V.·.M.·. Y QQ.·.HH.·.

EN UNA NOTA RECIBIDA DE UN PRECEPTOR DEL RITUAL DE

EMULACION EN INGLATERRA Y CON RELACIÓN AL AGAPE
FRATERNAL SEÑALÓ LO SIGUIENTE:

We have no fixed rule on this. Most English Lodges, whichever version of the ritual
they use, follow the "relaxed" party: conversation at the Festive Board may include any
subject except politics or religion.

Some English Lodges follow the "strict" party.

I know of at least one English Lodge which follows the "very relaxed" party and even
permits religion and politics to be discussed - but I believe that they are wrong to do
this!

The position under our Book of Constitutions is that the Festive Board is not part
of the formal proceedings.

Nevertheless, because the Brethren are still gathered in their capacity as freemasons
even though not in Lodge, it is expected that appropriate masonic behaviour should
apply.

Thus the Master presides, assisted by his Wardens, but at the Festive Board he rules by
the respect of his Brethren rather than by official authority.

I would not advise telling blue jokes at a Festive Board in England, because some of
the Brethren might regard such jokes as offensive.

Football and summer holidays are often discussed, however.

None of this is anything to do with Emulation, however. Emulation only

demonstrates what should happen inside the Lodge Room, it has no official view
on what should happen (or not happen) at the Festive Board.

T & F,

Vuestro Hermano

Nelson Morales B.