Q What is Freemasonry?
A Freemasonry is the UK's largest secular, fraternal
and charitable organisation. It teaches moral lessons
and self-knowledge through participation in a progression
of allegorical two-part plays.
Q How many Freemasons
are there?
A Under the United Grand Lodge of England, there
are 330,000 Freemasons, meeting in 8,644 lodges. There
are separate Grand Lodges for Ireland (which covers
north and south) and Scotland, with a combined membership
of 150,000. Worldwide, there are probably 5 million
members.
Q How and when did
Freemasonry start?
A It is not known. The earliest recorded 'making'
of a Freemason in England is that of Elias Ashmole in
1646. Organised Freemasonry began with the founding
of the Grand Lodge of England on 24 June 1717, the first
Grand Lodge in the world. Ireland followed in 1725 and
Scotland in 1736. All the regular Grand Lodges in the
world trace themselves back to one or more of the Grand
Lodges in the British Isles. There are two main theories
of origin. According to one, the operative stonemasons
who built the great cathedrals and castles had lodges
in which they discussed trade affairs. They had simple
initiation ceremonies and, as there were no City and
Guilds certificates, dues cards or trade union membership
cards, they adopted secret signs and words to demonstrate
that they were trained masons when they moved from site
to site. In the 1600s, these operative lodges began
to accept non-operatives as "gentlemen masons". Gradually
these non-operative took over the lodges and turned
them from operative to 'free and accepted' or 'speculative'
lodges. The other theory is that in the late 1500s and
early 1600s, there was a group which was interested
in the promotion of religious and political tolerance
in an age of great intolerance when differences of opinion
on matters of religion and politics were to lead to
bloody civil war. In forming Freemasonry, they were
trying to make better men and build a better world.
As the means of teaching in those days was by allegory
and symbolism, they took the idea of building as the
central allegory on which to form their system. The
main source of allegory was the Bible, the contents
of which were known to everyone even if they could not
read, and the only building described in detail in the
Bible was King Solomon's Temple, which became the basis
of the ritual. The old trade guilds provided them with
their basis administration of a Master, Wardens, Treasurer
and Secretary, and the operative mason's tools provided
them with a wealth of symbols with which to illustrate
the moral teachings of Freemasonry.
Q How many degrees
are there in Freemasonry ?
A Basic Freemasonry consists of the three 'Craft'
degrees (Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master
Mason) completed by the Royal Arch degree (Chapter).
There are many other Masonic degrees and Orders which
are called 'additional' because they add to the basis
of the Craft and Royal Arch. They are not basic to Freemasonry
but add to it by further expounding and illustrating
the principles stated in the Craft and Royal Arch. Some
of these additional degrees are numerically superior
to the third degree but this does not affect the fact
that they are additional to and not in anyway superior
to or higher than the Craft. The ranks that these additional
degrees carry have no standing with the Craft or Royal
Arch.
Q What happens at a
Lodge meeting?
A The meeting
is in two parts. As in any association there is a certain
amount of administrative procedure - minutes of last
meeting, proposing and balloting for new members, discussing
and voting on financial matters, election of officers,
news and correspondence. Then there are the ceremonies
for admitting new Masons and the annual installation
of the Master and appointment of officers. The three
ceremonies for admitting a new Mason are in two parts
- a slight dramatic instruction in the principles and
lessons taught in the Craft followed by a lecture in
which the candidate's various duties are spelled out.
Q Isn't ritual out
of place in modern society?
A No. The ritual is
a shared experience which binds the members together.
Its use of drama, allegory and symbolism impresses the
principles and teachings more firmly in the mind of
each candidates than if they were simply passed on to
him in matter-of-fact modern language.
Q Why do grown
men run around with their trousers rolled up?
A It is true that candidates have to roll
up their trouser legs during the three ceremonies when
they are being admitted to membership. Taken out of
context, this can seem amusing, but like many other
aspects of Freemasonry, it has a symbolic meaning.
Q Why do you wear regalia?
A Wearing regalia
is historical and symbolic and, like a uniform, serves
to indicate to members where they rank in the organisation.
Q How much does it
cost to be a Freemason ?
A It varies from
lodge to lodge but anyone wishing to join can find a
Lodge to suit his pocket. On entry, there is an initiation
fee and an apron to buy. A member pays an annual subscription
to his lodge which covers his membership and the administrative
cost of running the lodge. It is usual to have a meal
after the meeting; the cost of this can be included
either in the annual subscription or paid for at the
time. It is entirely up to the individual member what
he gives to Charity, but it should always be without
detriment to his other responsibilities. Similarly,
he may join as many lodges as his time and pocket can
allow as long as it does not adversely affect his family
life and responsibilities.
Q Why are you a secret
society?
A We are not, but
Lodge meetings, like those of many other groups, are
private and open only to members. The rules and aims
of Freemasonry are available to the public. Meeting
places are known and in many areas are used by the local
community for activities other than Freemasonry. Members
are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry.
Q What are the secrets
of Freemasonry?
A The secrets in
Freemasonry are the traditional modes of recognition
which are not used indiscriminately, but solely as a
test of membership, e.g. when visiting a Lodge where
you are not known.
Q Why do Freemasons
take oaths?
A New members make
solemn promises concerning their conduct in Lodge and
in society. Each member also promises to keep confidential
the traditional methods of proving that he is a Freemason
which he would use when visiting a Lodge where he is
not known. Freemasons do not swear allegiances to each
other or to Freemasonry. Freemasons promise to support
others in times of need, but only if that support does
not conflict with their duties to God, the law, their
family or with their responsibilities as a Citizen.
Q Why do your 'obligations'
contain hideous penalties?
A They no longer do.
When Masonic ritual was developing in the late 1600s
and 1700s it was quite common for legal and civil oaths
to include physical penalties and Freemasonry simply
followed the practice of the times. In Freemasonry,
however, the physical penalties were always symbolic
and were never carried out. After long discussion, they
were removed from the promises in 1986.
Q Isn't it true that
Freemasons only look after each other?
A No.
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been involved
in charitable activities. Since its inception, Freemasonry
has provided support not only for widows and orphans
of Freemasons but also for many others within the community.
Whilst some Masonic charities cater specifically but
not exclusively for Masons or their dependents, others
make significant grants to non-Masonic organisations.
On a local level, lodges give substantial support to
local causes.
Q Aren't you a religion
or a rival to religion?
A Emphatically not.
Freemasonry requires a belief in God and its principles
are common to many of the world's great religions. Freemasonry
does not try to replace religion or substitute for it.
Every candidate is exhorted to practise his religion
and to regard its holy book as the unerring standard
of truth. Freemasonry does not instruct its members
in what their religious beliefs should be, nor does
it offer sacrements. Freemasonry deals in relations
between men; religion deals in a man's relationship
with his God.
Q Why do you call
it the VSL and not the Bible?
A To the majority
of Freemasons the Volume of the Sacred
Law is the Bible. There are many in Freemasonry, however,
who are not Christian and to them the Bible is not their
sacred book and they will make their promises on the
book which is regarded as sacred to their religion.
The Bible will always be present in an English Lodge
but as the organisation welcomes men of many different
faiths, it is called the Volume of the Sacred Law. Thus,
when the Volume of the Sacred Law is referred to in
ceremonies, to a non-Christian it will be the holy book
of his religion and to a Christian it will be the Bible.
Q Why do you call
God the Great Architect?
A Freemasonry embraces
all men who believe in God. Its membership includes
Christians, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, Parsees and
others. The use of descriptions such as the Great Architect
prevents disharmony. The Great Architect is not a specific
Masonic god or an attempt to combine all gods into one.
Thus, men of differing religions pray together without
offense being given to any of them.
Q Why don't some churches
like Freemasonry?
A There are elements
within certain churches who misunderstand Freemasonry
and confuse secular rituals with religious liturgy.
Although the Methodist Conference and the General Synod
of the Anglican Church have occasionally criticised
Freemasonry, in both Churches there are many Masons
and indeed others who are dismayed that the Churches
should attack Freemasonry, an organisation which has
always encouraged its members to be active in their
own religion.
Q Why will Freemasonry
not accept Roman Catholics as members?
A It does.
The prime qualification for admission into Freemasonry
has always been a belief in God. How that belief is
expressed is entirely up to the individual. Four Grand
Masters of English Freemasonry have been Roman Catholics.
