A PETITION has been lodged with the Scottish Parliament calling for MSPs to urge the Executive to introduce legislation requiring the Scottish Episcopal Church to bar all its clergy from membership of the Freemasons or any other society having a secret oath-bound membership.

Dundee Episcopalian minister and city councillor Joe Morrow (pictured) is singled out in the petition, following his election last year as 108th Most Worshipful Grand Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland.

The petitioner Hugh Sinclair, on behalf of the Movement for a Register of Freemasons, cites reservations about Freemasonry and the Church expressed by Anglican clergy.

As the Episcopal Church is part of the Anglican Communion, he notes it has no official position on the question of Freemasonry and finds it “extraordinary” that it has never been discussed within its General Synod.

The petition states, “Scottish Episcopal clergy are by nature of their pastoral and community work, involved from time to time in decision making processes in the realm of education, social work and housing. It is of vital importance that recommendations/interventions/referrals by clergymen should not be open to question on grounds of bias or favouritism.”

Last night Mr Morrow said he was aware of the petition and did not wish to become involved in an argument about its merits.

“As a Freemason and Grand Master and a minister, I have always been completely open about both positions and had no difficulty in announcing it publicly. As an individual I have no difficulty about a public declaration and will continue with that policy. As the leader of Scottish Freemasonry, I have encouraged members and lodges to be open and public. Many are honoured to belong and proud to support their lodges.

“As an individual I have found there are no conflicts between membership of this organisation and my professional life in any way whatsoever.”