What are we, as Masons, thinking of in this day and age which will give us a better way of life?

Do we challenge ourselves with thoughts which broaden our outlook of mankind and of ourselves, or are we stagnated with quests for greater attendance, letter perfect ritual, candidates for concordant bodies, or the cost of fuel oil?

Freemasonry of the 18^th century was pregnant with ideas which underscored the history of that century. While Freemasonry even then had its share of candidates who were only curious and those who were status seekers, it provided a congenial atmosphere to bring men together to seek out the developing ideas of the century.

The German dramatist and critic, Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, born January 22, 1729, and died February 15, 1781, who has been called the Martin Luther of 18^th century Germany, was drawn to Masonry by its profession in the universal brotherhood of man. It is a sad note that Lessing felt disillusioned in the Craft because of his initiation, and because of the actions of its members generally.

The Craft enjoyed a reputation which was not lived up to in practice.  Gotthold Lessing was known to the Masons of the second quarter of this century, for the grand lodge names in his honour, in Czechoslovakia. The Grand Lodge Lessing of the Three Rings was formed by thirty-one German speaking lodges in Czechoslovakia after the disintegration of the Hapsburg Monarchy following World War I.

This Grand Lodge went into darkness when it was crushed by Hitler’s Nazis following the appeasement which was supposed to bring peace to the world.

The purpose of this blog is to share with you a part of one of his writings which has been called perhaps on the of the noblest pleas for toleration ever written. The play, or rather dramatic poem “Nathan the Wise” was written in 1778-9, seven years after Lessing was made a Mason at the residence of Baron von Rosenberg in Hamburg, Germany.

“Nathan the Wise” is set in Jerusalem during the reign of Saladin, from 1187 to 1193. The three main characters are Nathan, a rich Jewish merchant of Jerusalem, the Sultan Saladin, and a young Templar whose life has been spared by Saladin after his capture during the fourth Crusade.

These three main characters represent the three great religions of the world – Jewish, Moslem and Christian.  Further, with Nathan and Saladin we have a confrontation between a man of wisdom and toleration of the ages, and a man whose temporal powers could be limited only by his death.

Lessing’s story of the three rings was not original with him, but rather was taken form the “Decameron,” written by the Italian Giovani Boccaccio, 1348 – 1353. The story briefly is that Saladin needs money for more wars, and he seeks to trick the Jewish merchant out of his great wealth. The Jew is called upon to tell which of the three great religions he considers the true one. If he names his own, he offends the Sultan; but if he names another, he denies his own. His response after due deliberation is the priceless story of three rings, the seeking of the difference between true and false religion.

Lessing’s pleas for toleration as expressed by the Judge in the story is but another term for brotherly love, the first tenet of the profession as Masons.

“By the exercise of Brotherly Love, we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family-the high and low, rich and poor who, as created by one Almighty parent, and inhabitants of the same planet, are to aid, support and protect each other. On this principle, Masonry unites men of every country, sect and opinion, and conciliates true friendship among those who might otherwise remain at a perpetual distance.”

Here we have the foundation on which Masonry can exist, bring together all men, and truly be a brotherhood of man!  The virtue of toleration, however, is not easily attainted. It must grow out of the successful resolution of conflicts. If we can have true brotherly love for those whose religious beliefs of existence and eternal salvation deny our own, then what other differences could be insurmountable?

I give you Nathan’s story as an oasis at which you may stop and rest from your daily toil. May its ideas be the waters which will refresh you. May you continue on to the east, using our gift of thought so that your way of life will make you a better man.  The prologue of the story shows Saladin trying to set a trap for Nathan.

SALADIN – Since so great your wisdom, I pray you tell me what belief, what law has most commended itself to you.

NATHAN – Sultan, I am a Jew.

SALADIN - And I a Mussulman. Between us is the Christian. Now, but one of all these three religions can be true. A man like you stands not where accident of birth has cast him. If he so remain, it is from judgment, reason, choice of best. Impart to me your judgment; let me hear the reasons I’ve no time to seek myself.

