Post by Tamrin on Sept 8, 2008 11:46:45 GMT 10
ADDRESS by M.W. BRO. EMMANUEL ANTHONY, P.S.M.
M.W. GRAND MASTER of the UNITED GRAND LODGE OF QUEENSLAND
at the OPENING of the 5TH CONFERENCE of
THE AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND MASONIC RESEARCH COUNCIL
19 August 2000
(Excerpt)
M.W. GRAND MASTER of the UNITED GRAND LODGE OF QUEENSLAND
at the OPENING of the 5TH CONFERENCE of
THE AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND MASONIC RESEARCH COUNCIL
19 August 2000
(Excerpt)
At the December Communications of the United Grand Lodge of England in 1996, the Grand Chaplain had expressed concerns (with which I am sure we would all concur) that, regrettably, there were far too many people who had inaccurate ideas about our wonderful fraternity and not nearly enough Freemasons who were capable, or willing, to put them right.
In other words, Brethren, the Rev.Tydeman was articulating the stark reality that Freemasons were somewhat lacking in their educational and research programs.
Indeed, similar sentiments have also been expressed by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Kent,Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England.
In his address at the Annual Investiture on Wednesday, 26th April, 2000, he said -
"While we cannot claim to have put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, we have rebutted their false accusations nationally and locally as never before.
I believe that by refusing to accept unjustified attacks and unfair discrimination, and by speaking more freely about the virtues and joys of the Craft, we are beginning to move on the front foot......
.......we should feel confident and proud of our Freemasonry."
The openness I spoke about at my Installation as Grand Master, over 2 years ago now, is no longer an option; and failure to acknowledge this reality will continue to create that vacuum of ignorance that provides fertile ground for rumour and speculation and which, ultimately, can only be to our detriment.
Our future prosperity, as an organisation relevant to this millennium, must be predicated on the effectiveness of our educational systems and processes. Lectures per se do not equate to education. We need to develop interactive techniques and strategies that embrace modern technology and adult learning principles; that enable the learner to have considerable input into, and control of, his masonic destiny.
Above all, our masonic education must be inclusive - it must have the capability to share our value systems and beliefs with our families, with youth and with the wider community.
In other words, Brethren, the Rev.Tydeman was articulating the stark reality that Freemasons were somewhat lacking in their educational and research programs.
Indeed, similar sentiments have also been expressed by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Kent,Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England.
In his address at the Annual Investiture on Wednesday, 26th April, 2000, he said -
"While we cannot claim to have put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, we have rebutted their false accusations nationally and locally as never before.
I believe that by refusing to accept unjustified attacks and unfair discrimination, and by speaking more freely about the virtues and joys of the Craft, we are beginning to move on the front foot......
.......we should feel confident and proud of our Freemasonry."
The openness I spoke about at my Installation as Grand Master, over 2 years ago now, is no longer an option; and failure to acknowledge this reality will continue to create that vacuum of ignorance that provides fertile ground for rumour and speculation and which, ultimately, can only be to our detriment.
Our future prosperity, as an organisation relevant to this millennium, must be predicated on the effectiveness of our educational systems and processes. Lectures per se do not equate to education. We need to develop interactive techniques and strategies that embrace modern technology and adult learning principles; that enable the learner to have considerable input into, and control of, his masonic destiny.
Above all, our masonic education must be inclusive - it must have the capability to share our value systems and beliefs with our families, with youth and with the wider community.
