December 4, 2012
by Everglades Moon Local Council (re-blog)
On November 28, 2012, the Grand Master of the State of Florida, Jorge L. Aladro, issued an edict stating that Paganism, Wicca, Odinism, and Gnosticism were not compatible with Freemasonry. This edict further stated that any Freemason “that professes to be a member of one of the groups mentioned above shall tender his resignation or suffer himself to a Trial Commission whose final outcome will be expulsion since there is no provision to allow anything contrary to the Ancient Landmarks.” Click Here to read his full ruling.
Everglades Moon Local Council, Florida Chapter of Covenant of the Goddess, a national organization of Witches and Wiccans, is saddened and disappointed to learn that The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Florida has stated that all Pagans, and specifically Wiccans, must resign their membership. We respect the right of groups such as the Freemasons to make choices regarding their membership. We pray that Wiccan Masons can find a way to continue their contributions towards making good men better.
EMLC is not the only group in Florida who is saddened by Mr. Aladro’s statement. One Pagan, who participated in the Degrees at a lodge in Florida tells the Pagan Newswire Collective of his experience as a Pagan and a Mason.
This ruling has also prompted other Brother Masons to spend the past few evenings in prayer and meditation. While not many current Brothers in Florida have spoken out against their Grand Master (most likely due to fear of being expelled from the organization by him), other well-respected Masons around the US have publicly spoken out against the Florida Grand Master’s decision. You can read an Open Letter to the Florida Grand Master from “The Relevant Mason,” as well as this article on “The Oblong Square” which discusses the religious intolerance, and the not-quite-Brotherly statement by Mr. Aladro.
While there is no Grand Lodge that governs all of the US, and each state operates under the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of the specific state, it is deeply heartening to see the outpouring of current Masons who simply do not agree with the decision reached by this man. The Grand Master of Florida might speak for Freemasonry, but it is important to remember that his position is not held by all Florida Freemasons.
Just a shame. A while back I was looking into joining a local lodge but didn’t because of the subtle Christian orientation that I felt from them. Sounds like my suspicions were founded.
Interesting, Oididio. Also, I’ve never been to a Masonic Lodge myself, but from the specials I’ve seen on National Geographic and read about on the internet, their myths and rituals look to be simply dripping with Pagan symbolism. Irony, no?
Has anyone heard if there have been any changes or updates on this issue?
I have not been sent any information, and if you do hear of any updates, please email me. It’s hard for the public to know what goes on in closed, oath-bound organizations!
This gentleman may speak for Freemasonry in Florida… But only for one year. As a 32nd degree Master Mason from Oregon I can tell you from personal ‘inside’ experience that Freemasonry is the most religiously tolerant organization, at least that I am aware of. There is symbolism from many different sources, and allegory is used in abundance… But there is no dogma and indeed in my state, to speak of religion within lodge is strictly forbidden (as is politics). It is my understanding that the restriction of religious and political discussion in lodge is a common one throughout other states. We make these restrictions to promote a more harmonious environment which is better conducive to a positive outcome for the work that we do.
Thank you Mike for your readership and for sharing your experience with lodges in other states. – Aequitas