[Saladin then gives Nathan a few hurried moments to contemplate on this question along. After a soliloqhy by Nathan, Saladin returns to be told this story.]

NATHAN - In gray antiquity there lived a man in Eastern lands who had received a ring of priceless worth from a beloved hand. Its stone, an opal, flashed a hundred colors, and had the secret power of giving favor, in sight of Good and man, to him who wore it with a believing heart. What wonder then this Eastern man would never put the ring from off his finger, and should so provide that to his house it be preserved forever? Such was the case. Unto the best beloved among his sons he left the ring, enjoining that he in turn bequeath it to the son who should be dearest; and the dearest ever, in virtue of the ring, without regard to birth, be of the house the prince and head. You understand me, Sultan?

SALADIN – Yes; go on!

NATHAN - From son to son the ring descending, came to one, the sire of three; of whom all three were equally obedient; whom all three he therefore must with equal love regards. And yet from time to time now this, now that, and now the third, – as each alone was buy, the others not dividing his fond heart, appeared to him the worthiest of the ring; which then, with loving weakness, he would promise to each in turn. Thus it continued long. Be he must die; and then the loving father was sore perplexed. It grieved him thus to wound two faithful sons who trusted in his word; but what to do? In secrecy he calls an artist to him, and commands of him two other rings, the pattern of his own; and bids him neither cost nor pains to spare to make them like, precisely like to that. The artist’s skill succeeds. He brings the ring, and e’en the father cannot tell his own. Relieved and joyful, summons he his sons, each by himself; to each one by himself he gives his blessing, and his ring – and dies. You listen, Sultan?

SALADIN - (who, somewhat perplexed, has turned away) – Yes; I hear, I hear. But bring your story to an end.

NATHAN - ‘Tis ended; For what remains would tell itself. The father was scarely dead when each brings forth his ring, and claims the headship. Questioning ensues, strife, and appeal to law; but all in vain. The genuine ring was not to be distinguished; - (after a pause, in which he awaits the Sultan’s answer) As undistinguishable as with us the true religion.

SALADIN – That you answer to me?

NATHAN – But my apology for not presuming between the rings to judge, which with design the father ordered undistinguishable.

SALADIN – The rings? You trifle with me. The religions I named to you are plain to be distinguished – e’en in the dress, e’en in the food and drink.

NATHAN – In all except the grounds on which they rest. Are they not all founded on history, traditional or written? History can be accepted only upon trust. Whom now are we the least inclined to doubt? Not our own people – out own blood; not those who from our childhood up have proved their love; ne’er disappointed, save when disappointment was wholesome to us? Shall my ancestors receive less faith from me, than yours from you? Reverse it; Can I ask you to belie your fathers, and transfer your father to mine? Or yet, again, holds not the same as Christians?

SALADIN - (By heavens, the man is right! I’ve naught to answer.)

NATHAN – Return we to our rings. As I have said, the sons appealed to law, and each took oath before the judge that from his father’s hand he had the ring, – as we indeed the truth; and had received his promise long before, one day the ring, with all its privileges, should be his own, – as was not less the truth. The father could not have been false to him each one maintained; and rather than allow upon the memory of so dear a father such stain to rest, he must against his brothers, though gladly he would nothing but the best believe of them, bring charge of treachery; means would he find the traitors to expose, and be revenged on them.

SALADIN – And now the judge? I long to hear what words you give the judge. Go on!

NATHAN - Thus spoke the judge: Produce your father at once before me, else from my tribunal do I dismiss you. Think you I am hear to guess your riddles? Either would you wait until the genuine ring shall speak? – But hold! A magic power in the true ring resides, as I am told, to make its wearer loved – pleasing to God and man. Let that decide. For in the false can no such virtue lie. Which one among you, then, do two love best? Speak! Are you silent? Work the rings but backward, not outward? Loves each one himself the best?  Then cheated cheats are all of you! The rings all three are false.  The genuine ring was lost; and to conceal, supply the lost, the father made three in place of one.

