What is Freemasonry

English Constitution Freemasonry has a common purpose and is regulated from the centre by the United Grand Lodge of England but its units of society, called Lodges or Chapters, run themselves. It is a wide association and men from all walks of life belong to it out of free choice.

Freemasonry, as practised under the United Grand Lodge of England, is for men only. This is for old historical reasons. When Freemasonry started in the late 1500s or 1600s, in a male dominated society, it was natural for Freemasonry to be male, too. This does not mean that Freemasons reckon women to be of less worth. There is little harm in men belonging to their “club” just as women belong to clubs which are only for women. In any case, there are women's Freemasonry Lodges, in some countries, and they are as definitely only for women as ours are only for men.

The three guiding principles of Freemasonry

Freemasonry has three guiding principles, well understood by the members. They are Brotherly Love, Relief (from distress) and Truth, and they may be better understood as Society, Charity and Morality and are further explained below:

Society (Brotherly Love)

Society, in the context of Freemasonry, is the gathering of men who share common ideals regardless of race, colour, creed or ethnic origin. Indeed, the discussion of politics and religious matters is forbidden in Freemasons' Lodges thus removing two of what often are, the most divisive topics ever, which, otherwise, may seriously disrupt the harmonious atmosphere generally existing among members of our fraternity. However, as in any large organisation, there are occasions when "Brothers" fall out for one reason or another. In such circumstances, one or other, or both, of the offending parties are expected to stay out of the Lodge, until reconciliation is achieved, rather than the prevailing harmony of the Lodge be spoiled by their presence.

Charity (Relief)

Freemasons throughout the world support charity. Charity is not only about helping individual persons. There are many deserving causes often under-funded by government, or not allocated funds at all, for very important research or community projects. The central charity of Freemasonry provides grants for hospices, for repairs to ancient cathedrals and public monuments, for medical and other research and to assist victims of disasters both at home and worldwide - the list of beneficiaries is long and rarely published outside Masonic circles. In earlier years this was particularly common in England, with institutions to educate and care for needy children of Freemasons, to support and house distressed Freemasons and their dependants, and to provide a hospital, all filling what were then gaps in the country's provision of care. Now that public education and health have been established, the institutions continue but Freemasonry’s central charity, and some of the others, are able to pay proper attention to the charitable needs of people and organisations not associated with Freemasonry.

Morality (Truth)

Freemasonry teaches morality, or moral values. By morality we mean relations between people - the understanding attitudes and acceptable human behaviour which makes civilised life possible. This morality is not peculiar to Freemasonry but is rarely taught nowadays other than in some religious and other schools, and in our own Fraternity where we hope it cements the family unit to create happiness and well being among its members. Our lessons of morality include a man’s natural equality and dependence on others, the advantages of education and the value of keeping a promise once made. The method used by Freemasons to teach morality is by dramatic re-enactments of the building of King Solomon's Temple, events associated with the work and those involved in the process. Allegorically, it is meant to illustrate a way of life which every Freemason is encouraged to emulate. Members of Lodges participate in these mini-dramas memorising their lines, just as in the theatrical world. This encourages active participation on a purely voluntary basis. Biblical extracts and parables are used to reinforce the message to the candidate.

Does Freemasonry have standards?

The United Grand Lodge of England publishes a ‘Book of Constitutions’ which contains the Rules governing every part of the organisation and an explanation of the aims and relationships of Freemasonry based on "ancient charges" (Rules) which have existed from time immemorial.  These rules have stood the test of time and are rarely changed for the sake of expediency. The United Grand Lodge of England, as may be expected, has particularly good relations with the Grand Lodges of Scotland and Ireland and fraternal relationships with other Grand Lodges throughout the world. For the United Grand Lodge of England to recognise another Grand Lodge as regular it must:
 

• Have been lawfully established by a regular Grand Lodge or by three or more private Lodges, each warranted by a regular Grand Lodge.

• Be truly independent and self-governing  with  undisputed authority over basic Freemasonry, (known as “the Craft”), within its jurisdiction and which practices the symbolic degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason.

• Not be subject in any way to, nor share power with, any other Masonic body.

• Have Freemasons under its jurisdiction who are for men only and its Lodges must have no contact with Lodges which admit women to membership.

• Ensure that members joining Freemasonry do so voluntarily and believe in a  “Supreme Being” - this ensures that Freemasonry is open to all religions of the world and that no man can be persuaded against his own inclinations or be seduced or cajoled into membership.

