Freemasonry - Revision history

Jachin: /* External links */

2005-07-09T14:07:30Z

External links

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:07, 9 July 2005
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	==External links==		==External links==
	*[http://www.grand-lodge.org/ United Grand Lodge of England] (UGLE)		*[http://www.grand-lodge.org/ United Grand Lodge of England] (UGLE)
			*[http://www.uglnsw.freemasonry.org.au/ United Grand Lodge of New South Wales, Australia]
	*[http://www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/ PS Review of Freemasonry]		*[http://www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/ PS Review of Freemasonry]
	*[http://www.godf.org/ Grand Orient de France] (GOdF)		*[http://www.godf.org/ Grand Orient de France] (GOdF)

Jachin: /* Membership */

2005-07-09T14:05:56Z

Membership

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:05, 9 July 2005
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	Generally, to be a Freemason, one must:		Generally, to be a Freemason, one must:

	# be a man~~, if joining the majority of Masonic jurisdictions, or a woman, if joining a jurisdiction with women's Lodges (unless joining a co-Masonic jurisdiction with no gender requirement),~~		# be a man
	# believe in a "Supreme Being"~~, or, in some jurisdictions, a "Creative Principle" (unless joining a jurisdiction with no religious requirement),~~		# believe in a "Supreme Being"
	# be at least the minimum age (18-25 years depending on the jurisdiction),		# be at least the minimum age (18-21 years depending on the jurisdiction),
	# be of sound mind, body and of good morals, and		# be of sound mind, body and of good morals, and
	# be free (or "born free", ''i.e.'' not born a slave or bondsman).		# be free (or "born free", ''i.e.'' not born a slave or bondsman).

	Traditionally membership was limited to men only, and the inclusion of women is still a matter of controversy in many jurisdictions. The "free born" requirement does not come up in modern Lodges, and there is no indication that it would ever be enforced, but remains there for historical reasons. The "sound body" requirement is today generally taken to mean physically capable of taking part in Lodge rituals, and most Lodges today are quite flexible in accommodating disabled candidates.		The "sound body" requirement is today generally taken to mean physically capable of taking part in Lodge rituals, and most Lodges today are quite flexible in accommodating disabled candidates.

	Freemasonry upholds the principles of "Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth" ~~(or in France: "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity")~~. It teaches moral lessons through rituals. Members working through the rituals are taught by "degrees". Freemasons are also commonly involved in public service and charity work, as well as providing a social outlet for their members. There is considerable variance in the emphasis on these different aspects of Masonry around the world. In Continental Europe, the philosophical side of Freemasonry is more emphasized, while in Britain, North America, and the English-speaking parts of the world, the charity, service and social club aspects are more emphasized.		Freemasonry upholds the principles of "Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth". It teaches moral lessons through rituals. Members working through the rituals are taught by "degrees". Freemasons are also commonly involved in public service and charity work, as well as providing a social outlet for their members. There is considerable variance in the emphasis on these different aspects of Masonry around the world. In Continental Europe, the philosophical side of Freemasonry is more emphasized, while in Britain, North America, and the English-speaking parts of the world, the charity, service and social club aspects are more emphasized.

	While Freemasonry as an organization does not directly involve itself in politics, its members have tended over the years to support certain kinds of political causes with which they have become associated in the public eye: the separation of Church and State, the establishment of secular public schools, and democratic revolutions (in the American United States and French France on a smaller scale, but on a larger scale in other places such as Mexico, Brazil, and repeatedly in Italy).		While Freemasonry as an organization does not directly involve itself in politics, its members have tended over the years to support certain kinds of political causes with which they have become associated in the public eye: the separation of Church and State, the establishment of secular public schools, and democratic revolutions (in the American United States and French France on a smaller scale, but on a larger scale in other places such as Mexico, Brazil, and repeatedly in Italy).

Jachin: /* Women in Freemasonry */

2005-07-09T14:04:01Z

Women in Freemasonry

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:04, 9 July 2005
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	== Women in Freemasonry ==		== Women in Freemasonry ==

	The position of women within Freemasonry is complex. Traditionally, only men could be made Freemasons~~. This has been changing in the last hundred years, but more quickly in some jurisdictions than others~~. In Britain and France, and most other countries, women generally join "co-Masonic" Lodges, such as those under the international jurisdiction Le Droit Humain (LDH), which admit both men and women, or they join Lodges under local jurisdictions that admit only women. In North America, it is more common for women not to become Freemasons ''per se'', but to join an associated body with its own, separate traditions, the Order of the Eastern Star (OES), which admits only male Freemasons and their female relatives. In the Netherlands, there is a completely separate, although allied, sorority for women, the Order of Weavers (OOW), which uses symbols from weaving rather than stonemasonry.		The position of women within Freemasonry is complex. Traditionally, only men could be made Freemasons. In Britain and France, and most other countries, women generally join "co-Masonic" Lodges, such as those under the international jurisdiction Le Droit Humain (LDH), which admit both men and women, or they join Lodges under local jurisdictions that admit only women. In North America, it is more common for women not to become Freemasons ''per se'', but to join an associated body with its own, separate traditions, the Order of the Eastern Star (OES), which admits only male Freemasons and their female relatives. In the Netherlands, there is a completely separate, although allied, sorority for women, the Order of Weavers (OOW), which uses symbols from weaving rather than stonemasonry.

