By Ivan Herrera Michel met
Elbio Terra Laxalt in Montevideo, Uruguay in May 2004 on the occasion of one of my visits to the Grand Orient Freemasonry Universal Joint, today the Grand Orient Freemasonry Uruguay.
By this time, I was a few days be elected in Santiago de Chile and the Secretary General founder of the American Masonic Conference - COMAM - and he was already in love with the American Federation of Craft Masonry - PEAKS - born two years ago in Sao Paulo, Brazil. What are the two most progressive organizations spectrum have existed in America at the symbolism.
From the beginning, we share a mutual interest in working for a progressive Masonry grouped into a single continental space, and since the first General Assembly of COMAM in Barranquilla in February 2005, presiding over me, I had the great honor of presence and lights. In parallel, the same year he was elected President of PEAKS. Responsibility where he has been reelected twice.
Professionally, Elbio Laxalt was - in his youth - a proofreader (if the editorial published with linotype, with lead-based printing) and in love with the printers, with whom he won his life. During his exile in Paris between 1979 and 1985, studied economics and philosophy. Subsequently he has been a teacher, journalist, writer, international lecturer, manager at the Ministry of Tourism and the state telecommunications company, and has represented his country at various international meetings. He was a member of many associations humanist, anti-discrimination and human rights and citizens. Is directive the union of middle of your business. It is also a passionate advocate of free thought in society. In his life
Masonic Grand Master was the founder of the Grand Orient Freemasonry Universal Joint - GOFMU - from Uruguay (1999 - 2002), is the current Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council, AASR 33 of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay , and is charged with the mission for Latin America of the Universal League of Freemasons (LUF 1905). Has not missed work.
on his wife, Myriam Tardugno Garbarino, he made it clear recently that Masonic affairs, "not a" sister "or a" lady. " On the occasion is a Masonic experiente with many years of national and international institutional life. It was Venerable Master of Lodge, Grand Master of our obedience for three consecutive terms, has the 33 ° Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, as part of the officers of the Supreme Council, 33 ° as Lieutenant Commander and has the Order of the Rite V ° French given by the Grand Orient of France. Today is the 1st. Vice Grand Master of our Order. " On my words.
With Laxalt Elbio we advance the following dialogue:
1) My Q:. Bro. Elbio, Laxalt Elbio Who is in your own words?
My Brother, I will respond with a story, who does not know anyone except my companion, our sister Myriam. Brother Marc-Antoine Cauchie, President of clips and required reading for all Masons adogmáticos, in a rare gesture in an austere man and not inclined to flattery, one day approached me and said, among other very short expressions "Your sage est un frère" (You're a Brother "sage" which means in French: wise, thoughtful, giving proof of security in their judgments and conduct).
Moved by these words and feeling enormous affection in them, only I managed to say: "Mon Cher Frère, je suis seulement a travailleur" (My Dear Brother, I'm just a worker. " And he added with a smile and joked: "Bon, you travailleur est donc a sage" (Well, then you are a worker "sage").
With Brother Ivan Herrera, I repeat: I'm just an employee of the Work. I love not earn degrees, they know the rituals, which try to be a scholar. I'm not passionate about the medals or the rings, I have a passion for words and speeches full of praise and flattery, and unless the direct me to me, not me passionate about the verbiage without content, I was bored with the speeches where the speaker only hears itself. I love the Freemasons, their history, their characters, they move me deeply heroic stories, and love over the empty speech Masonic action. And when I have to address, as in Freemasonry the word is king, trying to say what I feel and think, the best way possible. And among us, and do not tell anyone: Elbio Laxalt is a stubborn man, who when he believes in the rightness of what he thinks and feels, going to the extent possible. Some say it is a heritage of my ancestors basque; ... and not a nod to our Dear Brother Otaola!.