SALADIN – Oh, excellent!

NATHAN – Go, therefore, said the judge, unless my counsel you’d have in place of sentence. IT were this: accept the case exactly as it stands. Had each his ring directly from his father, let each believe his own genuine. ‘Tis possible your father would no longer his house to one ring’s tyranny subject; and certain that all three of you he loved, loved equally, since two he would not humble, that one might be exalted. Let each one to his unbought, impartial love aspire; each with the others vie to bring to light the virtue of the stone within his ring; Let gentleness, a hearty love pf peace, benefiance, and perfect trust in God, come to its help. Then if the jewel’s power among your children’s children be revealed, I bid you in a thousand, thousand years again before this bar. A wise man than I shall occupy this seat, and speak. Go! – Thus the modest judge dismissed them.

SALADIN – God!

NATHAN – If therefore, Saladin, you feel yourself that promised, wiser man -

SALADIN – (rushing to him, and seizing his hand, which he holds to the end). I? Dust! – I? Naught! Oh God!

NATHAN – What moves you, Sultan?

SALADIN – Nathan, Nathan! Not ended are the thousand, thousand years your judge foretold; not mine to claim his seat. Go, go! – But be my friend.

Brethren, so mote it be!

This essay was originally presented by Wor. Bro. Richard L. Rhoda at the March 16, 1981 meeting of the Maine Lodge of Research and served as his inspiration for the year long consideration of religious toleration by The Maine Lodge of Research through its several non-masonic guest speakers.

Written by Fr Paul (A Christian Freemason)

http://www.holyangelsportsmouth.ik.com/p_Freemasonry-_the_truth.ikml

Re-posted with Permission

The Masonic Pride Day initiative was launched a couple of years ago and MasonicNetwork.org took it up and has made it a tradition.

Last year we celebrated the launch of Masonic Network, the first Social Networking site exclusively for Freemasons, on this day while all Freemasons worldwide humbly showed the world that they are proud to be part of our sacred brotherhood.

On this day we pray for all of the Poor and Distressed Masons, wherever they may be, dispersed over the face of the earth or on the water, and wish them a relief from their sufferings, and a happy return to their native land, should they so desire it.

Join our initiative on this day by hanging up a flag, a banner, a sign that would show the people around that you are a mason, in front of your house, on your car, wear a t-shirt, a lapel pin or just be with us in your soul.

You can download a printable poster from here: http://masonicnetwork.org/downloads/PrideDay09.pdf
Print it and hang it on your window, in your car, in your office or print it directly on a shirt.

Phillip Faulks has written a book about life as a Freemason’s wife,  the EDP24 website (Norfolk News) has written a article about it. A Summary of which is published below.

Freemasons have been shrouded in secrecy for centuries. The international network of many thousands of men, linked by strange handshakes and solemn vows, has intrigued, and sometimes incensed, outsiders. And until now, even their own wives were often outsiders.

But when Philippa Faulks’ husband decided to become a mason, she wanted to know more and spoke with a number of other wives who had no idea what it was all about, or didn’t want to know! but Philippa very definitely did want to know.

She was already fascinated by the history of magic and when her husband, began finding out more about freemasonry she became more and more interested. Every time her husband returned from a meeting she would quiz him about what he had seen and done, intrigued by the rituals, the costumes, the philosophy – and the myths and misconceptions.

Now she has written a book about freemasonry – aimed at other wives.

“It’s for wives, partners, friends, family, potential freemasons…It’s a very basic outline of what freemasonry involves,” said 40-year-old Pip, who has previously written books on meditation and magic.

Philippa Faulks at the Masonic Temple in Norwich with her husband Martin

Philippa with her book.

I think it was the history that drew me in first,Over the last century there was a heck of a lot of persecution of freemasons, which reached a peak with Hitler. The majority of people don’t know that Hitler hated freemasons as much as he hated Jews and gypsies.

