How a member can quit Freemasonry (original) (raw)

How a member can quit Freemasonry

Suspension deprives a member of all his masonic rights and privileges, either for a definite or indefinite time. A member can be suspended by his lodge for non-payment of dues. A Grand Lodge Trial Commission can also suspend or expel a member for unmasonic conduct. A member, once expelled or suspended, is no longer considered a freemason. He has no claims on Freemasonry and Freemasonry has no claims on him. If a member in good standing finds himself, for whatever personal reason, unable or unwilling to maintain his association with Freemasonry, he may voluntarily withdraw from Freemasonry by requesting a demit, which he is entitled to receive. If a member of a recognized lodge in the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon is free of all charges (fiscal and conduct) and is in possession of a current dues card at the time of his demit or death, he shall be known as "a member in good standing at that time". However, a member in good standing at the time of demit is not a "member" nor in "good standing" thereafter, as he has voluntarily withdrawn himself from the rights and privileges of Freemasonry. The demit form available from the Grand Secretary’s Office reads "...at his own request has been discharged from membership". Taking a demit is preferable to being suspended. A demitted member may still, with some restrictions, visit lodges; he will also find it easier if he wishes to affiliate with a lodge in the future. Just as important is the potential bearing of his masonic status on his family. Membership in appendant organizations such as the Eastern Star for women, or Job’s Daughters for girls, requires that a brother, husband, uncle, father or grandfather be, or have been, a freemason. A member who is suspended does a potential disservice to his children or children’s children. Although different Grand Lodge jurisdictions will have their own definitions and requirement, all entitle their members to voluntarily withdraw if they so desire. There is no coersion or penalty; only, as in most things masonic, a proper form.