Report from the National Council

By Fred Staedel, Th.D.

We do not often think of “honor” per se or being “honored” in the context of religion or in one’s individual worship. But the concepts of “self-honor” and “honoring others” plays a role in many cultures and religions. Focusing on the Chris- tian culture, but with respect to other religious disciplines, may we look at “honor” as it relates to one’s Christ based faith?

We are all familiar with the reference to the word “honor” as it is used in “The Ten Commandments” where it admonishes us to “honor our father and mother.” (Exodus 20:2-17) However, the Holy Bible refers to “honor” in other contexts and applications; especially “self-honor,” or in other words, being honored or honoring oneself. The point herein is that it is being suggested that we should not only seek being honorable, but we deserve to be honored as God’s child.

This is confirmed in Proverbs where it is stated, “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.” (Proverbs 21:21) This proverb certainly ensures that if we can live a righteous life, we will be honored with a life of love and prosperity. And who could ask for more? So that begs the question, how do we live a righteous life and attain an honorable existence for ourselves and others? Well once again the Holy Bible has the answer:

“Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” (John 12:26)

Therefore, it is of course an honor to serve one’s God and His divine principles, and “The Written Word” confirms this, that in so doing we will in turn be honored.

Fred

MOFW National Council Meeting of June 20, 2022

The MOFW Commander-General convened the council on June 20, 2022. Hawaii was represented by Col, Ret. Dave Terrinoni, who provided a report from which this update is provided. At this important meeting, new National Officers were elected, namely:

Mr. Michael Witter (CT) as Registrar-General of the Order. MAJ Keith Tidball (NY) as Secretary-General of the Order.

The National Council confirmed that the CG shall have the ability to appoint an MOFW Herald to serve the interests of the Order in heraldic matters, as needed, and will be non-voting National Officer. The council also approved the establishment of the position of the National

The Council approved the creation of a officer position, that of the MOFWUS “Chief Information Officer” who will focus on both internal and external communications, public relations, maintenance of the MOFUS website and all related matters. The CIO work closely with the Editor-General with respect to newsletter publication and content issues. The National Council elected Frank Lennon (RI) as the first MOFWUS CIO.

There was general agreement that the Order should explore the creation of additional categories of Companionship in the Order, which would be open to potential members who do not meet the existing criteria for membership. Potential additional membership categories could include State Honorary companions, Spouse Companions and Associate Companions. Consensus was not reached with respect to the specifics of this issue. The CG will form a Membership Committee which will evaluate the various proposals and revert to the National Council with detailed recommendations. The National Council agreed that qualified new Companions residing in a state which does not have an active Commandery may either: a) choose another state Commandery with which to affiliate, or b) become a “member-at-large” affiliated with the National Commandery as opposed to the Registrar-General’s Commandery as currently stated in the Constitution. Members-at-large shall pay head tax to the National Commandery. Significantly, the National Council ratified the charter of the Illinois Commandery.