04/08/2024
Following is an edited version of the Social Media guidelines, approved by AASR, in September of 2017. The full version is available, upon request, from the Grand Secretary of the Peterborough Valley.
ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY OF CANADA
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY AND GUIDELINES
Scope
The use of social media is a powerful communications tool, but it requires
caution since it provides a permanent record that is universally accessible. Even
material intended only for Scottish Rite members can easily find itself in the public
domain, where anyone can access it. Since innovation in social media is constant, this
policy offers broad principles Scottish Rite Masons should keep in mind whenever they
use this channel of communication.
Role of Members
Scottish Rite Masons should consider themselves representatives of the Order itself
when using social media. The same high standard of behaviour applied to daily conduct
applies equally to all communications media. What is posted on social media by a Scottish Rite Mason should be appropriate, just as anything he says in conversation should be appropriate.
Privacy
Any material, whether text or images, on ritual detail, balloting on candidates or other business behind tyled doors must remain private. Further, every effort must be made to respect people’s privacy. Individuals are entitled to elect to keep their name or photograph (including video) or personal information (e.g. e-mail address) private.
Subject Matter
Notwithstanding the above, there is much to depict about Scottish Rite Masonry that
contributes to a positive image of the Order, its charitable work, its social events and the
community causes we support. Ours is a rich history and we should not be shy about
saying so, provided postings portray the Rite, and Masonry in general, in a positive light
so that the reputation of the Order is safeguarded at all times.
Photography
Scottish Rite is a colourful and dramatic branch of Freemasonry and that is part of its
appeal. So pictures of Scottish Rite Masons in costume or dressed in regalia help the
uninitiated understand a little more of what we are about. However, we must also retain a measure of mystery about what goes on while our Lodges, Chapters and Consistories are at work.
Discussion and Debate
Without restricting free speech and debate, criticism of Supreme Council or any other
Masonic authority should be avoided. Obviously, profanity, offensive or defamatory content or
links thereto are unacceptable and, while mature debate is to be encouraged, hostility or
private quarrels is not. Equally, political, religious or issues of personal conflict should
not be part of a Masonic posting.
