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Bro. Bluegrass · 05-02-2008, 08:34 AM

Brother Brown,

As I understand it, the MSM GL of KY claims supremacy over ALL masonic operations in Kentucky. Any masonic body that operates within the Commonwealth is subjet to the oversight, rules and regulations of the MSM GL of KY. Any masonic body that operates within the state, that does not submit itself to the GL of KY, is considered clandestine or irregular.

That is my understanding of the core issue.

With respect to the PHA GL of KY, there may be significant differences between MSM and PHA ritual that could preclude recognition between the two bodies. I am not familiar with PHA ritual, so I cannot say for sure. However, considering the above, this may be one of the issues that flows from the MSM GL of KY claim of masonic supremacy within the Commonwealth.

One thing that I would like to point out is this; recognition does not "solve" the issue. It is a step forward, to be sure, but it is only one step. Another step that must be undertaken is the allowance for MEN of any race to petition any of the lodges of the Commonwealth, to allow MEN to be initiated, passed, and raised, and to allow said brothers unfettered access to the secrets of Ancient Freemasonry. To that end, I would again note that the Grand Lodge of Kentucky requires that a candidate be a MAN and makes no declaration regarding his color or status.

This distinction and the ongoing enforcement of this from the Grand Lodge level, to me, is a very positive step and perhaps more positive than simple recognition. Recognition could be considered a superficial action. It can create a 'separate but equal' type mindset. While recognition overtly satisfies the pallet, it does not address the underlying issue - that ALL men that satisfy the requirements for admission and candidacy based upon the requirements of the Grand Lodge are worthy. The actions of the Grand Lodge with respect to the initiation, passing, and raising of two African-American Brother Masons, to me, is a much more challenging and in the long run more complete solution to the problems at hand.

05-02-2008, 08:34 AM	#88
Bro. Bluegrass Junior Member Bro. Bluegrass is Offline Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 13 Rep: Rep Power: 0	Re: Tyranny is Alive in Kentucky GL Brother Brown, As I understand it, the MSM GL of KY claims supremacy over ALL masonic operations in Kentucky. Any masonic body that operates within the Commonwealth is subjet to the oversight, rules and regulations of the MSM GL of KY. Any masonic body that operates within the state, that does not submit itself to the GL of KY, is considered clandestine or irregular. That is my understanding of the core issue. With respect to the PHA GL of KY, there may be significant differences between MSM and PHA ritual that could preclude recognition between the two bodies. I am not familiar with PHA ritual, so I cannot say for sure. However, considering the above, this may be one of the issues that flows from the MSM GL of KY claim of masonic supremacy within the Commonwealth. One thing that I would like to point out is this; recognition does not "solve" the issue. It is a step forward, to be sure, but it is only one step. Another step that must be undertaken is the allowance for MEN of any race to petition any of the lodges of the Commonwealth, to allow MEN to be initiated, passed, and raised, and to allow said brothers unfettered access to the secrets of Ancient Freemasonry. To that end, I would again note that the Grand Lodge of Kentucky requires that a candidate be a MAN and makes no declaration regarding his color or status. This distinction and the ongoing enforcement of this from the Grand Lodge level, to me, is a very positive step and perhaps more positive than simple recognition. Recognition could be considered a superficial action. It can create a 'separate but equal' type mindset. While recognition overtly satisfies the pallet, it does not address the underlying issue - that ALL men that satisfy the requirements for admission and candidacy based upon the requirements of the Grand Lodge are worthy. The actions of the Grand Lodge with respect to the initiation, passing, and raising of two African-American Brother Masons, to me, is a much more challenging and in the long run more complete solution to the problems at hand.