The Cuban government's reinstatement of Mario Alberto Urquía Carreño as Grand Master of the Supreme Council and the Grand Lodge has ignited a wave of discontent among Cuban Freemasons. Urquía Carreño was reinstated by the Ministry of Justice's Directorate of Associations (MINJUS), bypassing the majority's decision to reject him following accusations of embezzling $19,000 from his office earlier this year and other actions deemed "high treason" by the Masonic community.
"The Freemasons do not accept Urquía; many lodges will decide not to recognize him and will notify the MINJUS Register of Associations," a Masonic source who wished to remain anonymous told the independent outlet Cubanet. The same source added that there is "a lot of confusion but unanimous feeling of rejection."
The Freemasons appear determined to step down from their positions if the Grand Master does not resign. Others plan to gather in large numbers at the Grand Lodge building to protest and demand Urquía's removal, according to Cubanet.
One such individual is Master Karel Miralles Sánchez, who staged a sit-in at the Grand Lodge of Cuba as a form of protest, asking for Urquía to submit a formal signed resignation. "I am not calling for anything or anyone; I am driven by a personal situation, exercising my right to protest, one of the first rights conferred upon me when I joined this august institution," he stated in a video.
Another source interviewed by Cubanet argued that "if the majority of Freemasons decide we do not want him, he should step down. If MINJUS thinks this is not the correct way to expel him, we will repeat the process immediately." They added that "an overwhelming majority does not wish for him to continue leading our fraternity, as he is materially and morally responsible for the loss of funds donated to aid brethren in distress. Nothing imposed works in a democratic system like ours."
Echoing this sentiment, another Freemason accused the State Security of being behind the situation, suggesting that "they are playing with fire. This might be the push we Freemasons need to finally take the lead in the changes Cuba requires."
Several employees of the Grand Lodge of Cuba have resigned in protest, according to Cubanet. In March, Urquía Carreño was expelled from the semiannual session of the High Chamber.
Freemasons' Rebellion Against the Reinstated Grand Master
This section addresses frequently asked questions regarding the recent events involving Cuban Freemasons and the reinstated Grand Master, Mario Alberto Urquía Carreño.
Why are Cuban Freemasons rejecting Mario Alberto Urquía Carreño?
Cuban Freemasons are rejecting Mario Alberto Urquía Carreño due to accusations of embezzling $19,000 from his office and committing actions they consider to be "high treason."
How did the Ministry of Justice (MINJUS) get involved?
The Ministry of Justice's Directorate of Associations reinstated Urquía Carreño, ignoring the majority decision of the Freemasons who did not want him in the position.
What actions are Freemasons taking to protest the reinstatement?
Freemasons are staging protests, planning mass gatherings at the Grand Lodge building, and some are even resigning from their positions to show their disapproval.