Then, as her husband progressed through the various stages of initiation she gleaned as much as she could of modern day masonry.

I must admit, it was like ‘go on, go on…’ whenever he was talking about it!”

And she liked what she was learning.

It’s about teaching men to be better men, It’s not some kind of sinister gathering where they conspire to rule the world. The truth is that they sometimes find it hard enough to run a meeting!

For Phillipa’s husband Martin Freemasonry is very definitely a force for good.

It’s like boy scouts, but on steroids! I first read about free-masonry as a teenager. The idea of this secret society that had been instrumental in promoting, learning and science and freeing slaves…For me these secret, virtuous protectors of the universe were so cool, and they’ve even got a super-hero uniform!”

It is the ritual, history, training and brotherhood of freemasonry that fascinates him. He believes the formal initiation ceremonies are, like many martial arts, another path towards self-improvement.

For me they are so beautiful and inspiring

When asked has the mass of interest in Dan Brown generated more curiosity about freemasonry? Phillipa replied

Very much so, I think it has opened up a new wave of interest that has generated both positive and negative feelings towards the craft. It has made it seem more mystical to some, which again has had a double edged effect. One great thing about writing The Handbook for the Freemason’s Wife, was being able to dispel the majority of ridiculous and often downright damaging myths that have surrounded Freemasonry for so long.

As she researched freemasonry, and watched her husband being drawn into its ancient embrace, she fell for its combination of mystery and brotherhood.

I love freemasonry! I believe it is a powerful force for good in a society that has really lost its way, I often wished I could do it too.

She has considered joining one of the break-away European lodges which welcome women members and has written another book about the self-styled masonic magician who helped found them but she does not resent being excluded from the UK masonry. “It doesn’t really bother me as the whole system of freemasonry per se is geared up towards making men better men”

Plato said, “False words are not only evil in themselves, but they infect the soul with evil.” The words and topics contained therein (whether they be true or false) are not necessarily the ideas or beliefs of Munn Lodge, The Grand Lodge of New York, or Freemasonry, in general. Rather these are the beliefs of the producers of the video. To put it simply, it was on TV – so, many people have seen it and some will eventually want to confront you about it, as one of the only experts on Freemasonry they know. Now you know: they know & what they know. Ya’know? People hear what they want to hear to validate their preconceived notions of what Freemasons are about.  Use that to your advantage. In the words of General Sherman, “A tactic known is a tactic blown!”

For what it’s worth, please enjoy this video… but, we as Free and Accepted Masons are taught to use it for the more noble and glorious purpose of shaping our minds… Much like my writings – true, false, valid or invalid: it is (none-the-less) entertaining. There is, also, a wealth of knowledge within it. The degree to which that knowledge is fact – remains to be seen. However, it is presented in such a way that does appear to be logically valid, albeit somewhat melodramatic. It can’t really be proven, one way or the other. Some of it directly contradicts what I have learned in my Masonic Travels. Some of it may very well be true… I saw at it as a dramatic production of historical fiction with a documentary-like presentation. If you have a different view, please feel free to add your comments below. The difference of opinion (in it’s essence) and the seeking of further enlightenment are some of the fundamental precepts of Freemasonry. Furthermore, the sharing of that knowledge is the primary purpose of this forum.

“The hour of departure has arrived, and we go our ways — I to die, and you to live. Which is better God only knows… it is the greatest good for a man to discuss virtue every day and those other things about which you hear me conversing and testing myself and others, for the unexamined life is not worth living…”
–Socrates, before he drank the cup of poison hemlock.

Brethren, I look forward to learning your opinions. The great architect of this website made it so your comments are automatically emailed to me. You can also choose to subscribe to further comments when you add one yourself…  

And.. You Know That’s ALL On The Level! 

Bro. Joe Negron

The conduct of every member of the fraternity, as well as those publications that discover the principles which actuate them, may tend to convince mankind that the grand object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race.”

~Bro. George Washington

“We must constantly remember that in every moment of our life – in public – at work – at pleasure – with our families – even when you are alone – You are a Mason!