	The GOdF and other Continental jurisdictions give full formal recognition to co-Freemasonry and women's Freemasonry. The UGLE and other Anglo jurisdictions do not formally recognize any Masonic body that accepts women, although in many countries they have an understanding and a kind of informal acceptance that such bodies are part of Freemasonry in a larger sense. The UGLE, for instance, has "recognized" (since 1998) two local women's jurisdictions as 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. Thus, the position of women in Freemasonry is rapidly changing in the English-speaking world. While in many cases, North America is following England's lead on the issue of women, the remaining resistance to women in Freemasonry is mostly concentrated there.



	== The two great schisms of Freemasonry (1753 and 1877) ==		== The two great schisms of Freemasonry (1753 and 1877) ==

Jachin: /* Prince Hall Masonry */ Removed as it has no relevance to Thelemic / Esoteric themes.

2005-07-09T14:02:47Z

Prince Hall Masonry: Removed as it has no relevance to Thelemic / Esoteric themes.

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:02, 9 July 2005
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	The GOdF and other Continental jurisdictions give full formal recognition to co-Freemasonry and women's Freemasonry. The UGLE and other Anglo jurisdictions do not formally recognize any Masonic body that accepts women, although in many countries they have an understanding and a kind of informal acceptance that such bodies are part of Freemasonry in a larger sense. The UGLE, for instance, has "recognized" (since 1998) two local women's jurisdictions as 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. Thus, the position of women in Freemasonry is rapidly changing in the English-speaking world. While in many cases, North America is following England's lead on the issue of women, the remaining resistance to women in Freemasonry is mostly concentrated there.		The GOdF and other Continental jurisdictions give full formal recognition to co-Freemasonry and women's Freemasonry. The UGLE and other Anglo jurisdictions do not formally recognize any Masonic body that accepts women, although in many countries they have an understanding and a kind of informal acceptance that such bodies are part of Freemasonry in a larger sense. The UGLE, for instance, has "recognized" (since 1998) two local women's jurisdictions as 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. Thus, the position of women in Freemasonry is rapidly changing in the English-speaking world. While in many cases, North America is following England's lead on the issue of women, the remaining resistance to women in Freemasonry is mostly concentrated there.

	~~== Prince Hall Masonry ==~~

	In 1775, an African American named Prince Hall was initiated into an Irish Constitution Military Lodge, along with fourteen other African Americans, all of whom were free by birth. When the Military Lodge left the area, the African Americans were given the authority to meet as a Lodge, form Processions on the days of the Saints John, and conduct Masonic funerals, but not to confer degrees nor to do other Masonic Work. These individuals applied for, and obtained, a Warrant for Charter from the Grand Lodge of England in 1784 and formed African Lodge #459. Despite being stricken from the rolls for non-payment of dues after 1813, the Lodge restyled itself as the African Grand Lodge #1 (not to be confused with the various Grand Lodges on the Continent of Africa) and separated from UGLE-recognised Masonry. This led to a tradition of separate, predominantly African American jurisdictions in North America, known collectively as "Prince Hall Freemasonry", which flourished due to widespread racism in North America, which prevented African Americans from joining many mainstream lodges (for instance, the traditional "born free" entrance requirement may have been used in some lodges to exclude Americans of African descent). Presently, Prince Hall Masonry is recognised by some UGLE-recognized Grand Lodges and not by others, and appears to be working its way toward full recognition (see [http://www.mindspring.com/~johnsonx/whoisph.htm]).

	John Marrant the Selina, Countess of Huntingdonian minister preached to the Prince Hall Lodge on 24th June 1789. His Nova Scotia congregation was significant in the successful agitation for repatriation by Black Loyalists as well as the subsequent revolt which occurred in Sierra Leone in 1800.

