether a GL is regular. For instance, there is a regular FAAM GL.
Depending on the civil jurisdiction, there may not be a cause of action to the bring a clandestine body to court.
To be ckear, the state GLs are not trying to build bridges with the historically black GLs unless they are PHA.
 

Joe Ellis

https://UniqueFreemason.com
Premium Member

The recent story about the bogus, clandestine, unrecognized, and completely irregular "Masonic Police Department" that played itself out yesterday brings up a related point. I think there's something useful in putting an explanatory page on our grand lodge websites about what regularity and recognition mean Masonically. Those who join lodges under the jurisdictions that are considered irregular and unrecognized by the principal grand lodge in a state (or country) will not be allowed to visit and interact with the overwhelming majority of the Masonic world, outside of their own isolated group. That's just truth in advertising, and people should understand what they are joining, and what they are not.

It doesn't do any of us any good to pretend other grand lodges aren't at work in our states. Anyone seeking membership in our jurisdictions by looking online is bound to run into other lodges or grand lodges that don't fit the mold of what we teach. (When I tell most American Masons that almost 20% of the Freemasons in France are women, they look at me like the dog talked.) We might as well acknowledge their existence and explain the difference.

This is a particularly vexing problem in the black community in the US. There are hundreds of small grand lodges or independent lodges at work, and many of them are listed by the Phylaxis Society's Commission on Bogus Masonic Practices. New ones pop up every day. As is stated on the Phylaxis site, "There are more African American Bogus Grand Lodges in the United States than there are Legitimate Grand Lodge around the World." (I recently saw a new one in Atlanta, with a well designed website, looking very official.)

These "bogus" lodges and grand lodges are often spawned by arguments and ego clashes, or exist as money-making schemes for their organizers. They sometimes make wild claims about their pedigree, and often their members think they can intervisit in the greater Masonic world. Many also engage in wholly irregular practices, such as hazing violence. (Have a closer look above at the release form that petitioners must sign, from the "International Free & Accepted masons Inc," indemnifying them from legal action resulting from injuries suffered during degrees. Yeah.)

Unfortunately, people tend to join organizations that their friends, family or co-workers do, and bogus groups are somewhat self-perpetuating. They are fueled by new public awareness of Freemasonry from media sources, and the interest is growing. Opportunists see a chance to cash in on an ancient fraternity's history and reputation, and thus the problem continues. Regularity and recognition are issues that make outsiders' eyes glaze over, but I think ALL regular and overwhelmingly recognized grand lodges need to address the issue on their public material. It would help to put a stop to - or at least slow down - the practice, and guide potential new members to the more widely welcoming world of Masonry.


Continue reading...
I just love being 'Irregular' - http://www.uniquefreemason.com

Meanwhile, back in the real world......
 

Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
And why would anyone wish to stand and be abused? Mind boggles. Meanwhile, back in the real world...
And if this behaviour occurred, it should be considered intolerable, regardless of whether you have the autism diagnosis or a neurological diagnosis. I'm surprised you didn't report the matter to the police and bring a civil action against those whom you indicate said these things.

However, the issue is your less than candid sig line. As one who purportedly sees things in black and white, surely you would wish to include your obedience so people don't think you are a UGLE Mason, an organisation from which you have separated yourself
 
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Joe Ellis

https://UniqueFreemason.com
Premium Member
And if this behaviour occurred, it should be considered intolerable, regardless of whether you have the autism diagnosis or a neurological diagnosis. I'm surprised you didn't report the matter to the police and bring a civil action against those whom you indicate said these things.

However, the issue is your less than candid sig line. As one who purportedly sees things in black and white, surely you would wish to include your obedience so people don't think you are masquerading as a UGLE Mason.

You seem more concerned about 'sig line' and other Mason issues then most things. Meanwhile, back in the real world...
 

Tela.B

Registered User
Understandable, it's like in masonry right regular guys and you have the outlaws both is wearing the square and compass but to keep down the commotion and confront the problem, we'll go back and forward about who is a true mason. If I was a true cop and somebody is acting like a cop I'll confront the person or persons take them to court and get the truth. that's why both sides need to seat down and have a discussion.
 

Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
Understandable, it's like in masonry right regular guys and you have the outlaws both is wearing the square and compass but to keep down the commotion and confront the problem, we'll go back and forward about who is a true mason. If I was a true cop and somebody is acting like a cop I'll confront the person or persons take them to court and get the truth. that's why both sides need to seat down and have a discussion.
Not entirely sure what the two sides are which you are referencing, but if you are talking about PHA v Bogus GLs, nothing to discuss. We know that PHA is legitimate and the others aren't.

Here is the Way the discussion would go:

" You are bogus."

"No we're not."

"Yes, you are."

Done
 
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