In this paper we will discuss the principles, traditions and ideals that should guide our conduct as Masons. This paper does not present a list of Masonic do’s and don’ts. Such an attempt would fail for at least two reasons: first, no one would read it, and second, as Masons, each of us is expected to apply the tools and principles of our Craft to our own lives.

“We can’t expect our Brothers to know these principles if we don’t teach them and practice them. This is Masonic education in its finest sense. It is not from the lack of desire to learn that the Craft suffers, but rather from the lack of instruction.
     Masonry does not exist for the mechanics of ritual alone. Just as important is the learning, interpretation and exemplification of that ritual and of the basic principles of our Order. Equally important, too, for the candidate and for every member is the need to fully understand these principles, as well as our responsibilities as Masons.
    What is required of every single one of us is the dedicated and devoted application of the high moral principles of Masonry. By these simple methods, we develop the character that guarantees our own self-improvement and discharges the duties of God, our country, our neighbors and ourselves.” 

Since officers set the example for the whole Craft, before seeking or accepting a line position a man should be certain that he is willing to demonstrate the highest standards.
 

“My Brethren:
     A candidate is about to be raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. The Lodge room will be used as a stage to enact a drama which, symbolically unfolds the great lesson of the immortality of the soul.
     To properly impress the candidate with the seriousness of this ceremony, there must be no talking, whispering, laughing or other commotion during the conferring of the degree. Bear in mind the fact the Temple, for this portion of the degree, is supposed to be silent and unoccupied.
     Only the participants in the drama are to speak, and they are instructed to make no facial expressions, gestures or other unusual deliveries which might induce levity. The cooperation of each one here present is EXPECTED.
     An adherence to these instructions will help serve as an impressive climax to the candidate’s progress in Freemasonry and this section of the degrees could well be one of the richest experiences of his life.”

The principles contained in this statement are equally appropriate for all degree work, lectures, preparations and gatherings connected with the degrees. Nowhere does Masonry give any man license to take liberties with another. Comments that are intended to arouse a candidate’s concern for his personal dignity or safety are among the most discourteous acts that can be inflicted upon a candidate. Such actions are a gross misrepresentation of the Craft and are disrespectful to all of its members.

There is one form of disruption of degree work which comes from the best of intentions – side-line prompting. How often have we seen a forgotten word, or even a dramatic pause, produce an uproar as a number of concerned Brothers attempt to help the speaker. Prompting should be done only by the Worshipful Master or the one designated by him. The Masonic virtues of silence and circumspection are nowhere more appropriate than in this situation. 

The perfect points of our entrance, as reflected in the four cardinal virtues of temperance, fortitude, prudence, and justice, provide us with a complete guide for truly Masonic action. It behooves each of us to periodically evaluate ourselves against these four standards, to see where we have those rough corners to which the common gavel can profitably be applied.

Am I temperate in my relations with others, or have I been excessive in my actions toward someone? Have I displayed fortitude in pursuing the excellence I can achieve, or have I chosen to do as everyone else does? Do I direct myself wisely and prudently, or do I sometimes go beyond the bounds of courtesy and good taste?  Have I given to each Brother, candidate, friend, and associate the consideration, help, and respect which they justly deserve, or have I let my own pride, comfort, and desires blind me to their needs?

‘

Short Talk Bulletin 86-06 As published   by: Bro. Joe Negron of  Munn Lodge NYC

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As a Freemason I have often been asked some strange questions such as Do you have to ride a goat when you join the Lodge?  Or That’s the same as the Orange Order isn’t it?  Which really highlights the number of myths or misconceptions surrounding the Ancient and Accepted Rite of Freemasonry.

If you search for information on the Internet about Freemasonry, many of the top sites are anti-Masonic in nature, Masons are accused of dominating world governments or arranging the assassination of non-Masonic leaders, Freemasonry traditionally advises its members to keep silent when faced with those who, through ignorance, know nothing about it.  The trouble is, when you don’t answer them, the unbalanced minds never get a proper view of the truth and the multitude of conflicting information leaves the bystander confused.

