Paterson Burns wrote:It's interesting that you assume you know what org was being referred to.
As a matter of fact, I was a Shriner. My mentor was a Shriner and the very first meeting that had anything to do with Masonry in my life, was being a guest visitor to the Oriental Band. My mentor shaped my perspective on my journey in the Craft.
As well, little else irritates me more than any member, of any org that would presume to tell me that I am not entitled to my opinion, especially if my opinion is drawn from experience.
I am also a Past Master of my Lodge. I have traveled extensively in the Craft and beyond. I am a Mentor. I presently have several brothers whose Masonic journey I am party to and many more who are now Past Masters themselves.
I'm not bashing your organization. Just because I choose to focus on the Lodge, instead of the rest of the orgs, does not mean I think that my favorite part of Masonry is any better or worse than yours.
Why can't we have a hypothetical discussion on what the Masonic landscape would look like if the Craft, AASR, AAONMS, RAM, CR, KT etc... were to fend for themselves for membership?
What if our future requires us to rethink how we do business and how develop and or retain membership?
I'm not quite sure how your Canadian model operates, but throughout Australia any member of an appendant order ,in my case the York Rite must remain in good standing with his own Craft Lodge. It would be financially impossible for any of the appendant bodies to operate independently of the Blue Lodge, nor IMO would it be desirable-if that is what you are suggesting. Under our system, Masonic centres have rostered meeting for ALL Craft and appendant orders. My own RA Chapter officers are the only ones to wear regalia specific to the order in which the Chapter is opened ; the rest of the troops wear the apron and sash of the RA.
As for the Shrine, I can make no comment , except to say that it is in an embryonic stage in Oz at the moment. How it will develop is another matter.
While your opinion is welcomed and valued, I wonder whether it is completely necessary to remind us all of your Masonic credentials. It pays to remember that this an internationally populated forum and everyone is entitled to their views, hopefully expressed in both a polite and respectful manner. Given your stated background, I think that it is beholden upon you to set an example to other less illustrious Brothers, rather than complain when your views are put under the microscope and possibily disagreed with.
S&F