The United Grand Lodge of England is keenly aware of the events which are currently taking place in Ukraine. We are immensely encouraged by the quite exceptional and rapid response to the call for charitable donations to provide relief to those who have been, and are, suffering from events in Ukraine. The joint UGLE/MCF appeal has raised £350,000 to date to help those who are being affected in the region. This sum has been raised in a shorter time than in any recent appeal, which indicates the strength of compassion felt by individual Brethren to those affected by the war.
At this time, we are maintaining communications with all our recognised Grand Lodges in the region to ensure we are providing an appropriate level of support where possible. In a world of disinformation and propaganda, we value the insight of those who are living through the current crisis.
The United Grand Lodge of England has a strong history of supporting those who have lived through the trauma of active conflict. It is for good reason that so many of our Lodges and Chapters have had their Centenary celebrations in the last 5 years as many of these were founded to provide supportive networks for soldiers returning home after the First World War. We are still maintaining this supportive relationship 100 years on; most recently, His Royal Highness, the Duke of Kent signed the Armed Forces Covenant in a show of unerring support for members of our Armed Forces.
Freemasonry has always taken steps to avoid divisive discourse which can promote conflict in the Lodge. All three of the Home Grand Lodges have a long-standing policy of not expressing opinion on State or foreign policy either at home or abroad. The aim of this policy is to foster a harmonious environment within an ever-turbulent wider world. We hope that peace soon prevails. In the meantime, our efforts towards supporting humanitarian aid will continue. |
