Which statement best reflects the obligation regarding defaming a brother mason?

• A. I will not defame the good name of a brother master mason, neither before his face nor behind his back, knowingly, nor permit it to be done if within my power to prevent it.
• B. I will defame a brother if I believe he has wronged me.
• C. I will discuss a brother's faults in a lodge meeting.
• D. I will spread rumors about a brother for discipline.

Answer: (A)

Guarding a brother’s good name is a fundamental duty in Masonry. The pledge you take commits you to not defaming a brother, either to his face or behind his back, and to prevent it if you can. This binds you to esteem and protect a fellow Mason, even when you disagree or when you feel wronged, and to seek redress or resolution through proper, discreet channels rather than gossip or public accusations. That commitment—to refrain from any defaming talk and to intervene to stop it—embodies the spirit of brotherly love and trust that underpins the lodge. Statements that encourage defaming, discuss a brother’s faults openly in lodge, or spread rumors for discipline violate that oath and undermine harmony and fraternal unity.