The Masonic Code: Resolving Disputes from Within

How the Principles of Lodge Governance Illuminate a Path for Harmonious Living

VI of Behaviour, 1. In the Lodge while Constituted:

If any complaint be brought, the Brother found guilty shall stand to the award and determination of the Lodge, who are the proper and competent judges of all such controversies (unless you carry them by appeal to the Grand Lodge) and to whom they ought to be referred; but you must never go to law about what concerns Masonry, without an absolute necessity apparent to the Lodge.

Brethren, this verse isn't just ink on parchment; it's the bedrock of our Masonic life. It teaches us the sanctity of resolving disputes within our fraternity, a principle that not only strengthens our bonds but also serves as a guidepost for our daily interactions.

Ignoring this principle is akin to tearing at the very fabric that holds our Masonic life together. If we rush to external courts for every disagreement, we erode the trust and unity that are the cornerstones of our Lodge. We also risk exposing internal matters to public scrutiny, which could tarnish the reputation of Freemasonry as a whole.

The verse is straightforward in its wisdom.

The term "award and determination of the Lodge" underscores the Lodge's role as the ultimate arbiter in internal disputes. The etymology of "award" comes from the Old English word "weorðan," meaning to become. It suggests that the Lodge's judgment helps us 'become' better Masons. The phrase "absolute necessity apparent to the Lodge" is crucial here. It implies that only in extreme cases, where the Lodge's internal mechanisms fail to provide justice, should one seek external legal recourse.

Your interpretation aligns well with this. You've rightly pointed out that the directive to avoid external legal action is not an absolute ban but a guideline. It's a call to first exhaust all internal avenues for resolution, based on our Masonic principles and laws. Only when a Brother has violated not just Masonic laws but also societal laws should external legal action be considered.

In our daily lives, this principle urges us to resolve conflicts amicably and internally within our families, workplaces, and social circles before taking drastic measures. It's a reminder that most disagreements can be settled through dialogue and mutual understanding, without the need for external intervention.

Just as the Lodge serves as a microcosm for society, this Masonic principle can be a beacon guiding us through the complexities of human interaction, helping us build stronger, more harmonious relationships both within and outside the Lodge.

So, Brethren, let's carry this wisdom with us, not just in our Masonic dealings but in all facets of our lives. It's not merely a rule; it's a way of living that enriches us and those around us.