• Ensure that all Freemasons under its jurisdiction take their Obligations (a personal and binding promise) on or in full view of the Volume of the Sacred Law (the Bible for Christians or the Book held sacred by the man concerned)

• Ensure that what are called 'The Three Great Lights' of Freemasonry are on display when the Grand Lodge or its subordinate Lodges are open. The Three Great Lights are the Volume of the Sacred Law, which governs our faith, the builder's Square which regulates our actions  ( to be honest and trustworthy) , and the Compasses, which keep us within due bounds with all mankind (“do unto others as you would be done by”) and especially our Brethren in the Fraternity.

• Ensure that the discussion of religion and politics is prohibited in Lodges

• Adhere to the established principles, tenets (the 'Ancient Landmarks' as explained in the Book of Constitutions given to every member)) and customs of the Craft and insist on them being observed by subordinate Lodges.

There are some self - styled Masonic bodies which do not meet these high standards  - who do not require a belief in the Supreme Being or which allow their members as ‘Freemasons’ to participate in matters of political and religious controversy. Not surprisingly, these bodies are not recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England as being regular and Masonic contact with them is prohibited

Belief in God  - a prerequisite to becoming a Mason

Freemasonry requires a belief in God - a single, God. If you do not believe in God you cannot become a Freemason. Freemasonry does not specify which God and this fact allows men of any faith to become members. Hence we have Christians of various denominations, also Muslims, Jews, Buddhists and Sikhs as Freemasons, intermingled with one another in a symbolic Temple, which is where Freemasons meet, being happy and communicating brotherly love and friendship. In requiring a belief in God Freemasonry does not provide one of its own, nor does it provide some of the usual comforts of a religion. In particular it does not offer the sacrament or absolution. Simple prayers are said in Freemasonry, which have been found to be acceptable to the members. Without a proper understanding of Freemasonry some churches and religions criticise our fraternal society, possibly seeing it as attracting their worshippers. Quite the reverse is true. Our morality actually supports whatever religion a Freemason belongs to and encourages his active participation. Freemasons are encouraged to be pillars of society and ambassadors of goodwill.

The Freemason as a solid citizen

Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the country in which a man works and lives. Its principles do not in any way conflict with its members’ duties as citizens but should strengthen them in fulfilling their public and private responsibilities. The use by a Freemason of his membership to promote his own or anyone else’s business, professional or personal interests is condemned as being contrary to the terms and conditions under which admission to the Fraternity was granted.

A Freemason's duty as a citizen must prevail over any obligation made on entering the Order and any attempt to shield anyone who has acted dishonourably or unlawfully is contrary to the rules and can lead to Masonic disciplinary proceedings.

Masonic authority would take a serious view if it can be proven by evidence that any personal failure or business difficulty was brought about by  'undue Masonic influence'. 

A Freemason is expected to support the Lodge and Chapter he has joined by a regular attendance at meetings, by advancing through various stages, or degrees as they are called, and by contributing what he can to any charity which the Lodge and/or Chapter may  support. However, this must not be to the detriment of his family, his business or other connections and responsibilities, financial or otherwise. 

Secrecy

Freemasonry is not a ‘secret society’, which is one of the allegations levelled against it by  those who are uninformed. Members are free to acknowledge their membership and will do so in response to inquiries for respectable reasons, particularly where any conflict of interest may occur. Its Constitutions and Rules are available to the public and many public libraries contain volumes describing Freemasonry, including details of some of the ceremonies. Freemasonry does have matters that are confidential between members and, as such, can be considered secrets, which members are reluctant to disclose or discuss simply because promises were made in good faith not to disclose such matters. Signs and words are used as a supplementary test of membership in support of official documents. These signs and words are communicated to candidates at stages of their progression through the various degrees in Freemasonry. In the 1930's Freemasonry was very much in the public eye. Its periodicals were publicly on sale; public processions of Freemasons in their regalia was a frequent occurrence; foundation stones were laid by Freemasons who were identifiable as such; Freemasons generally, were known for their high standards and good works. Following the end of the Second World War Freemasonry withdrew into itself. This was not by any act of policy but more by accident - possibly with the mentality of the wartime slogan “careless talk costs lives”. Freemasonry did not defend itself against detractors and became a convenient point of blame for many of society’s ills following a period of hostilities and depravation of the people. “No comment” proved unhelpful and implied guilt. It was against this background that positive decisions were recently taken to encourage individual members and those in high office to be more open in dealing with the public and its institutions.