When Two Brothers Disagree - Free starter
Help two willing Brothers discuss an ordinary disagreement and identify an honest next step.
First step: Speak with each Brother privately before bringing them together.
Your conversation card: before you begin
One Brother wants supper at 5:30. Another cannot arrive before 6. The discussion has become personal. Your job is to help them discuss the actual question calmly.
1. Check that both are willing
Ask each privately. Do not arrange a surprise confrontation.
2. Check your role
If you are part of the dispute, do not present yourself as neutral. Find a person both accept.
3. Choose a quiet place
Agree enough time and a pause if either needs one.
4. Name the actual question
Keep it narrow: "What supper time should we recommend?"
Would you be willing to talk through the supper time together, with someone we both trust helping us take turns?
Use this for ordinary disagreements. Threats, abuse, serious misconduct, or formal complaints need the appropriate lodge or reporting process. Do not pressure someone into a joint meeting.
Your conversation card: at the table
1. Open the conversation
"We are here to discuss the supper time, not decide who is the better Mason."
2. Give each a turn
"What happened, and what matters most to you about this?" Then summarize and ask whether you understood.
3. Stop personal attacks
"Let us stay with the action and its effect. We cannot make progress by questioning each other's character."
4. Check the facts and options
"Which times can actually work? What would each option require?"
5. Read back the result
"Here is the next step I heard. Have I got it right?"
Pause if either Brother wants to stop or the conversation becomes unsafe. If there is no agreement, say so. Do not manufacture a handshake or an apology.
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The full 9-page guide includes practical examples, fillable worksheets, and phone reading. You can use this free starter on its own.
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