Freemasonry is decentralized & does not control its members.

By its very design and construct Freemasonry in the United States is decentralized and unable to exert coordinated control or influence over its membership let alone the average citizen who is not Masonically affiliated. A much forwarded and well known conspiracy theory asserts that Masonry is controlled by a group or cabal of ‘high-level’ Masons who determines ‘policy’ and the direction of members ‘below’ them, thus controlling the greater society by proxy. While popular in nature this theory is difficult to prove or substantiate and a typical tact by theorist is to allegorically compare Masonry to other, familiar institutions that contain hierarchal structures such as the government or corporations.

Governments by nature desire to rule and set policy for their citizens and therefore have mechanisms and facilities in which to enact this effort. Congresses or Parliaments introduce and ratify laws which help control the behavior and actions of the populace. Chief Executives set policy and direct the immediate and long range goals of the nation. Any of these endeavors can have an instant or lasting impact upon the citizenry who may have little or no influence to dictate to their leaders once they are elected. In the United States it is typical for almost 90% of incumbent politicians-excluding the Presidency-to be reelected to their respective position and forming, in a sense, a de facto governing class.

Masonry however does not typically allow members to reside in its two most important positions, Worshipful Master and Grand Master, for two consecutive terms. This fact prevents the consolidation of power and forces new and proactive members to seek these positions and administer in turn.

Furthermore, Masonry does not have an established centralized governing body and has not in the United States since its founding. While individual states determine policy in their respective jurisdictions they are ultimately not accountable to a nationally overarching board or panel which can dictate to them. This system is further broken down by each jurisdiction having various districts within it and these districts encapsulating numerous lodges, all having a good deal of autonomy. This sovereignty is normally unimpeded as long as Masonic protocol and ritual is followed and the membership is permitted to rule and govern their respective lodge as they see fit.

The comparison to corporate structure is also lacking. Commercial enterprises by their very nature are endeavoring to reap profit and are constructed to maximize this effort. Normally corporations are governed by a President or Chief Executive Officer whose compensation is far and above the salary of the average employee. Chief Executives are appointed by Boards of Directors or Executive Councils and are charged with implementing the policy specified to them. These directives have an influence not only over the common worker employed by this corporation but also to the end consumer of the product being produced or service provided. Collusionary efforts on the part of several like companies can wreak havoc with market pricing and unduly effect the average citizen in their efforts to support themselves or families. The average worker has little or no immediate recourse in situations resulting from poor governance other than to locate other gainful employment or suffer through arbitrary processes.

Freemasonry, by its charter, is a not for profit institution and thereby prevents the avaristic acquisition of wealth and instead recommends charity and the assistance of others. The lodge’s respective leader, The Worshipful Master, is elected to single year term which helps prevent an individual from repeatedly holding this position and attempting to exert influence or control for an untoward amount of time. While holding this position he may not make motions, but has to rely upon the individual membership to help guide the lodge and determine its course of actions. This position offers no monetary remuneration for its efforts and in fact typically requires the reigning Master to allocate his own finances to fund certain lodge activities.

These corollaries are in effect for the state’s respective Grand Master and while there are additional honors associated with this position there are also numerous other responsibilities as well. While the Grand Master may determine certain policy, it is once again, incumbent upon the individual membership to ratify these directives and once done to fulfill them. This aspect of Masonry does not permit a ruling body to direct the unknowing or unwitting majority as the membership actually helps determine the course of the Masonic year and is responsible for its own actions.

In summation, the decentralized nature of Freemasonry, coupled with the charitable implementation of its finances, precludes a ‘secret’ or national ruling board which dictates the policies that the remaining Brethren follow, unbeknownst to them.


[edit on 17-2-2008 by AugustusMasonicus]

[edit on 17-2-2008 by AugustusMasonicus]

reply to post by AugustusMasonicus

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So are a lot of things.

That doesn't mean they can't themselves be manipulated.

Trust me, i'm something of an expert when it comes to the methods of which one can use to deflect attempts at such crude methods of persuasion.

Edit: Remember, just because someone you know may or may not be a freemason, that doesn't mean he's immune to intellectual maneuvouring.

[edit on 17-2-2008 by Throbber]

reply to post by Throbber

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Everything mad-made can be manipulated. Oddly enough, elections can be manipulated, even in the largest country. That said, something as diverse and international as Masonry is rather unlikely to be manipulated by simple virtue of the fact that it's diverse and international. To non-Masons, this just doesn't seem possible. But the simple fact is that, despite the sexiness of the concept, Masonry's pretty-much a local thing. Outside of your state (or in my case, province), the decisions of another Grand Lodge mean damn-all. Sorry to burst your bubble but it's fact. As much as rebellion against the paternal-figure and acting as the prodigal son is held up as something to aspire to, the dull simple fact is that we're on our own and we have to unlearn the 'do-it-solo' mindset.

