Freemasonry is the one of the world’s oldest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations.
There are over 250,000 Freemasons meeting in more than 8,000 Masonic lodges throughout England and Wales.
Our values are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness.
Freemasonry offers the opportunity of meeting a wide variety of people from the local community in a very sociable environment.
- It consists of men brought together for the sake of mutual intellectual, social and moral improvement. We do this through participation in dramatic ceremonial plays.
- It recognises no distinction of religion and emphasises the duties of citizenship. Religious or political discussions are not permitted in our meetings.
- It offers no monetary advantages.
- It supports a wide range of charities, both Masonic and non-Masonic.
The Three Great Principles
For many years, Freemasons have followed three great principles which represent a way of achieving higher standards in life – Respecting everyone, looking after others and being honest:
- Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to others.
- Freemasons are taught to practice charity, and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.
- Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives.
Transparency
Freemasonry prides itself on its transparency. Not only are Freemasons completely free to acknowledge their membership, they are encouraged to do so.
Like many other societies, we regard some of our internal affairs as private matters for its members including the traditional modes of recognition used in meetings.
Women and Freemasonry
Freemasonry is not confined to men (even though United Grand Lodge of England does not itself admit women), and there exist in England and Wales two Grand Lodges solely for women.
For women who are interested in freemasonry, further information can be obtained from:
The Order of Women Freemasons
27 Pembridge Gardens, London W2 4EF
or
The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons
402 Finchley Road, Childs Hill, London NW2 2HR