Back to the Heart of England Home page. What is Freemasonry?

What is the relationship between Freemasonry and religion?

What is the relationship between Freemasonry and politics?

Why are you so secretive?

What happens in a Freemasons' Lodge?

Questions and Answers from the United Grand Lodge of England

 Somewhat enigmatically, Freemasonry describes itself as "A peculiar system of morality, based on allegory and illustrated with symbols." A system of morality because Masons are expected to exhibit strong moral principles; these principles are explained by means of short, allegorical "plays", which use the symbolism of operative stone masons to illustrate the points being made. It encourages men to act fairly and honestly in all their undertakings; to respect the rights and aspirations of others and to attempt to relieve suffering wherever possible. Charitable giving, whether of money or time, is a major activity. However, no Freemason is ever expected to make any committment to Freemasonry which is beyond the means of him or his family. All Freemasons are taught that any duties which they have as a Freemason come only after their duties to family, work, and faith. In no circumstances should their membership interfere with these aspects of their lives.

Freemasonry is the UK's largest secular, fraternal and charitable orgaisation. Under the auspices of the United Grand lodge of England (UGLE) it has over 300,000 members working in nearly 8000 lodges throughout England and Wales and 30,000 more members overseas. Scotland and Ireland each have their own independant Grand Lodges with a further 150,000 members between them. Worldwide there are probably more than 5,000,000 freemasons.

A question which is as important as what Freemasonry is, is "what is it not?"

Freemasonry & religion

Freemasonry is not a religion. Neither is it a substitute for religion. To become a Feemason a man must believe in a deity or supreme being, but the name he gives to that being is unimportant. Men of every faith are welcomed, and encouraged to be as active as possible in the promotion and support of their chosen religion. This is the reason that Masons refer to "The Great Architect Of The Universe" - a neutral term which ensures that no deity is excluded.

Freemasonry & politics

Freemasonry is not a political organisation. Although every member will have their own political opinions, in common with the rest of the population, the discussion of political (as well as religious) topics in a Lodge is expressly forbidden. These subjects tend to be divisive and it is Freemasonry's aim to bring men of all persuasions closer together.

Secretive Masons?

Freemasonry is not a secret society... after all, you're reading this page aren't you? Masonic halls normaly advertise their identity above the door and can always be found in the phone book. Freemasons themselves are encouraged to freely acknowledge their membersip (although they are forbidden to try to use membership to further their business activities). Freemasonry is a private, members only, organisation. Like any such organisation its meetings take place in private. Membership is open to any man over the age of 21 who believes in The Great Architect Of The Universe. Masons are taught "secrets." These are not sinister but can be analogised to a historical version of being given the combination to the lock on the door of the lodge, much as members of any other organisation might have the combination for their club house. Just as the club-house combination cannot help away from the club, so the "secrets" of Freemasonry serve no purpose outside the confines of the Lodge. These days, the "secrets" of Freemasonry can be obtained from many books in the library but you will never hear them from a Mason. There is one good reason for this; we have all promised not to reveal them, and as men of our word we will not.