2) Q:. Bro., Grand Lodges in Europe Women - I think with the exception of England - no problem allowing visits by men to their rituals taken. In America, as a general rule is exactly the opposite. Freemasonry In a majority (and sometimes wildly) male, GOFMU adopted the principle that where it entered the Masonic Masons they were not covered. I have not yet forgotten the surprise caused him in a Grand Lodge Women allowed into the Q:. Bro. Myriam without male escort. It seemed that nothing had prepared him for the reverse version of this practice. Faced with this reality, embrace diversity as it is or just create a mixed group?
I believe that Masonry is in the process of recasting. Let's see. 1717 was a relaunch, a process that decatholicize quite the old order, he introduced a social understanding of science, politics, democracy, and underpinned by values \u200b\u200bof honor, integrity and tolerance. The old Masonic network, the craft, which, apart from the church, was almost the only civil society existing at the time, received an injection of adrenaline. Had its limits, it is a shame for those who followed after, not for those who breathed life into him, like Newton and his companions. And then, reached a limit. The society was changing, and continues in this fast-paced, conflicting and contradictory process. We stagnant (for internal and external causes), and for about three or four decades we are looking back. We had lost the awareness that Freemasonry means change. Initiation is a change. The company remains unchanged. Humanity is moving. But many of us were paralyzed in the face of change, preferring to shut himself up in the certainties and customs. We flattened. Now I have no doubt that we are moving towards a relaunch. Can not say now whether it will have the same success as that of 1717. Maybe not even clear whether we have a date that would initiate the process. Maybe it could be the next assembly of clips in Strasbourg in the month of May and I hope that besides the balance of his 50 years, focusing on the outlook. It will be a great opportunity.
But, refoundational founding processes are always complex or because they are conservatives who want nothing and are progressives who want to go further. And there is the vast majority, in the middle, swaying. Finally, set the balance. The trouble is - among us - that unlike 1717, where Freemasonry was at the forefront, secular society today leaves us behind, and we stayed protesting that the company values \u200b\u200byou are missing. Not true, we should be more modest and do not blame anyone. We know we do not interpret what is happening in society, and do not know or do not dare yet to inject our values \u200b\u200bin a society in flux. We are still too timid, apathetic or asthenic.
the forefront of changes in Freemasonry came from women. They did not ask permission to go, were winning their rights, as they were making in society. It is perhaps the most genuine Masonic revolution that has occurred. And it's so well that even the ultra-conservative Anglo-Saxon Freemasonry began to discover that there are women who work Masonic "regularity." It really is tragicomic. It is inexplicable that there are people still believing that Freemasonry is not a matter also of women. However, all this tells us something: the situation is evolving, but so spontaneous. When the determined will to make things evolve, the movement is unstoppable. For example: will accept obediently CLIPSAS not to accept visitors from other Lodges - both belonging to the same organization - because in a case being men or women otherwise? It was perhaps significant that in the 60's of last century, to build strength, today actually weakens us, because we entrenched in conservative and closed positions. This is a weakness of Freemasonry liberal.
So I have no doubt that things will evolve into a progressive integration of men and women. Women and intelligent men, will understand that Freemasonry is not a thing for single women, single men or anything, and that the challenge is to the complementary and Masonic work together.
3) What have represented our region for almost nine years of existence of the Inter-American Confederation of Craft Masonry - PEAKS -? CIMAS was created to give you an opportunity to interact with each other, to obedience, sometimes small, they were excluded from the circuit of Obedience to consider themselves "official" within the liberal camp. Masonic Lodges were working seriously, regularly, some with a good impression on society, but which, not being in the circles of the Lodges themselves "important" and "recognized" were considered a sort of freemasonry of second class. In fact, they are marginalized. What was different was that at that time, some heterodox said: why do you have to keep begging for recognition? Should we ask permission to practice Freemasonry? Why do we need to "patent" when our unique patent-values, principles and ideals that sustain and practice? That is, we became aware that Freemasonry is a social phenomenon that comes from a traditional initiatory transmission. But that should not have "owners." And it was not right to feel culturally subordinate Lodges were often not even seriously example, and were recognized because they are handled in certain circles of power. We felt we were no more likely than others, but no less. And we carry out a Declaration of Principles that Freemasonry is an example of progress in our continent. It cost a lot, as it sought to ignore. And I must stress the significant role played by the Sister Vera GLADA Facciollo of Brazil, uniting wills from the late 90's.
