tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post6399189788169435034..comments2024-03-26T12:05:58.591-04:00Comments on Freemasons For Dummies: UGLE's Grand Secretary, Nigel BrownChristopher Hodapphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04201859873755654395noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-89952382530421552022010-06-22T13:44:30.297-04:002010-06-22T13:44:30.297-04:00I am not impervious to the very different atmosphe...I am not impervious to the very different atmosphere of anti-Masonic sentiments that have existed in England for a very long time. They have to deal with far more criticism, scrutiny, and frankly, irrational legal restrictions than we ever have in the U.S. I know WHY the Grand Secretary said what he did. And he's relatively new to the job. This may have been his first big media interview (don't know that). And anyone can be afflicted with hoof-in-mouth when talking to a reporter.<br /><br />Having made all of those qualifiers, this was a very deliberately worded remark. I know the UGLE is attempting to tell the British community, "Nothing to fear from us cuddly Freemasons." That seems to be wrapped up with the loaded word "secrecy," and it's far easier to tell some reporter "What secrets?! We have no secrets! We're no secret society!" than it is to explain what Masonic secrecy really is. <br /><br />Worldwide, interest in the fraternity is growing again, on its own, with little help from us. Our job is to educate the public, not alter our mission and beliefs to suit the delicate sensibilities of Fleet Street. The skeptical English press will NEVER be on our side, or even neutral to Masonry. Never. No article will ever appear without saying "dodgy handshakes," "rolled-up trouser legs," or mentioning the bricks in Roberto Calvi's pockets. We DO have secrets among us. That doesn't mean we let criminal brethren out of the dock when they throw up our gang signs. It doesn't mean we are caballing to win a defense contract (no, that'd be the Grand Orient of France...). It does mean, join and find out.Christopher Hodapphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04201859873755654395noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-1857991762061953952010-06-22T12:10:28.196-04:002010-06-22T12:10:28.196-04:00Once again a complete and utter misunderstanding o...Once again a complete and utter misunderstanding of the fraternity by those who would be, to some degree, in charge of it.<br /><br />We are not a religion, we are not an order, we are not men, we are not people, we do not exist, blah, blah, blah.<br /><br />We are AFRAID to define ourselves. This is evidence that if individual Masons do not start working to change the top heavy administrative end that exist as a representative government do not start taking a part in the process and honoring the privileged of participating in functions like Grand Lodges, budget, etc....we only ourselves to blame.Cliffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09224247159637625527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25683662.post-53091429446728665332010-06-21T06:32:16.917-04:002010-06-21T06:32:16.917-04:00Absolutely agreed on your last point Bro. Hodapp. ...Absolutely agreed on your last point Bro. Hodapp. Of course, this course of action might be knee jerk reactionary to the general distrust of Masons in England and the discrimination they receive as a result of their affiliation.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com