Grand Lodge Members Portal

Social Media Policy

Social Media and Freemasonry

During the 2013 Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference the Secretaries of the member jurisdictions were unanimously tasked to develop a Statement on Social Media for the Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference. The member jurisdictions could adopt the statement for use. The conference consists of the following Grand Lodges: AF&AM of Colorado; AF&AM of Montana; F&AM of Utah; AF&AM of Wyoming AF&AM of Idaho; F&AM of Nevada; and the AF&AM of New Mexico.

Within the Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference we recognize the presence of Freemasons on various social networking sites is growing and it is drawing attention to the fraternity. When participating on sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, (and others), including blogs and on-line Forums, Freemasons should strive to make that attention as positive as possible.

When we represent ourselves as members of the fraternity, we become someone’s impression of Freemasonry. As such, it is important that we act accordingly and subscribe to the lessons we were all taught as Freemasons in terms of how we communicate and interact with Masons and non-Masons.

Masonic Communication, oral, written or electronic should display dignity, courtesy, fraternal respect, consideration of privacy rights, tolerance and respect for religious, political and other views. Grand Jurisdictions can apply penalties as described within their various Constitutions relating to trial, suspension, and or expulsion for un-Masonic behavior. Remember that the public and members of the Fraternity are reading on-line posts.

 

Social Media
for Freemasons

  • Freemasons should conduct Social Media activities in a way that reflects membership in the Craft, acting in a way that presents a positive image of the fraternity; avoiding private piques and quarrels; being cautious in behavior; courteous to our brethren and promote the general good and to preserve the reputation of the fraternity.
  • Postings should not bring discredit to Freemasonry nor should they fit within the definition of Un-Masonic Conduct as defined by the member jurisdiction. Conduct contrary to the accepted and customary rule of right and duty between Freemason’s, or to society in general is improper.
  • Freemasons need to be aware that postings are a permanent record; and therefore an individual’s conduct may influence the world with a positive or negative image about the individual and also about Freemasonry. Postings and actions on the various Social Media outlets should reflect the highest standards of morality and integrity that Freemasons practice within the Lodge.
  • Lodge notices, and information contained within Lodge notices beyond the time and place of meetings, should not be discussed. There should never be discussion related to petitions, applications, background checks or investigation of an applicant. There should never be a discussion regarding balloting on an applicant.
  • It is improper to identify any Freemason as a member of the Craft unless he has provided his consent or has already identified himself as such. It is improper to post of images, video, recordings, etc. of other Masons without their consent. Posts must comply with the Grand Constitutions, rules, regulations, and edicts of the Jurisdiction.
  • Postings that are anonymous or posted by fictitious names should be avoided rather than encouraged. Participation in discussions with those who most often are looking for discussions outside of what is Masonically acceptable should also be avoided.
  • To ensure our fraternity represents itself to the high standards we believe in we must regulate our actions by individual restraint and through Brother-to-Brother intervention. As a Freemason, advise a Brother if what he has posted is improper within the framework of our Grand Constitutions, laws, rules, regulations, edicts and the general regulations of Freemasonry.
  • Contact and communication with other Grand Lodges or their subordinate or concordant Lodges must be conducted through the Office of the Grand Secretary.
  • Freemasonry in North America is governed by independent legislative bodies known as Grand Lodges who exercise absolute Masonic authority within a State or Province. Only Grand Lodges can make authoritative statements, and these apply only to their members.

Think Freemasonry in our minds; Feel Freemasonry in our hearts;
Freemasonry in our daily lives!

The Social Media Code of Conduct for Freemasons within the Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference was a cooperative work and has been approved by the Grand Secretaries of the member jurisdictions of the Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference, February 12, 2014:

Ernie Pyle, R.W. Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge, AF&AM of Colorado
Lawrence K. Fielden, R.W. Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge, F&AM of Utah
Reid Gardiner, R.W. Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge, AF&AM of Montana
Monte Bollar, R.W. Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge, AF&AM of Idaho
Beynon St. John, R.W. Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge, AF&AM of Wyoming
Daniel H. Sutcliffe, R.W. Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge, AF&AM of New Mexico
Hans J. Scheurer, PhD, P.G.M, R.W. Grand Secretary, Grand Lodge, F&AM of Nevada