Moose Lodge Organization

Dear Mike,
Is it okay to belong to a Moose Lodge organization?

Moose Lodges, part of the Loyal Order of Moose, is a fraternal and service organization founded in 1888 in Louisville, Kentucky, by Dr. Henry Wilson. The organization, originally aimed at offering social opportunities and mutual aid for working-class men, has since grown to include over a million members across the United States, Canada, and other countries.

Background

The Loyal Order of Moose was established during a period when fraternal organizations were popular for providing social interaction, mutual support, and community service. The Moose Lodges expanded rapidly in the early 20th century, particularly after the involvement of James J. Davis, who is credited with transforming the organization into a large, well-structured fraternity with a strong emphasis on charity and service.

Beliefs and Activities

The Moose organization is dedicated to supporting children, the elderly, and communities. It operates Mooseheart Child City and School, a residential childcare facility near Chicago, and Moosehaven, a retirement community in Florida. These institutions are central to the organization's charitable mission.

Members, known as "Moose," are encouraged to engage in various service activities, both at the local lodge level and through broader initiatives. The organization's core values include:

• Fraternity: Emphasizing camaraderie and fellowship among members.
• Charity: Supporting charitable causes, particularly focused on children and the elderly.
• Community Service: Promoting and engaging in activities that benefit local communities.

Moose Lodges often function as community hubs, offering social activities, fundraising events, and support networks for members and their families. The organization is nonsectarian and nonpartisan, welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a commitment to its charitable and community-focused missions.

Based on this info, I see no problem in a Christian participating. They are not a "secret"-type group that require oaths and secret rituals to belong which Christians eschew since we don't take these types of oaths and do not participate in religious-type ceremonies not related to our worship to Christ.