In my blog I will explore some of the more common myths, misconceptions and conspiracy theories told about the Craft over the years.

Why is the Craft so Misunderstood?

The answer to that is for hundred of years the members of Freemason lodges themselves misunderstood what was meant by Masonic Secrecy. Technically the ‘Secrets’ that Mason’s are forbidden to discuss with people outside the craft are the Signs, Tokens and Words of the order traditionally these are the methods the Masons use to identify one another.

Unfortunately generations of Masons have taken their obligation of secrecy to mean that they couldn’t discuss the fraternity outside the Masonic Hall at all. 

This leads to the problem that with no information coming from Masons, it’s all too easy for people to fill the holes with incorrect information or just plain lies, particularly if they are eager to sell book’s, DVD’s or gather subscribers to their paranoid web sites.  Like a game of Chinese Whispers these lies get compounded as they are repeated.

From the time of the Middle Ages, the goat has been the symbol of the Devil and stories were told of witches who came riding into town on a goat to take part in their blasphemous activities, later as Freemasonry gained in popularity its detractors took the opportunity to accuse them of witchcraft and associate them with the riding of the goat.

It did not help that some of the early Masonic ritual books referred to God as ‘God of All Things’ and abbreviated it as G.O.A.T. That was quickly changed, and God is now referred to by the acronym G.A.O.T.U. which means Great Architect of the Universe.

And of course many Masons seized the opportunity to tease non members and new initiates, with humourous tales of Goats at Lodge Meetings.

Masons have been accused of using their own Satanic bible in their ceremonies, this stems from a custom of many lodges to present a Master Mason with a commemorative Bible upon completing the 3^rd Degree Ceremony.  This bible is usually the 1611 translation of the King James version and has additional pages to record the Master Mason’s raising date and has spaces for the Lodge Officers to sign.  Copies of the bibles sometimes find their way on to eBay and other auction sites.

Freemasonry is open to all men with a belief in a Supreme Beings so it is perfectly natural for more than one holy book to be open depending on the beliefs on the members of the lodge.  The combined name for these books is the Volume of the Sacred Law or VSL.

Another myth is that the ‘All Seeing Eye on top of the unfinished pyramid’ design on the $1 bill is related to Freemasonry. In reality the bill was initially designed by a committee of four men, only one of whom was a Freemason, Benjamin Franklin.  The eye was suggested by the artist Pierre du Simitiere. 

The design was modified by two other committees before being approved the unfinished pyramid was added at the time and none of these final designers were Freemasons.

Through the Renaissance period the eye within the triangle was used as a non denominational representation of God.  There is nothing sinister or occult about it.

Another area which is ripe for misconception and myth is Freemasonry relationship with organised religion, a lodge meeting is not an act of worship, a Lodge is not a church and Freemasonry is not a religion.  Mason’s use prayers to open and close their meetings but so do many Parliaments and Congress’ throughout the world.  Freemasons take oaths on the Volume of Sacred Law but so do Judges, and military personnel even police officers and boy scouts.

The misconception is that Masonic Meetings are some sort of bizarre, secret worship service, offered up to a Pagan god, a goat or to Satan himself. This ridiculous notion is alleged to stem from the trials of the Knights Templar in the early 1300’s ce when they were tortured and force to confess to the worship of Baphomet and these false confessions have been trotted out every since by those that want to believe the salacious and unbelievable.

The Freemasons and World Takeover

There are a huge amount of Conspiracy theories linked to the Ancient and Accepted Rites of Freemasonry.  Most of these theories claim that Freemasonry exerts control over politics at all levels. Perhaps the best-known example is the New World Order theory, but there are others. These mainly involve aspects and agencies of the United States government, but actual events are used to lend credence to claims.

Freemasons are forbidden to discuss politics in the Lodge, which makes it particularly hard to plot a world takeover plan and with over a million men in nearly every country in the world in the Craft, how would it be kept a secret?.  So all in all if the Freemasons were planning to take over the world we are really not very good at it.

