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expulsion |
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Expulsion is the highest punishment under Masonic Law and is evoked for gross anti-Masonic activities or behaviour that brings discredit to Freemasonry. Rules 4, 58, 76, 233, 277 and 278 deal with expulsion. Though a Lodge Secretary may have little to do with a case of expulsion, it would be necessary that the Brother concerned be advised of his rights and limitations, if such an advice is sought for. It should be clearly understood that the following are only indicative and are not in any way meant to fully represent what is contained in the Constitutions. 1. The power to expel a Brother from the Craft rests exclusively with Grand Lodge and is exercised through the Board of General Purposes and the Appeals Court. (Rule 4) 2. If in the opinion of the Board of general purposes a Brother ought to be expelled for misconduct, the matter will be placed before the Appeals Court by the Grand Secretary. 3. Alternatively the Board of General Purposes may decide to invite the erring Brother to resign from the Craft and the Grand Secretary shall send a letter to the Brother concerned asking him to resign from the Craft, within 28 days or such longer period as the Grand Secretary may decide. 4. During this period the Brother will be treated as under Suspension from the Lodge and the Craft. 5. The Appeals court is the final authority to decide on the recommendation for expulsion. If it finds that a Brother ought to be expelled it shall direct the Grand Secretary to send a letter to the Brother concerned indicating the decision to expel him and that the expulsion will take effect from the ninetieth day after the posting of the letter. 6. The Appeals Court may also substitute any penalty under Rule 179 or direct that the Brother be invited to resign from the Craft. 7. Within the period of ninety days mentioned above the Brother may express his desire to plead for clemency, to the Grand Secretary in writing. The notice of intention to seek clemency should be accompanied by a statement of facts the Brother would rely upon in his plea. 8. The Grand Secretary will then place the matter before the Panel for Clemency for their consideration. 9. The Panel for Clemency may · acquit the Brother · Award a lesser penalty under Rule 179 · Reject the plea or · Refer the matter to the Grand Lodge for a hearing. The effect of Expulsion A Brother expelled from the Craft or has resigned from the Craft ceases to be a Brother in the Order and is no longer eligible to attend any Lodge under the Grand Lodge or a Lodge under a recognized Constitution. No Lodge under the UGLE can issue him a Certificate of good standing. Any letter or certificate issued to him concerning his erstwhile membership of the Lodge should clearly indicate the date and circumstances which led to the expulsion. |
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MEMBERSHIP |