SOLICITATION

    Each of us knows in a general way that we may not solicit non-members to join the Craft.  In this Jurisdiction there is no rule at present time which
states "You shall not solicit anyone to join the Craft".  It is my
understanding that in England there is a stated rule that there can be no
"improper solicitation" of a none member to join.  Unfortunately, this
creates the impression that there must be a "proper" way to solicit, but
that is not true.

    The misunderstanding arises firstly from the use of the word
solicitation" and secondly from the rule being stated in the negative.

    In the first instance we have members who are beginning to lean toward
the idea that we should interpret the meaning of "solicitation" in terms of
the more gentle synonyms such as "ask" or "invite", and adopting that as
being "proper" solicitation.  They feel that this would be an acceptable
method of increasing membership

    These brethren fail to understand the rule, therefore they also fail to
understand the implication of their suggested solution.  If a non-mason is
invited to make application for initiation, but as a result of investigation
does not receive a favourable report, or even worse, has his application
balloted on and finds himself rejected, will almost certainly become angry
with the friend who invited him, and look upon the Craft with an unfriendly
feeling.  On the other hand, if he is accepted, but in his heart feels that
he has been "sold" on the idea, will he be able to declare on his honour
that the solicitation by friends had not influenced his decision to make
application?  He will probably resent being placed in the position of having
to make such a declaration.  If he replies honestly with a "no", the
ceremony must end at this point.  Do you think he will appreciate being
rejected by a rule neither known nor understood by him?

    In the second instance, the statement of the rule in the negative is so
ingrained in the minds of many of our members, and so strictly construed,
that they will not under any circumstances discuss Freemasonry in any way
with a  non-member.

    Let us regain our proper perspective.  The correct statement of the rule
is that each non-member must seek membership in Freemasonry of his own free will and accord.

    It necessarily follows that every member should be correctly informed as
to the meaning and application of the rule.

    If we understand its meaning we will recognize that all attempts to
rationalize the propriety of soliciting can only be harmful to Freemasonry
and therefore must be rejected.

    In the application of the rule, when a non-member inquires about the
nature of our Organization, its philosophy, its work, or its history, we
should at all times be prepared to answer all his questions properly.

    We are not permitted to disclose the modes of recognition or the details
of our degrees; such matters are private and of no concern to a non-mason.

Nor are we permitted to give him a "sales pitch" such as "I will be glad to
recommend you", until he has first indicted his desire to become a member.

    However, there are many things that may be explained, such as the
universality of the Craft; the absolute requirement of a belief in the
Supreme Being; that Freemasonry is a builder of the spiritual and moral
character of men; that the fundamental principles are based on the
Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man; that religion and politics are divisive subjects and are barred form Masonic meetings; that the Craft
engages in many Charitable projects of its own without seeking acclaim; that there are concordant bodies with their own charities and philanthropies; that we do not have membership drives and never extend invitations to non-members to join our Fraternity; that they must come of their own free will and accord.  The list could go on at great length.  This sort of discussion with a non-member would not be soliciting, but merely conveying information.

    Another argument being used by some of our brethren in supporting of
relaxing the rule of solicitation is that the world around us is changing,
and that if Freemasonry is to survive we must change it in order to make it
more in tune with the times.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.
 

    Yes, change takes place in everything man made and everything material. Freemasonry being a moral institution, deals with the relationship of Man to his Creator and His Law.  As such it stands above those material things.  It must remain as unchangeable as the infinite and eternal principles it teaches.  The free will and accord rule should not be changed.

    It is we, the members, who must change.  We must learn to properly
discuss Freemasonry with non-members.  We must also learn to live it in our daily lives.  If we do this there will be no shortage of men, of their own
free will and accord, making application for membership in the Craft.

By: M.W.Bro. G.K.Haldorson; Grand Master's Message;
Printed in THE TRACING BOARD, GRS; May, 1983.