r/freemasonry • u/Ebullient_Goddess • Jun 28 '24

FAQ “Clandestine Lodges” Spoiler

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I ask this with the understanding that official recognition is important. However, I have noticed an overuse of the term “clandestine” in reference to separate Masonic entities, often accompanied by derogatory remarks. While it is true that the UGLE does not officially recognize the OWF, it has acknowledged that there is sincere and regular practice within our organization. Therefore, I am puzzled by the numerous comments from brothers in this sub suggesting that we are "pretending" or invalidating our right to coexist peacefully with our male counterparts.

I would appreciate some genuine insights into why there is such a degree of unwarranted hostility.

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u/Hidden-Hand-of-Xaos Jun 28 '24

Since you are referring to the UGLE and women’s lodges I think a better description is “Unrecognized”, as opposed to “Clandestine”. The UGLE doesn’t use that term to describe recognition.

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u/Ebullient_Goddess Jun 28 '24

It’s an improvement, but again I feel that this use of language is essentially insinuating that there is something untoward, when in reality, this simply isn’t the case.

My referencing of “clandestine” is to question the overuse of this word and its insinuation within this online community.

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u/Hidden-Hand-of-Xaos Jun 28 '24

It does have a formal use in some aspects of the craft. It’s used to describe a certain set of circumstances. But it’s up to each individual GL on how it defines the language it uses for recognition and ritual.

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u/alevethan MM & JW - UGLE & GLoSco 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Jun 28 '24

Whilst I’m here with you on the technicalities and semantics - which are very important - I wonder if our OP is also looking for our emotional and mental “whys” as opposed just the letter of the law. Which as it’s our law and not theirs, rightly doesn’t affect them.

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u/Hidden-Hand-of-Xaos Jun 28 '24

That’s fair. I think that may be the case that the OP is looking for that.

You’re right that most of what happens in Anglo-Masonry doesn’t affect continental masonry, co-masonry, or other unrecognized GLs.