There are many Roman Catholic Freemasons.
Q Isn't Freemasonry
just another political pressure group?
A Emphatically
not. Whilst individual Freemasons will have their own
views on politics and state policy, Freemasonry as a
bodywill never express a view on either. The discussion
of politics at Masonic meetings has always been prohibited.
Q Are there not Masonic
groups who are involved in politics?
A There are groups
in other countries who call themselves Freemasons and
who involve themselves in political matters. They are
not recognised or countenanced by the United Grand Lodge
of England and other regular Grand Lodges who follow
the basic principles of Freemasonry and ban the discussion
of politics and religion at their meetings.
Q Why don't you have
women members?
A Traditionally, Freemasonry
under the United Grand Lodge of England has been restricted
to men. The early stonemasons were all male, and when
Freemasonry was organising, the position of women in
society was different from today. If women wish to join
Freemasonry, there are two separate Grand Lodges in
England restricted to women only.
Q What is the relationship
between Freemasonry and groups like the Orange Order,
Odd Fellows and Buffaloes?
A None. There
are numerous fraternal orders and Friendly Societies
whose rituals, regalia and organisation are similar
in some respects to Freemasonry's. They have no formal
or informal connections with Freemasonry.
Q Is Freemasonry an
international Order?
A Only in the
sense that Freemasonry exists throughout the free world.
Each Grand Lodge is sovereign and independent, and whilst
following the same basic principles, may have differing
ways of passing them on. There is no international governing
body for Freemasonry.
An Approach
to Life
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry teaches moral lessons and
self-knowledge through participation in a progression
of allegorical two-part plays, which are learnt by heart
and performed within each lodge.
Freemasonry offers its members an approach
to life which seeks to reinforce thoughtfulness for
others, kindness in the community, honesty in business,
courtesy in society and fairness in all things. Members
are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount
but importantly Freemasonry also teaches and practices
concern for people, care for the less fortunate and
help for those in need.
Why do people join and remain
members?
People become Freemasons for a variety
of reasons, some as the result of family tradition,
others upon the introduction of a friend or out of a
curiosity to know what it is all about.
Those who become active members and who
grow in Freemasonry do so principally because they enjoy
it. They enjoy the challenges and fellowship that Freemasonry
offers. There is more to it, however, than just enjoyment.
Participation in the dramatic presentation
of moral lessons and in the working of a lodge provides
a member with a unique opportunity to learn more about
himself and encourages him to live in such a way that
he will always be in search of becoming a better man,
not better than someone else but better than he himself
would otherwise be and therefore an exemplary member
of society.
Each Freemason is required to learn and
show humility through initiation. Then, by progression
through a series of degrees he gains insight into increasingly
complex moral and philosophical concepts, and accepts
a variety of challenges and responsibilities which are
both stimulating and rewarding. The structure and working
of the lodge and the sequence of ceremonial events,
which are usually followed by social gatherings, offer
members a framework for companionship, teamwork, character
development and enjoyment of shared experiences.
What promises do Freemasons take?
New members make solemn promises concerning
their conduct in the lodge and society. These promises
are similar to those taken in court or upon entering
the armed services or many other organisations. Each
member also promises to keep confidential the traditional
methods of proving he is a Freemason which he would
use when visiting a lodge where he is not known.
The much publicised 'traditional penalties'
for failure to observe these undertakings were removed
from the promises in 1986. They were always symbolic
not literal and refer only to the pain any decent man
should feel at the thought of violating his word.
Members also undertake not to make use
of their membership for personal gain or advancement;
failure to observe this principle or otherwise to fall
below the standards expected of a Freemason can lead
to expulsion.
Who can join?
Membership is open to men of all faiths
who are law-abiding, of good character and who acknowledge
a belief in God. Freemasonry is a multi-racial and multi-cultural
organisation. It has attracted men of goodwill from
all sectors of the community into membership. There
are similar Masonic organisations for women.
Is Freemasonry a religion?
Freemasonry is not a religion. It has
no theology and does not teach any route to salvation.
A belief in God, however, is an essential requirement
for membership and Freemasonry encourages its members
to be active in their own religions as well as in society
at large.
