EDICT NO. 163

WHEREAS, one of the foremost qualifications to be made a Mason is an absolute belief in God;

WHEREAS, the members of our fraternal order are of various religious beliefs and religious denominations;

WHEREAS, Masons are tolerant of other people's religious beliefs especially those of their fellow brethren;

WHEREAS, Masonic activities and undertaking usually start and end with a prayer;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RIZAL D. APORTADERA, by the powers in me vested as Grand Master, do hereby decree that no invocation, benediction or prayer shall be delivered in any Masonic function or undertaking which would be sectarian in character, referring only to the Supreme Being in names common to all as God, Father or Supreme Architect or Ruler of the Universe.

This Edict shall be read in open Lodge at the stated meetings next following its receipt and that action taken thereon duly recorded in the minutes.

Given under my hand and seal of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines in the City of Manila this 17th day of November, 1993.

(Sgd.) RIZAL D. APORTADERA Grand Master

ATTEST:

(Sgd.) RUDYARDO V. BUNDA, PGM Grand Secretary