En: World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges

R.W.Bro. Thomas W. Jackson, Executive Secretary

My brothers, it is once again my great privilege as Executive Secretary of the World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges to invite you to journey to India. It has been 10 years ago in 2002 that I issued an invitation to attend the VI world conference held in New Delhi. This time I invite you to attend the XII World Conference to be held in Chennai. This is the first time that the conference has voted to meet in the same country where we met in the past.

The VI world Conference was a great success by any standard. The value of the discussions, the congeniality of the host jurisdiction, and the uniqueness of environment all contributed to making it a valuable and enjoyable conference for those grand officers from around the world who were present. India is a land of inimitable diversity with unique cultures that all too few have the opportunity to visit.

The World Conference is once again offering that opportunity to Freemasons to journey to this fascinating country under the auspices of Freemasonry. Looking back at my time spent at the VI World Conference remains one of the great and the moving experiences of my life. The accomplishments of the Grand Lodge of India are impressive considering the magnitude of the challenges they face. It is an educational experience just to see what can be done.

The Grand Lodge of India is again working diligently to make certain that everyone attending in Chennai will be well taken care of and that you will return home with lasting memories. In each of my trips to this country I have been greatly impressed with the unsurpassed hospitality shown to me by the people of India. This opportunity will never happen again for most of you.

The general theme for the conference is "The Role of Freemasonry in Universal Peacekeeping". This is a very broad and general theme allowing for diverse thinking and choice of papers.

I heard many expressions of regret from those who missed the last conference held here. I encourage you not to do the same. I look forward to seeing you in Chennai.

Sincere Fraternal Regards,

Thomas W. Jackson RWPGS Executive Secretary, World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges