( Click each Question for Answers.)
Q1. What is Freemasonry?
A. Freemasonry means different things to each of those who join.
For some, it’s about making new friends and acquaintances.
For others it’s about being able to help deserving causes –
making a contribution to family and for society.
But for most, it is an enjoyable hobby.
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious,
non-political, fraternal and charitable organisation.
It teaches self-knowledge through participation in a progression of ceremonies.
Members are expected to be of high moral standing and are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry.
Q2. What happens at a lodge meeting?
A. The meeting, which like those of other groups, are open only to members, is normally in two parts. First, there are normal administrative procedures such as:
• Minutes of the previous meeting • Proposing and balloting for new members • Discussing and voting on the annual accounts • Masonic news and correspondence • News about charitable work Secondly, there are the Ceremonies for: • Admitting new members • The annual installation of the Master of the Lodge and his officers
Q3. Why do Freemasons take oaths?
A. New members make solemn promises concerning
their behaviour both in the Lodge and in society.
Members also promise to keep confidential the way they recognise each other
when visiting another Lodge.
Freemasons also promise to
support others in time of need but only so far as it does not conflict with
their family and public obligations.
Q4. Are Freemasons expected to give preference to fellow members?
A. Certainly not.
This would be unacceptable and may lead to action being taken
against those involved.
On joining, each new member states
that he expects no material gain from membership.
Q5. Who do the Masonic charities donate to?
A. Whilst there are Masonic charities that cater specifically, but not exclusively, for Masons or their dependants, others make significant grants to non-Masonic organisations such as Air Ambulance, Hospitals, Hospices and many more.
Q6. What is Freemasonry’s relationship with religion?
A. All Freemasons are expected to have a religious belief,
but Freemasonry does not seek to replace a Mason’s religion or provide a substitute for it.
It deals in a man’s relationship with his fellow man not in a man’s relationship with his God.
Q7. Why do some churches not like Freemasonry?
A. There are elements within churches who misunderstand Freemasonry
and its objectives.
They confuse secular rituals with religious liturgy.
There are many Masons in churches where their leaders have been openly critical of the organisation.
Masonry has always actively encouraged its members to be active in their own religion.
Q8. Does Freemasonry accept Roman Catholics?
A. Yes. Four Grand Masters of English Freemasonry have been Roman Catholics. Today there are many Roman Catholic Freemasons.
Q9. What is Freemasonry’s relationship with politics?
A. Freemasonry, as a body, will never express a view on politics or state policy. The discussion of politics at Masonic meetings has always been prohibited.
Q10. Is Freemasonry an international order?
A. Freemasonry exists throughout the world. However, each Grand Lodge is sovereign and independent. There is no international governing body for Freemasonry.
Q11. Can anyone become a Freemason?
A. Yes – Freemasonry is open to people from all walks of life, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation or socio-economic position in society.
Q12. Are there women Freemasons?
A. Yes. Women Freemasons have two separate Grand Lodges.
For more information, please contact Freemasonry for Women and the Order of Women Freemasons [OWF].
In 2018, in line with the Gender Recognition Act of 2004 and the Equality Act of 2010,
UGLE published its gender reassignment policy.
The policy outlines that a candidate for admission to Freemasonry under UGLE must be a man.
Should a person who has undergone gender reassignment and has become a man apply to become a Freemason
then his application must be processed in the same way as for any other male candidate.
A Freemason who after initiation ceases to be a man does not cease to be a Freemason.
Read UGLE’s gender reassignment policy. https://www.ugle.org.uk/gender-reassignment-policy
Q13. Why do you wear regalia?
A. Wearing regalia is historic and symbolic. Like a uniform, the regalia indicates the rank of the wearer in the organisation.
Q14. How many Freemasons are there?
A. Under the United Grand Lodge of England, there are over 200,000 Freemasons. There are Grand Lodges in Ireland, which covers both Northern Ireland and Eire, and Scotland which have a combined total of approximately 150,000 members. Worldwide, there are approximately six million Freemasons.
Q15. How many degrees are there in Freemasonry?
A. Basic Freemasonry consists of three degrees:
• Entered Apprentice • Fellow Craft • Master Mason
Q16. How much does it cost to be a Freemason?
A. There is an initiation fee when you join and each lodge charges
an annual subscription to cover its running costs.
Each meeting is normally followed by a dinner, with the cost depending on the venue.
However, there is no requirement to attend the dinner if you are unable to.
You will also be expected to wear a dark suit, white shirt, and black, or other suitable,
tie and in due course you will need to buy your own regalia.
Members are invited to donate to charity, but this should always be within your means
and it is entirely up to you how much you wish to contribute.
Costs can vary considerably from lodge to lodge, particularly for the dining,
and your proposer and seconder should make them clear to you before you join.