GM of New York Issues Post-Election Message

In the wake of the recent U.S. presidential election, emotions have been running extraordinarily high, and unfortunately, many Freemasons have been unable to subdue their passions, most especially on social media outlets and in public. Sadly, Brother has been turned against Brother, and some public exchanges have been truly unfortunate, indeed.

The Grand Master of New York, MW Jeffrey M. Williamson, has felt the need to remind his members that, among other things, Freemasons by our very definition, are expected to have "a high level of thought and discourse," and "to work diligently, live creditably and act honorably by all men.”

The Reverend James Anderson in his first Constitutions was writing about religious acceptance, but most Masons over the years have applied the sentiment of his opening Charge to all potentially contentious matters between Brethren: 

"...leaving their particular Opinions to themselves; that is, to be good Men and true, or Men of Honour and Honesty, by whatever Denominations or Persuasions they may be distinguish’d; whereby Masonry becomes the Center of Union, and the Means of conciliating true Friendship among Persons that must else have remain’d at a perpetual Distance."

The GM's entire message is above. Click the image to enlarge and please read it.