	== The two great schisms of Freemasonry (1753 and 1877) ==		== The two great schisms of Freemasonry (1753 and 1877) ==

Ash: section editor

2005-04-08T03:20:56Z

section editor

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Phos: /* Freemasonry's "appendant bodies" */

2004-09-29T09:55:22Z

Freemasonry's "appendant bodies"

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:55, 29 September 2004
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	Freemasonry is associated with several "appendant bodies", such as the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, the Swedish Rite, the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Shriners), the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (Grotto), the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and the [http://mill-valley.freemasonry.biz/gordian-knot-order.htm Ancient and Heroic Order of the Gordian Knot], among numerous others, all of which tend to expand on the teachings of Freemasonry--often with additional higher degrees--while improving their members and society as a whole. Different jurisdictions vary in how they define their relationship with such bodies. Some of these organizations may have additional religious requirements, compared to Freemasonry proper (or "BCraft Masonry"), since they elaborate on Masonic teachings from a particular perspective.		Freemasonry is associated with several "appendant bodies", such as the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, the Swedish Rite, the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Shriners), the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (Grotto), the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and the [http://mill-valley.freemasonry.biz/gordian-knot-order.htm Ancient and Heroic Order of the Gordian Knot], among numerous others, all of which tend to expand on the teachings of Freemasonry--often with additional higher degrees--while improving their members and society as a whole. Different jurisdictions vary in how they define their relationship with such bodies. Some of these organizations may have additional religious requirements, compared to Freemasonry proper (or "BCraft Masonry"), since they elaborate on Masonic teachings from a particular perspective.

	In addition to appendant bodies, Freemasonry has relations with several organizations that, while not explicitly Masonic, do have Masonic membership as a prerequisite for membership. Eminent among these is the invitational Masonic research group, Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia (S.R.I.A. or Soc. Ros.), the Masonic Rosicrucian society, which has branches throughout the world. The S.R.I.A. is known in America as the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis (S.R.I.C.F.), the "Rosicrucian Society of the United States".		In addition to appendant bodies, Freemasonry has relations with several organizations that, while not explicitly Masonic, do have Masonic membership as a prerequisite for membership. Eminent among these is the invitational Masonic research group, Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia (S.R.I.A. or Soc. Ros.), the Masonic Rosicrucian society, which has branches throughout the world. A past Supreme Magus of the Soc. Ros. was William Wynn Westcott, one of the founders of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. The S.R.I.A. is known in America as the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis (S.R.I.C.F.), the "Rosicrucian Society of the United States".

	There are also certain youth organizations (mainly North American) which are associated with Freemasonry, but are not necessarily Masonic in their content, such as the Order of DeMolay (for boys aged 12-21), the Job's Daughters and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (for girls 11-20).		There are also certain youth organizations (mainly North American) which are associated with Freemasonry, but are not necessarily Masonic in their content, such as the Order of DeMolay (for boys aged 12-21), the Job's Daughters and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (for girls 11-20).

Phos: /* Freemasonry's "appendant bodies" */ - added brief info on S.R.I.A.

2004-09-29T09:54:24Z

Freemasonry's "appendant bodies": - added brief info on S.R.I.A.

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:54, 29 September 2004
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	===Freemasonry's "appendant bodies"===		===Freemasonry's "appendant bodies"===
	Freemasonry is associated with several "appendant bodies", such as the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, the Swedish Rite, the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Shriners), the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (Grotto), the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and the [http://mill-valley.freemasonry.biz/gordian-knot-order.htm Ancient and Heroic Order of the Gordian Knot], among numerous others, all of which tend to expand on the teachings of Freemasonry--often with additional higher degrees--while improving their members and society as a whole. Different jurisdictions vary in how they define their relationship with such bodies. Some of these organizations may have additional religious requirements, compared to Freemasonry proper (or "BCraft Masonry"), since they elaborate on Masonic teachings from a particular perspective.		Freemasonry is associated with several "appendant bodies", such as the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, the Swedish Rite, the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Shriners), the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm (Grotto), the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and the [http://mill-valley.freemasonry.biz/gordian-knot-order.htm Ancient and Heroic Order of the Gordian Knot], among numerous others, all of which tend to expand on the teachings of Freemasonry--often with additional higher degrees--while improving their members and society as a whole. Different jurisdictions vary in how they define their relationship with such bodies. Some of these organizations may have additional religious requirements, compared to Freemasonry proper (or "BCraft Masonry"), since they elaborate on Masonic teachings from a particular perspective.

			In addition to appendant bodies, Freemasonry has relations with several organizations that, while not explicitly Masonic, do have Masonic membership as a prerequisite for membership. Eminent among these is the invitational Masonic research group, Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia (S.R.I.A. or Soc. Ros.), the Masonic Rosicrucian society, which has branches throughout the world. The S.R.I.A. is known in America as the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis (S.R.I.C.F.), the "Rosicrucian Society of the United States".

	There are also certain youth organizations (mainly North American) which are associated with Freemasonry, but are not necessarily Masonic in their content, such as the Order of DeMolay (for boys aged 12-21), the Job's Daughters and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (for girls 11-20).		There are also certain youth organizations (mainly North American) which are associated with Freemasonry, but are not necessarily Masonic in their content, such as the Order of DeMolay (for boys aged 12-21), the Job's Daughters and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (for girls 11-20).

Fr. Zabed at 06:02, 22 September 2004

2004-09-22T06:02:29Z

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