La lettera di chiarimento del Gran Maestro di Washington DC

(questi sono alcuni paragrafi della lettera che il Gran Maestro di Washington, Akram Elias, ha inviato ai 'Fratelli' per chiarire la sua posizione nei confronti delle decisione di ritiro del riconoscimento da parte della Grand Lodge of New York)
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The decision by the Grand Master of Masons in New York will be recorded as a regretful moment in the history of Freemasonry. It is our view that the action by the Grand Lodge of New York to withdraw recognition and go immediately to all Grand Lodges rather than first making an earnest attempt to deal directly with us threatens amity and may lead to anarchy in the world of Freemasonry.

Responding to our creation of Ahiram Lodge No. 1000 under our jurisdiction in the Republic of Lebanon, the Grand Lodge of New York has tried to claim for itself exclusive jurisdiction within the territory of Lebanon and has attempted to “suspend” the sitting Worshipful Master and Secretary of the lodge.

....The Grand Lodge of New York’s claim of exclusive jurisdiction in this free and sovereign nation outside of North America is invalid. There exists no Grand Lodge of Lebanon and the current operation there of regular lodges not beholden to the Grand Lodge of New York nullifies any claim of exclusive jurisdiction in that country.
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On October 25, 2008, at its Annual Communication, our Grand Lodge overwhelmingly approved the chartering of Ahiram Lodge No. 1000 as a new constituent lodge of this jurisdiction with following understandings:

• our action is legal, legitimate, and well within our rights; • we do not abandon our brothers or surrender our sovereignty in the face of scare tactics put forth by other jurisdictions; • the mission of Ahiram Lodge is noble and fully compatible with the principles and vision of universal Freemasonry by bringing more Masonic Light to a region in desperate need of it.
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At this seminal moment for our jurisdiction and its sovereignty, I call on your sense of loyalty and commitment. As Freemasons we have dedicated ourselves to building better communities and bridges of understanding. Our energies should be focused on these worthy goals and expanding the Light of Freemasonry to areas of the world that are in desperate need for it. With your steadfast support we can meet the
challenges ahead.

Fraternally,

Akram R. Elias

Grand Master