What If Diversity Is Simply Harmonious Inclusion

Send us a text and let us know what topic you would like to hear next!Progress can be a loaded word in Freemasonry, especially when people confuse it with getting everything perfect. From inside Lodge of Progress No. 22, we talk with the Worshipful Master about why “progress over perfection” is not lowering the bar, it’s choosing a healthier way to grow. That single shift links straight to wellbeing, confidence, and staying engaged in lodge life without the stress of needing to nail everything instantly. We also go deeper than the usual diversity and inclusion talk. Our guest shares his story as a Filipino immigrant in Christchurch, including the awkward moments of learning Kiwi colloquial English, reading the room through a new cultural lens, and trying to find a real sense of belonging. He offers a simple, memorable definition of diversity in a Masonic context: “harmonious inclusion”, then expands it into something practical for everyday life: belonging without the assumption of ownership, and relating without erasing differences. If you care about community, leadership, or just becoming easier to be around, this part will land. From there we tackle the values people associate with Freemasonry in New Zealand: brotherly love, relief, and truth. We talk charity as more than money, including presence, empathy, and helping a brother through stress. We also address common misconceptions about Freemasonry and religion with calm clarity, then finish with Lodge of Progress history and a nod to its 150th anniversary, including the symbols that keep pointing back to the theme: keep moving, and learn from the past. If you enjoyed this, subscribe to The Masonic Mic, share it with a mate, and leave a review so more people can find the conversation.Masonica - Connecting FreemasonsMasonica, the official Freemasons New Zealand app.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575492416064