People from all walks of life become freemasons, with close on 200,000 members in 7,000 Lodges throughout England and Wales.
Freemasonry welcomes any man over the age of 18 irrespective of his race or religion.
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 by making a contribution to family and society. It is also about character building as an individual and supporting fellow members. These foundations allow members to develop themselves, from increased self-confidence to transferable skills such as public speaking, but for all it is an enjoyable journey of challenges through fellowship and brotherhood.
To learn more about the origins of freemasonry, click here.
People from all walks of life become Freemasons
Membership of a lodge under the United Grand Lodge of England is open to men of any race or religion who can demonstrate three essential qualifications.
A spiritual qualification. You must have a continuing belief in a Supreme Being irrespective of religion.
A moral qualification. You must be of good repute, a loyal citizen and obedient to the laws of the land.
A physical qualification. You are male and must be at least 18 years old. This age qualification exists to ensure that you are free to formulate your opinions, and exercise your own judgement.
UGLE GENDER REASSIGNMENT POLICY >> CLICK HERE
Women and Freemasonry
Wives, partners and families of members are of course, encouraged to enjoy many of the social aspects of freemasonry, but it is only men who are eligible for membership of lodges recognised under the Constitution of the United Grand Lodge of England.
There are, however, a number of thriving women’s lodges. In this respect, the United Grand Lodge of England considers two women’s Freemasonry Grand Lodges to be “regular” in their practice of Freemasonry, namely The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons and the Order of Women Freemasons.