If a man petitioned your Lodge but had a physical disability that would prevent him from being able to do "non descript modes of identification"... would you vote for him to join?
My training as an adaptive ski instructor has taught me that we are all disabled, just in different ways. I have friends and acquaintances with various amounts of disability(ies) who would be excellent Masons. Also as a Mason, I should be judging any person by their character not by external manifestations, I see a disability as an external.
In some GL, the rule states nope...... what does your GL say on this???.... Mine I do believe says it is OK...I have been to two raising where the Brother was Handicapable...if I understand the rule here, the GM doesnt need to give a dispensation but as a courtesy a phone call to the GL is done.
More and more jurisdictions are changing their view on this and allowing it depending on the type of disability. My opinion is that if a man is worthy in his heart and mind he should be given the opportunity to join.
I say let them in. I am not sure if that is the official view of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee or not, but its mine. I can only see myself not voting for a man is if I had an issue with his character. If a man is a moral man of good character and wants to improve himself through masonry, than I would have no problem with him joining and just having to do some things differently.
I am one of those men , so I say let them in . We do not need dispensation for any handicap . I had a Past Master telling me about the most memorable degree work he had ever done as a SD was for a Brother in a wheel chair . This brothers body was broken but his mind was sharp and he had a good heart .
I don't have my Digest handy but I believe in Fl. it requires GL dispensation depending on the "disability".
Just for those that might be curious...here in Hoosierville, we have a lodge that is UD from the GL that does degree work for handicapable men: It is called: Bartimaeus Lodge U. D.
That is a great idea . Not meaning to disrespect any Grand Lodges , but as a disabled person I can not see how a disability can effect what kind of man a brother/future brother may be . I was reading on another forum where some say that a Brother can not hold certain chairs because they can not carry a staff (such as the SD * ahem* Fireman) or carry it "properly" . I walk with a cane and have never used any of the staffs for any of the chairs that require them and it has never effected how I do the work of that chair .
Thanks Ashlar.... Bro. Wind...I think in Mass dont you guys use the term "Under Warrant" if working under the GL
A fly in the ointment: What if a petitioner cannot speak? Or is completely deaf? What if an officer lost the ability to speak? Or became completely deaf?
In Indiana, it isnt a problem..... The UD Lodge has brother do work in sign language.... one Brother told me about a MM degree where the candidate had a seeing eye dog...hmmm...wonder if they ob'd him too...LOL... I do believe what is in the heart matter more than what is on the exterior....
I didn't realize anyone else had considered the "dog" problem. If either of my miniature dachshunds learn to talk...we'll have to OB them! My Brother and friend Rick has an older female dachshund that has gotten a bit crotchety. If a candidate he's coaching gets stuck on a word, she growls. If he puts in a wrong word, she'll bite him! (should I say?) S&F
Bro Franks....do you care to weigh in on the OP...Whats the rule in NC....whats your thoughts....your opinions and thoughts are greatly appreciated by me and others who respect your thoughts.... If you wish to stay quiet, I do understand too....so do not wish to discuss a somewhat touchy topic
I am surprised that Bro. Patrick hasn't chimed in, Bro. Mark was Raised with dispensation from WI GL as he is functionally deaf even with hearing aids.
