Waite was also a Freemason. I don’t remember the name of the declaration (humanus gersomthingorother) that the pope (leo? whatever the number) wrote that created the rift between Freemasons and all Democratic/ Democratic Republic style nations…but there was a rift. There was also this other guy of disreputable repute (is that repetitive?) who wrote a bunch of stuff on the heels of the declaration that enlarged the rift (wish I could recall the name of the book that all this is in…I think it’s A Pilgrims Path or something like that – I have it at home, it’s about the whole rift between churches and Masons.
I ramble.
Waite was real heavy into Freemasonry and its various ancillary degrees. He loved to write degree rituals…
Now in Freemasonry – the foremost thing required…(other than being male – and both Waite and Pixie were Co-Masons which is Freemasonry open to both Men & Women – but is not recognized globally – even though the end result of the teachings are the same) is the belief in one Supreme Being. Which is why it is open to Christians, Jews, Moslems, Hindu (all gods seen as faces of a larger supreme god), and some neo-pagans.
This was what Waite was…
...course this is only based on what I think I've read...I could be wrong...
PS: edited to add: Uh...sorry...just wanted to ask a question here, not related, kinda off topic but I just gotta ask, it being late and all...
You ever seen a snake swallow its tail?