ETA: Just as a note, for speaking truth to power, I've been nailed for 500 points. Mind yer back fellas. Speaking other than conventional wisdom doesn't win ones friends within.

[edit on 17-2-2008 by Fitzgibbon]

What crude methods of persuasion are you speaking of?



It is also wise to remember that just because someone can be manipulated does not make it so.

[edit on 17-2-2008 by AugustusMasonicus]

reply to post by AugustusMasonicus

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Well done post.

A couple of questions, though, related to the Grand Lodge - which does, indeed govern the Lodges in the state:

1. In most (if not all) states, isn't there a yearly Grand Communication in which all of the topics to be voted on are ... voted on?

2. After the Grand Communication, isn't the position of Grand Master (as well as the rest of the Grand Lodge officers) largely one of travelling around the state for a year doing meet & greets?

3. Doesn't the Grand Lodge generally only meet ONCE per year - at the GC?

4. Except in cases like the Snakes in California, doesn't the GM act for the whole GL after his installation and after the GC?

Questions, questions, questions...

Your pal,
Meat.

Funny, such decentralization is already acknowledged by 'anti-masons' and the conspiracy theory community.

If I remember correctly, such de-centralization is one of the arguments for the existence of a 'hidden' or secret compartment within Masonry.

Not so funny however, is that this idea is never going to be acknowledged by the Masons in this forum, and hence, discussion of such a Secret Society (hence : Secret Society Forum ) is constantly subdued.

Interesting... that a component that could help the existence of a secret society within Masonry, is actually being used as an argument against it?

reply to post by AugustusMasonicus

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Excellent post AM! You have brilliantly articulated what I have been trying to communicate for a while now. Here's one more star from me for your collection.

A few questions...

What is the relation of the UGLE vis-a-vis United States Masonry? Why is UGLE recognition so important?

Is there a national governing body in the US? Or is there simply one Grand Lodge per state, independent of one another? Any South/North jurisdictions?

I've read that in the past that Masonry was involved in attempting to reinstate the House of Stuart on the royal throne. Is there any truth to this theory? And, if so, how was this accomplished without a centralized source of power?

reply to post by NewWorldOver

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However, the theories usually entail this same hidden compartment giving orders to the other Masons. AM has demonstrated that this could not be the case as in a governmental structure or in a corporation.

Can you explain how a hidden compartment within masonry could use the 6 million masons worldwide without them being aware of this fact?

Why is this thread in BTS now???
So to discuss if there's an actual conspiracy within freemasonry is considered BTS material?? BS - might as well close the Secret Society forum on ATS...


[edit on 18/2/08 by ConspiracyNut23]

How does a hidden or secret compartment control a decentralized orginization? By having control of every jursidiction? This would then make it organized and definetly not decentralized.



Your arguement that compartmentalization in Masonry was never denied, it can happen, we (Masons) only stated that it is not happening.



How can a characteristic that does not promote uniformity and homogeny aid a cabal of individuals who wish to manipulate and control a much larger group then themselves? It would behoove them to have direct and certain control to exert their influence.

Yes, this vote is made by the membership. Absentee ballots are accepted in my jurisdiction, I can not speak for others however.



For the most part this is indeed what the position entails.



Correct again....we get to have ours in Atlantic City



True. In my jurisdiction the Deputy Grand Master has a fairly important role, he is responsible for the Masonic Home which house ill or elderly Brethern and their spouses.



Ask away, I will answer all that I can and if I can not I will direct you to the person who might have them.

Thank you CN, I am just trying to emulate yourself with your concise and lucid topics.



This I can not answer as I am not at all familiar with English Freemasonry, this question is best direct at one of the Brothers who lives on the other side of the pond.



No, there is not a national governing body, however George Washington was once offered this position and declined. This emulated his previous act in declining the Kingship of the United States. Each state and the District of Columbia have thei own respective Grand Lodges and are completely autonomous. The are also no North/South jurisdictions in Blue Lodge Masonry.



This is interesting to me and I would like to hear more of it, but once again, I am far from an authority on Eurpoean Masonry. This might make a great thread CN, perhaps something you can construct.

[edit on 18-2-2008 by AugustusMasonicus]