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that appears as though it has lost its ability to work with
civility at all causing gridlock and then fanned by the news
media who's livelihood thrives on confl ict, we are bathed
in examples of discord, anger, hostility, and fear. As never
before, masonry's example of civil discipline is needed, and
its great message of working together civilly is the answer
that society needs now above all other examples.

Having said all of this, it is an important reminder that
https://www.masoniccivility.org we have been set apart for this great work of creating
"All of us know the importance of civility in our a perfect society, a temple built without hands, and that
interactions and conversations with our brothers. We through our example, we will lead the world to its golden
have been famously counseled regarding the discussion of potential. We must examine ourselves in this day of Twitter,
politics and religion among brothers at masonic activities Facebook, Instagram, email, and text and be conscious of
in order to prevent ill will or hurt feelings. We need no the fact that not only the words we share mouth to ear
reminders that we are to respect one another and keep our need to be fi ltered through our grand obligation but that
tongue when our words would do more harm than good. every hashtag, post, forward, or text associated with us
Th ese are all just common sense, and we all have those requires our attention and scrutiny. When we wear the
unfortunate memories in our minds when that line of square and compass as a part of our identity, we take on a
courtesy and politeness gets crossed, and damage to the larger persona than just that of our own personal opinion.
craft and individuals results sometimes with unintended We represent a philosophic empire that spreads across the
consequences. globe. Each of us is obliged to one another and to the craft
that we represent to communicate with respect, the highest
Certainly, our parents, teachers, and society, in general, degree of integrity, and the deepest concern for the feelings
spend time teaching us throughout our lives why we and welfare of others.
need to be kind, courteous, and attentive in regard to
our communications with one another and provide us a Certainly, each brother is welcome to his own personal
framework of family values and rules. Our workplace opinions, and sharing those publicly and clearly is the
has a Human Resource department for these matters; right of every free man, but the manner in which the
our churches have theological tenets, our schools teach opinion is expressed is where civility needs to be checked.
social behaviors to follow such as sportsmanship, and our We must ask, are we being reasonable, kind, intelligent,
community leaders create civil laws to make certain that and benefi cial? Are we allowing comedy, sensationalism,
we treat one another respectably, regardless of age, creed, or cleverness to supplant our concerns not to be divisive,
color, gender, special needs, etc. So why is this of particular cruel, or mean spirited? Are we more concerned about
concern to the mason if it's already being handled? Why it respect for our personal views than we are about the views
is that "civility" takes a unique role in our masonic world of others?
when it seems to be a part of everyone else's concerns?
Masonry is an ancient and beautiful craft whose higher
As initiates and as brothers, each of us has been set apart, standards have the opportunity through each of our mindful
and additional expectations have been placed on us both eff orts to be the guiding example in our social media world
between one another and our sphere of infl uence to every that is in great need of our philosophic teachings and
human being through our masonic obligation that we inclusiveness, especially today when even our leaders have
agreed to when we stood before our great common alter. not been the examples of civility we would like. It makes
Our masonic life lived should stand out as man's ability it even more important to be the higher example to others
to love one another regardless of the diff erences we may that masonry calls us to be and is something we can do
have, and it is in the ability to fi nd civil agreement between every day to create the world we all know we all want and
those diff erences around our alter that causes our unique need and, as masons, have been charged to create. Let's all
example to shine through and above the rest. Th e world pause and examine how we express our opinions in social
needs an example of what it is to work together without media's maelstrom and ensure our rhetoric is something
tyranny or oppression more than ever to show by our we are all proud of for our craft and others to imitate.
example how we can disagree and yet remain not only
tolerant but aff ectionate towards one another. May the Great Architect give us wisdom and strength to
be the light and example for others to follow."
Anyone with a television, radio, or newspaper knows that
civility in our nation is being challenged as never before.
Th e rules established in many of the categories mentioned
have broken down. Even at home, the divorce rate is up, By: V. W. B. John Lawson, Deputy of the Grand Master for
violence plagues our schools, dogma attacks one another's District 23, Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
sacred beliefs openly, even violently, and we all know what Masons of Washington
has happened to a government divided by opposing values
Montana Freemason Page 7 Jan/Feb 2021 Volume 97 No. 1