I think the picture has changed substantially. We are a reality. We succeeded in proving that Freemasonry is not the first or second, and that mistaken who think that schema play unfair. There are still those who insist that an alleged majority is right. They do not understand that the majority may be right, only when the minority are respected. Obedience housed CIMAS who demonstrated, in many cases for the first time, through their membership of the Confederation. CIMAS merely demonstrated that it is a serious Masonic entity that does what it has to do with respect for everyone, but require in turn be respected. Not seeking any hegemony, nor dispute anything to anyone. As we have said all along, our vocation is to be a positive factor contributing to the overall vision of the continent's liberal freemasonry.
Today we can not conceive of a liberal and adogmática Freemasonry in America without the contributions over the course of these years CIMAS has done. Seminars, forums and meetings have demonstrated the quality of their thinking and the nature of Freemasonry practiced.
4) We shared the passion to dream of a string of liberal Union of Freemasonry in our continent. How do you see things? Suddenly we see white smoke?
You said. The unit is a dream. The problem is that sleep is only the stimulus projection onto the reality is the hard part. We are in a continent with a culture where we like declamation. Is good because it strengthens the dream. But what makes the projection onto reality, there is a big step, not easily passable. The spouting is that no one not speak of unity, fusion, etc.. In the speech. The reality is that, when specific initiatives, obstacles arise.
However, we three made significant, which probably will be milestones in the future. The first is when we signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the American Federation of Craft Masonry - CIMAS and American Masonic Conference - COMAM. This document was signed in Barranquilla, Colombia on October 29, 2009, jointly by the Executive Secretary COMAM, Brother Louis Daly (Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New York Omega and Secretary of clips) and President of peaks in the presence and witness of Brother Ivan Herrera Michel, at that time officially attending as Vice President of clips. Therefore represented the signatories, and even more so for the content of this document, has undoubtedly been the most serious attempt has been to unify into one organization to the Masons of a liberal. The document has been widely reported, and its contents are known. However
you have any comments.
emphasize the value of transparency ethics. In the same details all the steps that would culminate in a unit where no mechanism or disown those who carried it forward.
also emphasize the high level of democratic participation schedule, where all the Masonic organizations of the continent would work on developing a common statement of principles, which was the guiding document for the new unitary authority.
also would be undertaken for the purpose of subjecting all the Lodges from both entities, a new operating rules.
And in this transition process, as they met those requirements, its address would be in charge of a team with a president and two vice presidents. Stressed that the agreement provided that to the presidency was to seek the assistance of a Masonic character of the continent's first line, and that within both organizations and COMAM PEAKS, revert to the two vice presidencies. I emphasize this point, it clearly speaks of honesty and transparency of the process proposed, and the level of renunciation of the two leaders which meant a very strong signal that a process of genuine unity must leave aside any hegemonic claim to put first Masonic Village desires of our continent. In an atmosphere of great enthusiasm and hope, the assembly voted unanimously CIMAS this document, October 31, 2009.
5) What happened next?
Well, the reality is that he spent almost a year and a half, and we have not officially part of the least COMAM communication. We know that COMAM met in New York in May 2010 and would have supplanted the Brother Louis Daly. But we were never officially or who were new COMAM authorities, or that had happened to the document we signed. Yes we have made contact with rumors from the Internet. But a minimum of seriousness on our part does not allow us be guided by rumors, less serious issues, and when the sensitivity in play so many brothers and sisters of our continent are in the process of unity one of the most anticipated goals. Therefore, for this is a document CIMAS absolutely valid, given that was approved by our assembly. However, we could not pretend to ignore that, obviously, these high-level agreements, certainly not generate the enthusiasm of our partners have enabled us to be passing successfully through the process of unity, and creating a new historical circumstances. But it is not something new in history, and surely this, his infinite patience, it will go even creating new land on which to build new prospects. I wish to greet with affection the greatness of spirit and vision of the Beloved Brother Louis Daly, who played at that moment what was best for Freemasonry liberal of our continent. Surely new land are waiting for the foundations of new works by the Brother Daly, an experienced and dedicated man.
