Bro Kerry LeBoutillier’s paper, "Trends," discusses the current movement towards enforcing uniformity in Masonic rituals across Queensland, Australia. He highlights the rich diversity of lodges practicing Scottish, Irish, and English rituals, which enhances the Masonic experience for members and visitors alike. LeBoutillier questions the rationale behind the push for uniformity, arguing that it risks diminishing the unique and engaging aspects of Freemasonry. He emphasizes the importance of embracing change and diversity within the organization, warning that those resistant to adaptation may become irrelevant. The paper advocates for the celebration of Masonic diversity, echoing the sentiment of the French slogan “Vive la différence,” and encourages brethren to appreciate the varied rituals that enrich their fraternity. This perspective serves as a call to action for Masonic bodies to reconsider their approach to ritual practices and to foster an environment that values individual lodge traditions.
Bro Kerry LeBoutillier
December 17th, 2025
February 26th, 2026
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Short Papers Competition 2009
© 2010 Internet Lodge and the author
Paper 20/2009
Title Trends
Author Bro Kerry LeBoutillier – Australia
Queensland, Australian Freemasonry is made up of an assortment of lodges practicing ritual with
Scottish, Irish and English heritage. This provides a richness and diversity which mimics the practice
of ritual throughout the world. When our Queensland Constitution Brothers visit our Scottish Lodges,
they do so to see ritual performed in a way which is both foreign and interesting for them. It also
provides the basis for the festive board banter about who is “doing it right”.
Brethren; there is a trend in Queensland to enforce uniformity in ritual for the whole state. And this
writer asks. Why?
Why are some of our brethren so opposed to change? Why is it that they want to turn something
which is rich, diverse and interesting into a something which is rigid, homogenous and insipid. It is
true that the visitor to a lodge goes for the brotherhood but the chance of seeing something a bit
different surely adds some spice to the visit. If my sister is boring and I avoid visiting her, this does
not mean that I do not love her.
For this writer there is a vast store of symbolism in the various rituals which both interests and
inspires me. It may be something as simple as seeing the placement of the furniture of the lodge or
as complex as the interplay of the elements of the third degree. When I visit, I see these things which
are both a surprise and a delight. Not every lodge is the same as we move around the world. Why
then enforce uniformity for each jurisdiction.
I believe, Brethren, that there is a short sightedness in Freemasonry which we must protest ourselves
against. The organisations which embrace change and encourage diversity harness the ability to
adapt with the changing culture of their society. Those that don’t, risk becoming moribund, irrelevant
and obsolete.
Let us celebrate the diversity which is the world of Freemasonry. Let us embrace that hard one
slogan of the French. “Vive la différence”