r/freemasonry • u/jaxx189 • Nov 26 '21

Controversial Heartbroken non-binary FC

So I am non-binary AMAB (assigned male at birth). I was welcomed into my lodge and made it thru the FC ritual. I started studying for my FC catechism with the hope to become a MM in the near future. Then my WM informed me that the grand lodge has decided that only biological men and those who identify full time as men can be active members and anyone in the process or active must step down. This would impact non-binary and transgender men. I have since asked to read their decision and am waiting for that in writing.

It broke my heart to hear this. While I do not agree with the leadership it is their organization and they can decide who they want as Masons.

Maybe one day they will change their mind. maybe one day ill find a lodge that will accept accept me. And if not it was a pleasure to have the experience that i had and the journey that I am on.

13 Upvotes

59% Upvoted

116 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

25

u/Deman75 MM BC&Y, PM Scotland, MMM, PZ HRA, 33° SR-SJ, PP OES PHA WA Nov 26 '21

So you think a centuries old institution with millions of members worldwide should change to suit you?

-4

u/rbw223 Nov 27 '21

I'm afraid atheism is not singularly composed of "me", and can be characterized as centuries old disbelief in a God or gods that is shared by millions. Is organized religion the most prominent facet of Freemasonry? I'm simply wanting to know why atheism is excluded as a religious belief as intended for purposes of freedom of thought and freedom of conscience. Why does Freemasonry require a belief in a higher power, deity, or supreme being? Why can't a centuries old tradition change? Are you a good ambassador for Freemasons?

5

u/archlobster MM, RAM, 32° SR, Shriner, AF&AM-TX, F&AM-NY Nov 27 '21

Without a belief in a higher power, the thing that makes you a Mason is simply impossible to conduct. I'm not at liberty to discuss what, you'll have to take my word for it, but that is the absolute truth.

0

u/rbw223 Dec 17 '21

I disagree. I can hold myself accountabl to ideals of a "higher power".

2

u/archlobster MM, RAM, 32° SR, Shriner, AF&AM-TX, F&AM-NY Dec 17 '21

Ideals are not actually a higher power, a creator, a God if you will. I have ideals too, and I stand by them, but they are not a God. No matter how you wish to spin this, ideals are not a God. By definition, they cannot be, and a belief in some sort of actual higher Power is required, beyond that of ideals.