The second milestone, that I wanted to comment, is the joint document signed in Lima, Peru, on November 9, 2010, amid peaks and CCPOMA, Continental Confederation of American Masonic Powers, headed by Brother Carlos Pacheco Giron.
In this paper, we find that we must continue taking steps for the unit, and that we must build on land that will allow us broader approaches. For this reason we call work to go to shape the American Masonic Area, where you can meet the widest range of continental Freemasonry, from existing clusters, such as PEAKS, COMAM the CCPOMA and still others. Perhaps this form of unity, less structured, as part of the reality of what has already been made, without changes, will allow us to meet certain common goals, we allow the unity of action.
And the third fact, I encourage Historic declare, is what we have done here in Venezuela, with the Masonic meeting issued an important document entitled "Declaration of Puerto Cabello. Three entities
continental Freemasonry Liberal: Continental Confederation Masonic Powers, CCPOMA, the American Federation of Supreme Councils of the REAA, FASCREAA and the American Federation of Craft Masonry, tops, accompanied by four Masonic Lodges, the Sovereign Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Venezuela, Grand Orient of Uruguay Franc-Masonry, the Grand Lodge Constitution of Peru and the Colombian Federation of Masonic Lodges, then staged a fact no doubt that we categorize as of great importance.
Naturally, we must move forward, without preconceptions, overcoming obstacles, opening up wider horizons of understanding, with a also great vision of who we are and our potential, without loosing sight of reality, which always affects us.
6) Could you tell us because this meeting is not "one more", but a milestone for American liberal freemasonry?
course, things are not given. Will be put into operation. A meeting and a statement may be only a flashy, if they never put the dedication and commitment to pursue agreed. But I think this is also part of the change of attitude we should star, and we are doing.
First, that this meeting took place in a framework reinserting the Masons Venezuelan unit box liberal continental Freemasonry. Venezuelan Freemasonry naturally live their own process. Has a great history, experience and presence. But she, for various reasons, very interesting, but beyond the content of this interview, tended in recent decades relative isolation. The Sovereign Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Venezuela, created in 1918 and lodges dating back to 1823, and current Grand Master, Illustrious Bro. Hector Maduro Ghersi, are trying to overcome this trend, and very carefully, but also a lot of courage are taking the necessary steps for re-inserted into Freemasonry international. This is very good and auspicious, and our presence was due to this process, because this obedience is applying for membership to clips and PEAKS.
not No stranger to all this historical framework imposed by the bicentennial of the American Emancipation, which conditions us with reason and feeling, as my sister in history, and imposes a horizon.
But it is important for the content, a Declaration that emphasizes our core features such as Liberal Freemasonry, and because it stands alone in declamation.
7) How can materialize the nodal points of the same?
One, which confirms unit's horizon is the creation of an area American Masonic, where everyone in the framework of its independence and sovereignty, in plurality, may advance the unity of action around common goals. That this is a realistic perspective gives cautious outlook for progress at the present stage.
And two, because he took an important decision, as co-sponsor a Chair in International Studies Free Masons, to open our academic perspective where Masons and non Masons of our continent, but also outside it, in a open and liberal framework, to investigate, analyze, disseminate their work and studies on the institution Masonic in our continent.
These are enormous challenges in different dimensions, but complementary, and give us clear goals. And of course, take this opportunity to call the Masons and non Masons intellectuals begin to be integrated into this perspective. There is already an international experience, as in Europe where scholarship on freemasonry are developing successfully, and it is good that we also inserted into that socket.
