THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, April 6, 1996 TAG: 9604060010
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
I was greatly disturbed by the article (March 28) regarding Lincoln, Neb., Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz's intent to excommunicate parishioners who belonged to certain organizations. Among these were Freemasonry and it's associated organizations.
The article refered to ``secret Masonic organizations.'' This is a misconception. No Masonic organization is secret. There are modes of recognition which are secret, a practice common to many organizations. The meetings are not secret as to their place or time; in fact lodges regularly publish notices in the paper to that fact. The meetings are closed to nonmembers, as are many government, corporate and other meetings.
Masons contribute millions of dollars each day to charities, the most well-known of which are the Shriner's Hospitals for Crippled and Burned Children, none of which has a billing department or has ever charged for its services. Masonry teaches friendship, morality and brotherly love. It teaches love and respect for parents, deference to women, love of country and, most important, faith in God.
Men of all faiths and creeds meet together in Masonic lodges; Christians, Jews, Hindus, Mohammedans and Buddhists, without contention over politics or religion. This country was first settled by men and women fleeing persecution by the church for their beliefs. Is this what this nation, founded on the highest ideals of political, religious and personal freedom, has come to?
BRETT M. LOFTON
Chesapeake, March 28, 1996 by CNB