Although every lodge meeting is opened
and closed with a prayer and its ceremonies reflect
the essential truths and moral teachings common to many
of the world's great religions, no discussion of religion
is permitted in lodge meetings.
Is Freemasonry a secret society?
Freemasonry is not a secret society, but
lodge meetings, like meetings of many other social and
professional associations, are private occasions open
only to members.
Freemasons are encouraged to speak openly
about their membership, while remembering that they
undertake not to use it for their own or anyone else's
advancement. As members are sometimes the subject of
discrimination which may adversely affect their employment
or other aspects of their lives, some Freemasons are
understandably reticent about discussing their membership.
In common with many other national organisations, Grand
Lodge neither maintains nor publishes a list of members
and will not disclose names or member's details without
their permission.
In circumstances where a conflict of interest
might arise or be perceived to exist or when Freemasonry
becomes an issue, a Freemason must declare an interest.
The rules and aims of Freemasonry are
available to the public. The Masonic Year Book, also
available to the public, contains the names of all national
office-holders and lists of all lodges with details
of their meeting dates and places.
The meeting places and halls used by Freemasons
are readily identifiable, are listed in telephone directories
and in many areas are used by the local community for
activities other than Freemasonry. Freemason's Hall
in London is open to the public and 'open days' are
held in many provincial centres.
The rituals and ceremonies used by Freemasons
to pass on the principles of Freemasonry to new members
were first revealed publicly in 1723. They include the
traditional forms of recognition used by Freemasons
essentially to prove their identity and qualifications
when entering a Masonic meeting. These include handshakes
which have been much written about and can scarcely
be regarded as truly secret today; for medieval Freemasons,
they were the equivalent of a 'pin number' restricting
access only to qualified members.
Many thousands of books have been written
on the subject of Freemasonry and are readily available
to the general public. Freemasonry offers spokesmen
and briefings for the media and provides talks to interested
groups on request. Freemasons are proud of their heritage
and happy to share it.
Is Freemasonry involved in politics?
Freemasonry is definitely not a political
organisation, it has no political agenda, and discussion
of politics is not permitted at lodge meetings.
Freemasonry naturally tends to attract
those with a concern for people and a sense of social
responsibility and purpose. There are members, therefore,
who are involved in politics at local, national and
international level. Equally there are members who take
an active interest in non-Masonic charitable organisations
and other community groups.
Is Freemasonry involved in the
community?
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has
been involved in charitable activities, and since its
inception it has provided support for many widows and
orphans of Freemasons as well as for others within the
community.
All monies raised for charity are drawn
from amongst Freemasons, their families and friends,
while grants and donations are made to Masonic and non-Masonic
charities alike.
Over the past five years alone Freemasonry
has raised more than £75m for a wide range of charitable
purposes including those involved in medical research,
community care, education and work with young people.
Freemasonry has an enviable record or
providing regular and consistent financial support to
individual charities over long periods while at the
same time making thousands of grants to local charities,
appeals and projects throughout England and Wales each
year. For the future, opportunities to obtain or provide
matched funding are periodically examined with a view
to enhancing the impact of the support Freemasonry can
give to specific projects. The personal generosity of
Freemasons and the collective fundraising efforts of
almost 8,000 lodges, however, will continue to determine
the contribution Freemasonry makes within the community.
Freemasonry
and Society
Introduction
This text is intended to expand a topic
mentioned in the leaflet 'What is Freemasonry'. It explains
the United Grand Lodge of England's view on Freemasonry
and Society.
Grand Lodge's Policy
It must be clearly understood by every
member of the Craft that his membership does not in
any way exempt him from his duty to meet his responsibilities
to the society in which he lives. The Charge to the
new Initiate call on him to be exemplary in the discharge
of his civil duties; this duty extends throughout his
private, public, business or professional life.
Respect for the Law
Freemasonry demands from its members a
respect for the law of any country in which a man may
work and live.
Principles
The principles of Freemasonry do not in
any way conflict with its members' duties as citizens,
whether at work or at home or in public life, but on
the contrary should strengthen them in fulfilling their
public and private responsibilities. Thus there is no
conflict of interest between a Freemason's obligation
and his public duty.