Thus we are giving cause to the aspiration of joining the Freemasons, which must be nurtured through specific things, and not just good intentions.
8) In your opinion, "That vision of unity, is a pure and simple "bringing together what is scattered" or is a Masonic clustering on very specific in that not all fit?
somehow foreshadowed this in response to the above. I think we should move forward on a multilateral basis. Obviously not all think alike, but we also know that we share a general idea and a common sensibility. We must move in concentric circles. Nothing prevents us from having a place of unity of action Masonic spectrum. And at the same time, to go looking for more specific mechanisms of understanding, on the one hand and more convergence on the other. We are in a world in motion, and a masonry being changes and evolution. Our perspectives are changing, and everything from one perspective, is rebuilding. The only thing we can do, is not in motion, watch for new phenomena, and consider how we can promote our values \u200b\u200bof progress in these multiple perspectives. What is clear is that the global movement is also in us, and structures that do not adapt will suffer a lot. New prospects may appear, and others, vigorous at some point, may weaken. Masonic unity must take account of these phenomena. Therefore, those who seek to dominate and / or control processes, probably mistaken. And, worse, risk pushing back the horizons of unity.
On the other hand, the turbulence are also creating new entities, some ephemeral, others more long winded. So we must be vigilant. I think poverty is a sign of trying to collect accessions only taking into account the quantitative aspects. "If I have more lodges, or allegiances to support me, I'm stronger than the other or us right", etc. That authority, based on having and not in being and in the construction of ideas, is also present in many ways, and one must be careful not to fall into this spiral of power. As in all that is Masonic, the balance is desirable.
9) Q:. Bro. Elbio, I have heard and read about some curious decisions are taken on behalf of the "liberal" of Freemasonry as liberal and "progressive" of Masonry progressive. It is as if the term authorized the departure from tradition or were a Letter of Marque to "reinvent" Masonry. In your opinion, what is it exactly that Masonry might be called liberal and progressive?
The problem is that today we are in trouble with the terms and concepts. But let's look at the problems of the English language academy ... Is that Masonry was not liberal? Beginning by the father of political liberalism and philosophical empiricism, John Locke, who influenced the thinking of the Enlightenment. And as liberalism, it probably was in the Masonic ranks which first popularized the term.
course, these concepts now recovering again in new contexts. Mainly because there seems to be a dominant conservative presence in our institution Universal force, particularly in the Anglo-Saxon Freemasonry majority.
This conservative, suffers from several ailments. I think the main one is the tendency to impose its hegemony on the universal Freemasonry, indicating who or who the Lodges "Legitimately" Masonic. Secondly, certain impositions on their composition, mainly denying the Masonic status of women. Third, enforcement doctrines, namely: belief in a creative principle called Great Architect of the Universe, believing in the immortality of the soul, working in the presence of a holy book on the occurrence, the Bible. We are witnessing the famous song of the regular, non-existent issue in the Masonic tradition, and created entirely by English Freemasonry as a strategy of power.
These, then, the main characteristics dictated primarily by the United Grand Lodge of England. But let
more closely, because the picture is not so linear. Women. This is no longer Masonic denied as a possibility, and is accepted under certain conditions, ie, of "regularity." This regularly changed in 1999 when the Grand Lodge of England released a statement saying almost anonymous recognizing some lodges of women, since they worked regularly. But not all the lodges of women, or mixed lodges. What was that regular women? Exactly the same practice that GLUI Freemasonry, but without accepting men in their outfits.
Interestingly, all Grand Lodges worldwide, about the GLUI feudalized after that date, they began - in some cases with well-known difficulties - to encourage the creation of women's Grand Lodges.
regard to issues of doctrine, there are a lot of Grand Lodges that have all the same parameters GLUI conventional (masculinity, GADU, Bible, belief in the immortality of the soul, etc..) If they are not yet recognized by it. And there are a number of women's Grand Lodges that meet these requirements of regularity, which are also recognized by the GLUI.