Regular Freemasonry does not now, nor has it ever aspired to be a world-dominating empire.  Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that simply seeks to improve men so that they may, in turn, improve society around them.  It makes good men better.  But it does not tell them how to do it, nor does it give them political, commercial or religious instructions.

Some of the conspiracy theories involving Freemasonry are:

• That Freemasonry is a Zionist front for world domination. An example of this is the notorious and fraudulent document The Protocols of the Elders of Zion.
• That Freemasonry is controlled by the Illuminati, which refers to a purported conspiratorial organization which acts as a shadowy power controlling world affairs through present day governments and corporations.
• That the Victorian Serial Killer Jack the Ripper was a Freemason whose murders resembled Masonic initiation rituals.
• That the September 11 attacks were part of a hidden war between Masonry (as descendants of the Crusader Knights Templar) and Islam.
• That Freemasons intertwine various symbols and numerology into modern culture, such as corporate logos.
• That the KKK, Skull and Bones, Orange Order and other organizations are intimately tied to Freemasonry.
• That Freemasons were behind faked Apollo moon landings
• That Freemasons were behind the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, JFK, Diana, Princess of Wales and even ex-Beatle John Lennon.
• The sinking of the Titanic was planned and carried out by Freemasons.
• The Freemasons were behind The French, American and Russian Revolutions.

In the past European Kings and Religious leaders distrusted Freemasonry because it encouraged freedom of thought, of religion and expression exactly the kind of thing they did not want their subjects to have.

Robert Cooper, the Curator of the library of the Grand Lodge of Scotland has this to say on the subject of conspiracies surround Freemasonry

I strongly suspect it’s our fault. People asked us questions and we didn’t answer because it wasn’t their business. That is no longer sustainable but you can see the problems it’s caused. Because we didn’t respond 100 years ago to these allegations there has been 100 years of belief that we’re hiding something, no matter how open we are now.

The subject of women and Freemasonry is complex and without an easy explanation. Traditionally, only men can be made Freemasons

in regular Freemasonry. Many Grand Lodges do not admit women because they believe it would break the ancient Masonic Landmarks. However, there are many non-mainstream Masonic bodies that do admit both men and women or exclusively women.

Furthermore, there are many female orders associated with regular Freemasonry, such as : -

• Order of Women Freemasons 
• Order of the Eastern Star
• Order of the Amaranth
• White Shrine of Jerusalem
• Social Order of Beauceant 
• Daughters of the Nile

The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), Grand Lodge of Scotland and all the Grand Lodges in the United States along with other Grand Lodges which are concordant in that regular tradition, do not formally recognize any Masonic body that accepts women.

The UGLE has stated since 1998 that two English women’s jurisdictions are regular in practice, except for their inclusion of women, and has indicated that, while not formally recognized, these bodies may be regarded as part of Freemasonry, when describing Freemasonry in general.

In North America, women cannot become regular Freemasons per se, but rather join associated separate bodies, which are not Masonic in their content. These offer an extended social network around the Lodge and includes the Order of the Eastern Star, created in the United States in the mid-19th Century for adult close female relatives of Masons, and Rainbow Girls and Job’s Daughters, both for girls.

Mainstream Masonic Grand Lodges justify the exclusion of women from Freemasonry for several reasons. The structure and traditions of modern day Freemasonry is based from the operative medieval stonemasons of Europe. These operative masonic guilds did not allow women to join, because of the culture of the time.

Many Grand Lodges purpose that altering this structure would completely change freemasonry. Furthermore, mainstream Grand Lodges adhere to the masonic landmarks laid out in the early 18th century and are deemed unchangeable. One of these landmarks specify that women are not to be made a mason. Finally, mainstream masons swear “not to be present at the making of a woman a Mason” in their obligations. Many masons believe that regardless of their opinions of women in masonry, they can not break their obligation.

