Masons Struggle with Racial Separation

I feel a little discouraged by this because I have experienced this while trying to greet a brother of another race and was looked at and passed over as if I was nothing. I hate to say this but it is starting to drive me away so early in my practice.

An underlying issue as to why "regular" Grand Lodges are hesitant to recognize another Grand Lodge in their jurisdiction is one of authority. By virtue of being call a Grand Lodge, you are saying you are the supreme Masonic authority in the jurisdiction. By recognizing another Grand Lodge, they would be saying they also are the supreme Masonic authority in this jurisdiction. That can seem sorta odd.

The thing to remember is in 2007 the two Grand Lodges came together and gave each other recognition. Click HERE for a copy of this Compact and Click HERE for previous discussion

As you can see this has been a pretty hot topic. Through a little knowledge and education we can do our part in education on this subject with less knowledgeable Brethren. I personally have heard all kinds of rumors and "this is how it is" stories but the facts are PHGLoTX, F&AM and GLoTX, AF&AM DO recognize each other as regular that share the same jurisdiction but do not allow visitation and dual or plural membership with each other. As previously stated, a request for FULL visitation, to include visitation, has been made to the Grand Lodge of Texas, AF&AM and should be voted on this year during our annual communications. It should be reported on by the Fraternal Relations Committee.

There has been steps made in the right direction but with plenty of road blocks in the way.

Thanks to all who commented.