19 February 2021
The Grand Master recently announced a number of measures which would reduce ‘red tape’ for Lodges and the Grand Secretariat. Specifically, the Grand Master has given a blanket dispensation in respect of Rule 178, 217 (f), 239, and 242 in the Book of Constitutions. Further, he has delegated a large number of dispensations to the Grand Secretary.
Lodge Secretaries are requested to inform the Grand Secretariat by email, no less than one month in advance of dispensations requested under each of the above rules. A dispensation will automatically be issued by the Grand Secretariat. Such notification enables the Grand Secretariat to maintain accurate candidate records and prepare initiate packs well in advance.
The requirement for candidates to visit three Lodges prior to finalising on the Lodge he wishes to join is herewith removed, which allows greater responsibility to the District Coordinator and his membership team.
The Constitutional Rules:
- No brother may be elected or appointed to an office within a Lodge (other than that of Steward, Organist or Choirmaster) until he has been a Master Mason for at least 52 weeks.
Recommendation: This decision now allows Lodges to self-determine the succession of their own members as officers of the Lodge; utmost care, training, and mentoring should be provided to all Master Masons taking office.
217 (f). No person shall be made a Freemason, until or unless… (f) he has been regularly proposed and seconded at a regular meeting and balloted for and duly elected at a subsequent.
Recommendation: This decision now allows Lodges to self-determine one of the most frequent requests for dispensation; An automatic dispensation is issued by notice of writing to the Grand Secretariat to allow a faster flow of candidates and allowing for a proactive and faster response for initiate packs to Lodges.
- A brother shall not be passed to the Second Degree until the expiration of not less than 12 weeks from the date of his initiation, and shall not be raised in the Third Degree until the expiration of not less than 52 weeks from the date of his initiation. Either or both of these periods may be reduced by dispensation of the Grand Master.
Recommendation: This decision now allows Lodges to self-determine the succession of its candidates by waiving any time restraint between degrees, utmost care and mentoring are vital in support to new Brethren allowing them to grow within Freemasonry before passing or raising them to the second and third degrees.
- No Lodge shall initiate a candidate until the minute relating to his election has been confirmed at a subsequent regular or emergency meeting. The Grand Master may waive this requirement by dispensation, but not without good cause being shown.
Recommendation: This decision now allows Lodges to self-determine one of the most frequent requests for dispensation; An automatic dispensation is issued by notice of writing to the Grand Secretariat to allow a faster flow of candidates and allowing for a proactive and faster response for initiate packs to Lodges.
Fraternally,
RWBro. Garry Runge OAM JP
Grand Secretary