Then the picture is more confusing, and it becomes clear that what prevails is especially political relations and hegemony.
So the problem is raised. And questions arise. For example, all Grand Lodges and Grand Orients are not recognized by the GLUI, are liberal and progressive adogmáticos, by virtue of not being recognized by the Masonic conservative camp leader? Personally I do not think.
Obedience "All women should be considered within the liberal Freemasonry, by the mere fact of being female? Nor do I think. It could have been very important this fact before accepting resolutions British female Masonry "regular." And that's not underestimate the significant progress that women represented Freemasonry, as we noted above.
Since the 70 century XIX, two Lodges, the Grand Orient of Belgium, the first and the Grand Orient of France then made another cut: the absolute freedom of conscience. What was? In releasing its members (and their Lodges) in all matters related to the metaphysical aspects, becoming these proprietary assets of individual conscience. Naturally, these positions caused the excommunication of the Masonic GLUI. But remained present, and were even taking acceptance in many places.
Finally, after remade the postwar European Freemasonry, in the 60 CLIPSAS is created with the aim of being a binding site did not accept that Freemasonry English regularity, which has had the great virtue of being the most important forum of all this masonry, grouping some 65 organizations today Masonic changing international landscape of Freemasonry.
CLIPSAS The common feature is the acceptance by those who are part of the absolute freedom of conscience and perfect mutual tolerance. And questions also arise here. What is the current definition of absolute freedom of conscience? Is it the same as in the 60's? For example, a member of Masonic power clips, which in its statutes deny the possibility of initiation of an atheist, would you allow a visitor to a Brother or Sister atheist? Powers CLIPSAS members, those who are male or female, are open to receiving the other gender Masons? In an institution that proclaims absolute freedom of conscience, can impose positions obediently accepted just "awareness" to its members?
This problem arises, of course the need to get honest with ourselves, to address within our current "liberal" some of these issues, to star in significant progress toward the future.
10) What are the limits of what "liberal" as Masonic?
I think at present, the limits of liberal are marked to prevent discrimination in all its forms in our institution, and absolute respect for minorities.
11) I have also heard and read about some curious decisions are taken on behalf of the Tradition and the Manners and Customs of Ancient Masonry, and again I say it's as if these expressions give for a stony immobility and timeless. In your opinion, how should we take this tradition and the ancient usages and customs? The French Socialist leader known early twentieth century Jean Jaures said that "maintaining the tradition, keep the flame, not the ashes. " This has the full force of my knowledge.
Tradition, to be authentic, must be a key that opens the doors to the future. Rather, it is nothing more than empty nostalgia and pure irrelevance. Nothing but form without substance.
12) And tucked into these depths, how should we address the relationship between Tradition and Modernity in a Masonic context progressive?
Today as never before, perhaps as always, our traditions should serve the future. This means that our values \u200b\u200band core principles, our founding ideals, those that are in place yet, and have a large force of projection, we must defend, irradiating to protect them. I refer to our ideals of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, absolute freedom of conscience, democracy, India, Secularism. Our strong values \u200b\u200bof justice, solidarity, tolerance, prudence. But the time to pursue those ideals may be required for new projects, according to the state of society, culture and civilization. Our tradition is to continue the legacy of the Enlightenment, to continue to build the human being and society, taking into account the new historical contexts.
Freedom content was very precise in the eighteenth century, essentially political and contained in a letter. Today in addition to those, you also have to do with, for example, control subliminal manipulation techniques able to handle the emotions and feelings toward specific targets far from the real need or desire of the individual. Or in terms of social inequality, to prevent personal information, such as medical treatments can cause different in other areas, such as labor rights. Two issues now entirely possible to do, and with almost no social and legal control. Also today is absolutely necessary to warn that neo-religious and moral darkness that threatens us, through a strong fight for secularism and freethinking as the basis of democracy and the republic.
