Membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks requires a belief in God because the organization was established by individuals who held this conviction as a core principle. This foundational belief remains an essential criterion for joining the Order.
Foundational Principles of the Elks
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks was founded upon a set of core principles and values held dear by its originators. A central aspect of these founding ideals was a profound belief in God.
- Intent of the Founders: The men who established the Order incorporated their spiritual convictions into the very fabric of the organization. Their belief in God was not a peripheral detail but a fundamental element of their shared vision and the moral framework they intended for the Elks.
- Moral and Ethical Compass: For the founders, this belief provided a guiding moral and ethical compass, which they deemed essential for the character and conduct of its members.
Membership Requirements and Upholding Tradition
Given these foundational beliefs, the Order has maintained the requirement that prospective members must also hold a belief in God.
- Alignment with Values: This prerequisite ensures that new members align with the long-standing values and spiritual underpinnings that have defined the Elks throughout its history. It is seen as a necessary commitment to the organization's core ethos.
- Preserving Identity: The continued adherence to this religious criterion helps preserve the identity and traditional character of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks as envisioned by its founders. It reinforces a shared worldview among its members.
- Exclusion Policy: Consequently, individuals who do not profess a belief in God are generally not considered eligible for membership, as this belief is seen as integral to the Order's identity and purpose.