If an actual or potential conflict of
duties or interests is known to exist or is foreseen,
a declaration to that effect should be made.
It may on occasions be prudent to disclose
membership to avoid what others mistakenly imagine to
be a potential conflict or bias, but this must be a
matter for individual judgement.
Use of Membership
A Freemason must not use his membership
to promote his own or anyone else's business, professional
or personal interests. This is made clear directly or
by inference several times during a Freemason's early
career so that no Freemason can pretend to be ignorant
of it. A Freemason who transgresses this rule may be
suspended from Masonic activities or even expelled.
Family
Freemasonry should not be allowed to harm
a man's family or other connections by taking too much
of his time or his money, or causing him to act in any
way against their interests.
Duty as a Citizen
A Freemason's duty as a citizen must always
prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons, and
any attempt to shield a Freemason who as acted dishonourably
or unlawfully, or to confer an unfair advantage on another
Freemason is contrary to this prime duty.
Personal or Business Difficulties
If it could be proved by evidence that
any personal failure or business difficulty was attributable
to 'Masonic influence', Masonic authority would take
a serious view of the fact, as this would be contrary
to the principles of Freemasonry.
Secrecy
Freemasonry is not a secret society.
Like many other societies, it regards
some of its internal affairs as private matters for
its members.
There is no secret about its aims and principles. Copies
of the constitutions and rules can be obtained from
Freemasons' Hall by interested members of the public.
The 'secrets' of Freemasonry are concerned with its
traditional modes of recognition. Its ceremonies are
private.
In ordinary conversation there is very little about
Freemasonry that may not be discussed.
On enquiry for acceptable reasons, Freemasons are free
and will be proud to acknowledge their own membership.
Freemasonry
and Religion
Introduction
The following information is intended
to deal with a topic mentioned in the leaflet 'What
is Freemasonry'.
It explains the United Grand Lodge of
England's view of the relationship between Freemasonry
and religion.
Basic Statement
Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is
it a substitute for religion. It demands of its members
a belief in a Supreme Being but provides no system of
faith of its own.
Freemasonry is open to men of all religious
faiths. The discussion of religion at its meetings is
forbidden.
The Supreme Being
The names used for the Supreme Being enable
men of different faiths to join in prayer (to God as
each sees Him) without the terms of the prayer causing
dissention among them.
There is no separate Masonic God; a Freemason's
God remains the God of the religion he professes.
Freemasons meet in common respect for
the Supreme Being, but He remains Supreme in their individual
religions, and it is no part of Freemasonry to attempt
to join religions together. There is therefore no composite
Masonic God.
Volume of the Sacred Law
The Bible, referred to by Freemasons as
the Volume of the Sacred Law, is always open at every
Masonic meeting.
The Obligation of Freemasonry
The Obligations taken by Freemasons are
sworn on or involve the Volume of the Sacred Law, or
the book held sacred by those concerned. They are undertakings
to help keep secret a Freemason's means of recognition,
and to follow the principles of Freemasonry.
The physical penalties, which are purely
symbolic, do not form part of an Obligation. The commitment
to follow the principles of Freemasonry is, however,
deep.
Freemasonry Compared with Religion
Freemasonry lacks the basic elements of
religion.
a) it has no theological doctrine, and
by forbidding religious discussion at its meetings will
not allow a Masonic theological doctrine to develop.
b) It offers no sacraments.
c) It does not claim to lead to salvation
by works, by secret knowledge or by any other means.
The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with modes
of recognition and not with salvation.
Freemasonry Supports Religion
Freemasonry is far from indifferent to
religion. Without interfering in religious practice
it expects each member to follow his own faith, and
to place above all other duties his duty to God, by
whatever name He is known. Its moral teachings are acceptable
to all religions.
Freemasonry is thus a supporter of religion.
Freemasonry's
External Relations
Introduction
The following information is intended
to expand a topic mentioned in the leaflet 'What is
Freemasonry'. It explains the United Grand Lodge of
England's relations with other Masonic bodies.
Freemasonry is practised under many independent
Grand Lodges with principles or standards similar to
those set by the United Grand Lodge of England throughout
its history.
Standards
To be recognised as regular by the United
Grand Lodge of England, a Grand Lodge must meet the
following standards.
