News
To: All PGMs, PGSECs, DGMs, DGSecs and Lodges
RE: TV and Media Broadcasts and SKY TV
I have been made aware of several Lodges and Provinces being approached by a
TV company who are apparently planning on producing a documentary relating to
Freemasonry in particular the “journey” of a new initiate and the experience
of a more experienced Freemason. The initial advice from my office was that
any Lodge or Brother contacted by any media company should proceed with caution
and seek advice from their Provincial or District Grand Lodge. It would appear
that in several cases this advice has been misinterpreted as allowing Lodges,
Provinces or Districts to give wide access to the TV companies or media.
For the avoidance of doubt I would clarify the Laws and Constitution and long
standing policy of Grand Lodge with regard to dealing with the media:
i) Only the Grand Master Mason or Grand Secretary is permitted to make statements
on behalf of Grand Lodge.
ii) The filming of any Masonic Ceremony or Meeting is specifically prohibited.
iii) Photography of or at any Masonic Meeting is prohibited.
iv) The re-enactment of any Masonic Ceremony for media purposes is forbidden.
vii) The display of Masonic regalia, emblems, working tools or other paraphernalia
for media purposes without the specific authority of Grand Lodge is forbidden.
viii) The photographing of any Brethren in a Masonic context without their specific
permission is forbidden.
Although Grand Lodge encourages Brethren to be more open about their membership
of the Craft the greatest of caution should be exercised when dealing with the
media as on occasions Brethren can be persuaded to inadvertently breach their
obligations as regards disclosure of details of our Degrees and Ceremonies.
A problematic area is that Brethren when co-operating with the media have no
control over the end product or how a particular interpretation can be given
by the broadcasters
Whilst we may no longer be regarded as a “Secret Society” the workings of our
Lodges are still private and the obligations in this regard, taken by all Brethren,
should be closely observed.
Fraternally,
David M Begg
Grand Secretary
PGL St Gilbert St Donan St Andrew Loch Shin Laxford Clyne Royal Arch Eastern Star News
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