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 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 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 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 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.
Is information freely
available
Freemasonry, like many other societies,
regards some of its internal affairs as private
matters for its members. Copies of the constitutions
and rules can be obtained from Freemasons' Hall
by interested members of the public.
Freemasonry is concerned with 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 maintain 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 knowledge or by any other
means. Freemasonry is 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.
