PROCLAMATION
by
Most Worshipful Grand Master Willie Henry Griffin
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, District of Columbia
and
Most Worshipful Mansour Hatefi, Grand Master
Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, F.A.A.M.
Whereas, the fundamental tenets of Freemasonry are brotherly love, relief, and truth, and
Whereas, mutual recognition has occurred between Prince Hall Freemasonry and 31 other Grand Lodges in the United States, 9 Canadian Grand Lodges, the United Grand Lodge of England, and other jurisdictions throughout the world, and
Whereas, Freemasonry teaches that it is the internal and not the external qualifications of a man that should recommend him to be a Freemason, and
Whereas, on May 12, 1999, the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, F.A.A.M., voted to recognize the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, and on December 9, 1999, the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia voted to recognize the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, F.A.A.M.,
Now therefore, Most Worshipful Grand Master Willie Henry Griffin and Most Worshipful Mansour Hatefi, Grand Master, in the spirit of universal brotherhood proclaim and make known that there exists complete and full fraternal recognition and amity between the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Jurisdiction of the District of Columbia, and the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, F.A.A.M.,
Provided, that it is understood that each Grand Lodge remains independent and sovereign and this mutual recognition is subject to the rules and policies of each Grand Lodge that are consistent with this mutual recognition.
In recognition of this auspicious occasion, Grand Masters Griffin and Hatefi have signed their names to this proclamation this 11th day of September in the year of Masonic Light 6000 (September 11, 2000).
Most Worshipful Mansour Hatefi
Grand Master
Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons (F.A.A.M.), District of Columbia
and
Most Worshipful Grand Master
Willie Henry Griffin
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, District of Columbia
Suggested Guidelines for Visits between Brethren of the
Grand Lodge of D.C., F.A.A.M., and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of D.C.
This document contains suggested guidelines for visits between members of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Jurisdiction of the District of Columbia, and the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, F.A.A.M.
The goals of these Grand Lodges are to promote amity, brotherhood, and fraternalism between the members of Lodges chartered by them, and to promote activities of mutual benefit. At all times, the rules of each Grand Lodge will be respected by all.
These guidelines are intended to be flexible and subject to change. The informal “Grand Lodges Communication Committee,” which includes members from both Grand Lodges, will continue as an advisory group to the two Grand Masters. The Grand Lodges will exchange copies of their Grand Lodge directories and other publications and information.
There are two types of visits between Masons from these Grand Lodges — formal and informal. Formal visits are those formally arranged by a Lodge or Grand Lodge, to visit a Lodge chartered by the other Grand Lodge. Informal visits are all others.
Visits between Masons of these two Grand Lodges may begin immediately. For informal visits, Masons from either Grand Lodge may contact the Master of a Lodge of the other Grand Lodge, to mutually decide the date and other details of a proposed visit, such as appropriate dress for the occasion. When visits are agreed upon, the Masters of Lodges being visited should insure a friendly welcome for all visitors.
Whenever there are to be formal visits, particularly when Grand Masters are involved, details about proposed visits should be decided upon in advance, and appropriate Grand Lodge officials should be informed.
Lodge visits between Brethren of these two Grand Lodges are definitely encouraged. The suggested guidelines in this document are intended to insure that these visits are conducted in the most friendly and appropriate manner.
Approved by the Grand Masters of these two Grand Lodges on September 11, 2000.
Most Worshipful Mansour Hatefi, Grand Master
Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, District of Columbia
and
Most Worshipful Grand Master Willie Henry Griffin
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, District of Columbia