I think when our predecessors came up with our obligations in the sublime degree, they have very good and unquestionable reasons why they have place there the line “…that I will not attend in or be present at the making…knowing them to be such.”                       Masonic Network Forum Post

For some Mason’s they have concerns that admitting women into the craft would have an adverse affect on the Harmony of the lodge.

You should consider that not only they are natural sources of distractions for us but among them, the risk is an escalation of rivalry/competition which usually happens in “profane” mixed groups. I’ve seen great friendships broken because of the action of one or more girls.   Masonic Network Forum Post

The brethren were right in their statements, that it will create misunderstanding among the brethren – whereby disharmonizing the lodge and weakens its foundation.   Masonic Network Forum Post

This emotive topic has generated much activity on the Masonic Network forum here are some of the other entries the brethren have posted

I am not hereby saying that women do not feel the need or want to improve themselves, but I believe that the masonic way of self-improvement in general isn’t that interesting for women – otherwise there would be many more female lodges around the world.

I don’t support women in Freemasonry. It’s a Brotherhood, not a Sisterhood or Personhood. It’s the oldest “fraternity” not sorority. Not everything has to be open to both men and women. We can still be equal and not have to attend each others private groups.

And of course many Mason’s would support Women joining the craft.

How can we decide that freemasonry is owned by men for the rest of history? God created man and woman in this material world with space and time, where we can only work with opposites. However, isn’t it a task of the freemason to find its way back to the divine paradise, where unity can be found? Isn’t it important to focus on all matters those unities us instead of matters that divide?

To close I would like to include a reply written by a female mason, Bro Karen Kidd, who won a Masonic Short Paper competition with this short essay

I am Regular. I know this to be true, though I’ve heard otherwise. That because various Masonic jurisdictions (such as the United Grand Lodge of England, the US Malecraft Grand Lodges and etc.) are not in amity with my jurisdiction, and because I’m a woman, I can’t possibly be Regular. I’ve also been counseled that, slander though this be, I should take it in good part and be grateful my Malecraft brethren speak to me at all.   And yet I know myself to be Regular because the Ritual and Masonic jurisprudence say that I am. So I am. By way of explanation, and within the context of this paper, I am about to use a word many find most unpalatable. I mean it in its legal sense.  I am no one’s bastard brother. I was conceived in the same place as are all the Brethren. Our progenitor is the same. I was properly prepared. I was received upon the same point. I was made in the b*dy of a L*dge J*st, P*rfect and R*gular. I meet the criteria Bro. Albert Mackey, and others, set down long ago: - I am acknowledged as a Free and Accepted Mason - I was initiated into our mysteries in that “certain manner” - I was made with the assistance of, and under the superintendence of, seven (and more) Master Masons - I share in common, with all Brothers, “the ready use of those signs and words which are used by the other brethren.”  This all occurred within my jurisdiction which, like all Masonic jurisdictions, claims no binding authority over the Freemasons in any other jurisdiction. Indeed, I have poured over the books and I can find no instance in which *any* Freemasonic grand lodge, supreme council or other supreme body ever claimed authority over any other such body. It is commonly accepted that no such body can make any pronouncement that is at all binding on any other such body. Logically, this includes any pronouncements about regularity. Any Masonic supreme body may enter into amity agreements with other such bodies. And they also may declare that they consider, within their own jurisdiction, those bodies not in amity with them to be “clandestine” and even “irregular”. This is their right.  However, their pronouncements about regularity outside their jurisdictions do not mean that those other Freemasons in other jurisdictions are, in fact, irregular. Indeed, the only Brothers any of these supreme bodies may accurately declare irregular are those in lodges within their own sphere of authority.  This means a Brother is Regular by virtue of being so recognized within his/her own jurisdiction. No Brother upon the Earth requires recognition by any other jurisdiction to be Regular. Each Brother is as Regular within their own jurisdiction as any other Brother is Regular within their own jurisdiction.   So I speak a truth – and for some, a mystery – when I say, “I am regular”.