| Freemasonry is not a secret
society. There is no secret about any of its aims and principles. Its
constitutions and rules are published and are available to the public.
All Freemasons are free to acknowledge their membership and will do so
in response to inquiries for respectable reasons.
The only secrets of Freemasonry are
concerned with its traditional modes of recognition and these are only
secret in as much as every Freemason has made a promise not to reveal
them. If you really want to know the "secrets" then any large
bookshop or library will be able to supply literature detailing them.
Like many other societies, Freemasonry
regards some of its internal affairs as private matters for its members.
Each Private Lodge under the United Grand Lodge of England is run by and
for its members. As with any club, the members expect a right to privacy
over such matters as the Lodge finances and the personal situations of
its members.
There is usually a reticence to discuss
details of the ceremonies carried out in the Lodge Room because it might
spoil the enjoyment of the individual concerned on "his
night". From the moment of his entry into the Lodge Room, that
individual will be the focus of attention and will be well looked after
by the other members. Suggestions of ridicule or being made to swear
blood-curdling oaths are aspects of fantasy and mischief. Almost every
Freemason will tell you that the night of his entry into Freemasonry was
one of the most enjoyable of his life. |
