The obligation regarding clandestine lodges requires which action?

• A. I will not sit in a clandestine lodge, nor hold Masonic communication with a clandestine mason nor with a suspended or expelled mason, knowingly, nor permit it to be done if within my power to prevent it.
• B. I will sit in a clandestine lodge to learn secret rites.
• C. I will communicate with clandestine masons only.
• D. I will promote clandestine lodges openly.

Answer: (A)

The action tested is the obligation to avoid and cut off involvement with clandestine lodges. In Freemasonry, clandestine lodges operate outside the recognized authorities and jurisdiction of regular Grand Lodges. A Mason’s duty is to support and protect regular, recognized lodges and to refrain from actions that would legitimize or assist irregular bodies. So the proper stance is to not sit in a clandestine lodge, not engage in Masonic communication with clandestine masons or with those who are suspended or expelled, and to prevent any such activity if you have the power to do so. This keeps the craft orderly and true to its approved structure.

Engaging with a clandestine lodge by sitting in it to learn secret rites would contradict those commitments, as would communicating only with clandestine masons or promoting clandestine lodges openly. These actions would compromise the integrity and authority of regular Masonry.