We do not have any complete certainty how to perfect the human being, or how to build the society. But we do know that if our ideals are denigrated, obscured, defeated, trivialized or ridiculed, is the project of a decent human being and freedom in a just and fraternal society that is destroying it. Is a future of human civilization is putting what is in question. For this is that as initiates, our responsibility is so great.
progress Freemasonry is one that within the Liberal family pushing a strong alternative. It is looking into the future, to project toward the construction of a society and civilization response to the concerns and uncertainties of this human.
why Masonry should not compromise progress in advancing its ideals strong. While for many the strategy is able to influence, for us the main thing is to consolidate the power of our ideals. There can be a process re-founding of universal Freemasonry, without the power consolidator ideals. Therefore, a basic factor for us is the consolidation of our thinking. Because, by choice, for this way we make our unique contribution to the universal Freemasonry.
The purpose of our initiation process is right here. The words are important, and our Masonic Initiation progress is neither a revelation nor a magical lighting, not a dogmatic system. It is an essentially progressive human being who is made to himself, grown himself in his human nature, in a sense challenging, able - after having found the movement initiation - to continue it with energy.
The initiation process is that of a human being open, which seeks to win every day in a more self-control, which continues to be introduced in a humanity that is built.
13) Q:. Bro. Elbio, in a speech Lisbon, Portugal, last year, as part of the 4 th International Masonic meeting, I noticed that he said that "we must be careful: not everything that goes around and says Masonic withstand minimum analysis." "We could you please expand a little on this?
Dear brother, and I am deeply convinced that we must open opportunity, with generosity and altruism, I also often felt amazed at the irresponsibility, lack of seriousness and the ease with which some topics are covered Masonic. What creates sharp distortions in the system, removing the seriously enough to their healthy goals. I will not provide examples, but some people around the Masonic ideas have established business systems, sales of grades, delivery degrees cheerfully, without any support for training and / or study. Have even created "Masonic churches, with their bishops and priests. Internet has fostered a lot of these practices. I believe that, without closing doors, it must be rigorous to identify best practices Masonic. These years as president of CIMAS have allowed me to make contact with many of these expressions, seeking legitimacy, not on institutional strengthening and training of its members, but in the pursuit of external recognition. What is ominous is that many times good brothers and sisters are tempted by some of these expressions, which ultimately end in failure, or disastrous human experiences, what they do is put into question our work in general. So I think also that our preaching and information to society should be transparent, separating it from such harmful practices.
14) I see that between Spain and Latin America has been some coolness, to say the least, at the time of building bridges between Masonic related models. In his concept What happened? I think we're talking about different realities and perceptions. I think that Spain is still looking for masonic after the Franco terrible that for decades created an anti-Masonic culture. It is true that the Franco regime ended long ago. But not enough we realize that not so long ago from the standpoint of historical and anthropological. What are 40 or 45 years in history? The mark and anti-Masonic prejudices endure even a long time. You see the constant preaching of Catholic leaders to realize the heaviness is submitted to the English society. We can almost say that it is heroic what they have done. It is normal that even they are in a stage to fix things at home. I do not think you have cold, rather I think they're our brothers and sisters English many tasks and problems to solve. As also we have, incidentally. But little by little, I think those ties are stronger and stronger, and personal friendships and work and exchange visits are creating a fertile ground for the development of Latin American relations. We have a tradition, we have not yet fully enhanced. For example, the important role played by migrations Masonic and Masonic Republican progressivism of some of our American countries. We have a whole field yet to be discovered, and it would be interesting in the future progress in research on historical bridges on both sides of the Atlantic. I have the hope that the Chair Free International we are creating can be a support of those searches, which will also help us to greater interaction and integration between the Masons on both sides of the Atlantic, without forgetting our Portuguese brothers, whose presence on our continent, beyond Brazil should be investigated, because I think it is more important than you think.
15) Why the Grand Orient of France, on this side of the Atlantic Ocean more closeness with liberal Lodges of the Iberian Peninsula?
