Grand Lodge of Wisconsin Communication

Grand Lodge F&AM of Wisconsin
Statement on the Events of January 26, 2016

For Release

Dousman, Wisconsin
27 January 2016

We are thankful to law enforcement for thwarting a potential tragedy at the Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Milwaukee which houses several Masonic organizations as well as the Dyslexia Center for Children. Freemasonry promotes love among all people regardless of religious belief. One of the five tenets of Scottish Rite Freemasonry is tolerance. Indeed, Freemasonry is one of the few organizations in the world that include and welcome those of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths.
Many of the founders of this country were Freemasons and thus our freedoms of speech, assembly, press—and especially of religion—can be traced directly to the tenets of Freemasonry. As a result, Freemasonry over the course of time has been the target of attack by the intolerant zealot. We will continue to promote, protect and defend love for all people regardless of religious belief as we have for over three hundred years. Again, we are so thankful for law enforcement for being vigilant in protection of those we serve.

Franklin J. Struble
Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin

Michael A. DeWolf, 33°
Scottish Rite Deputy for Wisconsin