The Bombay Chapter of Princes Rose Croix of Heredom became the first in England and Wales to perfect a non-Christian.
In an historic ceremony on Friday (1st March) The Bombay Chapter Rose Croix perfected (initiated) W. Bro. Manjit Singh Labana, also known as Mickey Labana. Mickey, who is a Sikh, had long expressed a desire to join the Ancient and Accepted Rite, more commonly called Rose Croix, which is specifically a Christan Order in Freemasony, but previously a mason in England or Wales would only be permitted to join if he can profess the Trinitarian Christian Faith. However, following a significant ruling by the supreme Council of the Thirty-third Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Rite for England and Wales this restriction was changed, to permit non-Christaians to join as well. The new ruling came into effect on 1st of March, using a slightly changed version of the ritual, which Bombay Chapter adopted for their meeting on Friday.
Mickey is seen here with Most Wise Sovereign Ill∴ Bro John Furguson.
Given the historic significance of the ceremony, Bombay chapter were joined by the Sovereign Grand Commander, M∴ P∴ Bro John Boyington CBE 33° and the Grand Prior, M∴ Ill∴ Bro the Revd Dr Simon Thorn 33°, as well as Inspector Generals and Recorders from a number of other districts.
During the ceremony the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib was placed beside the bible for Mickey to swear his obligations. Apart from a few changes to the words and in particular to the obligations, the rituals used was completely familiar to all of the 130 members of Rose Croix assembled in the Berkshire to witness Mickey’s perfection.
In addition to the perfection of Mickey, the chapter were also very pleased to present a certificate celebrating 50 years in Rose Croix to M∴ Ill∴ Bro Robert Faulkner 32° who was introduced to the meeting by the District Recorder M∴ Ill∴ Bro Tony Rees 32° and presented with his certificate by the Inspector General for Berkshire, V∴Ill∴Bro∴ David Jarvis 33°.