This is true, but it is a cyclical phenomenon over time, which sometimes takes strength and vigor, and sometimes fell. Paris since the nineteenth century is a source of Masonic light, and our brothers in the story went a look at France. Do not forget that if the republican idea was centered in France, the great specificity Republican is in the Americas. That fine line is still in force. And our French brothers, the promotion of exceptional men (think, for example, Alain Fumaz Brother has come to our continent cultivating friendship and presence of the Grand Orient de France), do not let the flame goes out. And many Americans, that we draw on the French culture and admire the masonry gala, we have also our own to maintain these bridges always current.
It would also be very interesting to develop other friendships with waves Masonic historical roots. For example, in the American South, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and certainly possibly in other countries, the presence and influence in our mainland Italian Freemasonry was important. Think of Giuseppe Garibaldi, for example. So we must build bridges with the Masons also italics.
16) On another topic, and despite the altruistic efforts of many Masons and Masonic, unfortunately personal grudges, and interobediential interlogiales follow the agenda. A brother, half joking and half serious, says this Landmark is the only universally practiced. Could it be that someday overcome this practice and fly higher?
would be desirable. But if we look at history, Freemasonry was stalled when he had those challenges, those controversies and debates of ideas, and concerned only the power apparatus. Now we're in a great period of change, where Freemasonry is looking for his destiny. And this inevitably brings controversy, debates, quarrels and struggles of projects. It is not all bad, as long as those discussions to achieve aim higher, to a more fruitful field, such as ideas, rather than the personal impressions and struggles of bureaucracies. All we can prudently contribute.
17) From the top of their experience and insights, what would you recommend a Trainee or a you just go through the Masonic initiation? How to polish the rough stone in the midst of so many urban legends (and intramasónicas) that exist on the Order?
I, my Dear Brother, I can speak for myself. But you say to an apprentice (in fact, what I say whenever I can do): focus on growth, without looking at the successes or failures, on all these, from those who should take the lead, in this way cultivate magnanimity, knowing that tomorrow can touch us us. Cultivating critical thinking and not believe everything they tell us, but trying to understand why what we are told. Nurturing freedom of spirit, accept the discipline and hierarchy of grades, but not overwhelm the dignity left. And cultivate perseverance, despite the setbacks. Many times the life of an apprentice or partner is not comfortable, especially when he has to have at his side paid teachers themselves, who think that every time you open your mouth, leaving the words of the great initiates, or taken to Fellow apprentices not mature people, often with important life experiences, but as school children. Many times I have found there is a infantilization of our Brothers and Sisters of some teachers. This is something I've fought all my Masonic life, and I will continue to do so. Polishing the stone needed for learning. This issue is one, but how many stones we throw before we get a valid stone?
18) Finally, let a little of the humanity of his marriage to the former Grand Master Tardugno Myriam, 33, and the role they have played together in the public arena of the Order. Tell me, what makes each one pairing?
Actually, you make me tough questions.
I'm going to confess something between us, of course. With Sister Myriam we have achieved a great complementarity in secular life. Both share an austere lifestyle, we love the home, discovering corners of our country or the sites we visited. When we have time we go to camp on the banks of a river or stream. We love to vacation in the small towns of our ocean coastline. We had very few inconsistencies by the vicissitudes of secular life. But often strongly debated the various aspects of Masonic life. Of course, in brotherhood. And we complement each other quite well, as she is, in my case, often brings me to the ground, I put the necessary pragmatism share. But we have much respect for each other, in our beliefs, our ideas. And for many years shared this adventure together. And a little clarification: Freemasonry was his admission of his own accord, not because I have had some influence in this regard. Your income is not processed through me.
Thank you, Q. ". H. '. Elbio.
Source: Forgive the word - personal blog of Ivan Herrera Michel
http://ivanherreramichel.blogspot.com/2011/02/en-dialogo-con-elbio-laxalte-presidente.html