THE LETTER OF THE Master of the Lodge

Four words

Dearest Brother,
the United Grand Lodge of England website summarizes "Our values" as follows:
- Integrity (building good people): Freemasons focus on building themselves as an integral person and belonging provides the structure to help achieve that goal. Being a Freemason gives members a sense of purpose, supporting and guiding them on their journey through life. Collectively, members are linked by an understanding of unity and equity, fundamental principles for Freemasonry.
- Friendship (building together): Freemasonry provides the common basis for friendships among members, many of which will last for a lifetime. Being a Freemason means something different to every person who joins, but whether they seek to make acquaintances or develop their potential, all members share a sense of oneness that strengthens their ability to succeed and grow.
- Respect (building unity): Freemasonry unites people regardless of their race, religion or other perceived differences that can divide us as a society. Members are expected to have a high moral standing and are encouraged to talk openly about what the organization does and what it means to be a part of it.
- Charitable giving (building compassion): Kindness and charitable giving are deeply rooted in the principles of Freemasonry and the organization provides the structure for members to make positive contributions to their communities and various causes through fundraising events or volunteer work. Individuals can make an important contribution locally, nationally and globally by donating time and money. (1)
On closer inspection, these four words do not describe what we do as freemasons, but what we should become by doing it.
The premise therefore is that the masonry work can lead us to a tangible change: we should become more integral, friendly, respectful and benefactors. But that verb written in brackets, "building", has essential practical implications, which made me reflect: does the requirement of always being constructive, and not destructive, inclusive, and non-divisive, reconcile with all possible personal, political and religious positions? Because if it is true that in the lodge there is no talk of politics and religion, this does not mean that the freemason does not have to deal with them! Indeed, I believe it is necessary for him to confront his own convictions, faiths or ideologies, and that he must do it in an intellectually honest way, to test their compatibility with the masonry path.
And can this compatibility be taken for granted or ignored, with the excuse of dealing with "higher things" in the lodge? (It's not a rhetorical question, I really ask myself).

Soon!

S&F

W.M. M.B. Master of Lodge

(1) https://www.ugle.org.uk/discover-freemasonry/what-is-freemasonry