Section 1: The Future of Freemasonry report and the role and relevance of Freemasonry

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1 Media Q&A for launch of The Future of Freemasonry report Section 1: The Future of Freemasonry report and the role and relevance of Freemasonry Q1. Why did you decide to commission this report and what has it shown? The Future of Freemasonry report was commissioned to help dispel the commonly held myths and misunderstandings which exist around Freemasonry and to demonstrate its openness and transparency. It is also designed to shed new light on the organisation and to consider its role and relevance in modern society. The report is also significant because it is the first ever independent study to be conducted by a non-masonic body and has been undertaken as part of the build-up to the United Grand Lodge of England s tercentenary in The report concluded that Freemasonry is arguably more important today than it has ever been throughout its 300 year history, acting as a constant by providing members with a unique combination of friendship, belonging and structure. It also found that Freemasonry provides a valuable framework for people to help them live moral and ethical lives, while its charitable role in today s challenging economic climate is also crucially important. Q2. Isn't this purely a way of reminding people that your organisation actually still exists? No. The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) has more than 250,000 members meeting in over 8,000 Lodges across England, Wales, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands and membership is growing steadily, particularly among younger people. We know that Freemasonry plays a very important part in our members lives, so it s important that others have a clear understanding of who we are, what we do and what we stand for, so they too can decide whether they would like to join based on facts not fantasy. To achieve this, we need to dispel the many myths and misunderstandings surrounding Freemasonry and The Future of Freemasonry report will play an important part in achieving this, as well as shedding new light on the organisation by highlighting its role and relevance in today s society. Q3. Who are SIRC and why did you choose them? SIRC the Social Issues Research Centre is a leading independent, not-for-profit organisation which conducts academic research on a wide range of topics, combining qualitative and quantitative methods with innovative analysis and thinking. Based in Oxford, SIRC is renowned for its calm, balanced and thoughtful approach to, and perspective on, social issues, and also the way that it promotes open and rational debate based on evidence rather than ideology. With this background and heritage, SIRC was the ideal choice to conduct the first ever study of Freemasonry by a non- Masonic body as part of our desire to dispel the myths and misunderstandings that surround the organisation. Q4. Do you feel the way your organisation and members have been portrayed in film and the media has damaged your reputation? It s by no means ideal to have so many myths and misunderstandings surrounding Freemasonry, as they can act as a barrier to people becoming part of the organisation. We know that Freemasonry plays a very important part in our members lives, so it s essential that others have a clear understanding of who we are, what we do and what we stand for, so that they too can decide whether they would like to join based on facts not fantasy. The research indicates that we re making real progress but there is more to be done and we hope The Future of Freemasonry report will play an

2 important part in shedding new light on the organisation and demonstrating its role and relevance in modern day Britain. Q5. Is Freemasonry still relevant and does it have a credible part to play in today s changing society? Yes, absolutely. In fact, Freemasonry is arguably more relevant today than it has ever been over the past three hundred years, as it encompasses and embraces all the fundamental principles of good citizenship including thoughtfulness for others, kindness in the community, honesty in business, courtesy in society and fairness in all things. At an individual level, Freemasonry acts as a constant, providing members with a unique combination of friendship, belonging, stability and structure, which are all too often absent from today s fragmented society. Freemasons charitable role is perhaps more important than ever too given the prevailing financial climate the Freemasons are the second largest charitable givers after the National Lottery contributing an average of 30 million annually to good causes. Our main challenge is to communicate just how relevant we are, by dispelling the many myths and misunderstandings that surround Freemasonry and we believe The Future of Freemasonry has an important role to play here. Q6. Which are the biggest myths and misunderstandings you are trying to overcome? One of the main reasons we commissioned The Future of Freemasonry and the quantitative research is to demonstrate that we are an open and transparent organisation, contrary to much misleading commentary. For example, copies of our aims, constitutions and rules are freely available and the United Grand Lodge of England s website at contains a wealth of information in everything from the historical foundations of the organisation to the layout of a typical Lodge room. Furthermore, anyone can visit Freemason s Hall for a guided tour and perhaps most importantly of all, members are free to acknowledge their membership and are actively encouraged to do so. One of the most significant findings from the quantitative research was that, while more than one in four men (26%) would consider becoming a Freemason, of those who would not, the reason most often given was that they believe it s not for people like me. In fact, any man over the age of 21 (or 18 in the case of University Lodges) can apply to join the Freemasons, regardless of race, colour, religion, political views or social or economic standing. Freemasonry is a friendly and supportive and organisation where members often develop lifelong friendships and, most importantly of all, have fun. Q7. A high percentage in the survey say it is not for people like me who is it for? That was an interesting finding which is both a challenge and an opportunity for us. It was encouraging to hear that more than one in four men (26%) would consider becoming a Freemason, while among those who would not, the single most often cited reason was that they believe it s not for people like me. In fact, any man over the age of 21 (or 18 in the case of University Lodges) can apply to join the Freemasons, regardless of race, colour, religion, political views or social or economic standing. Freemasonry is a friendly and supportive organisation where members often develop lifelong friendships and, most importantly of all, have fun. We hope that through initiatives such as this more men will come to appreciate that Freemasonry may well suit people like them!

3 Q8. Were you surprised by any of the findings in the report/survey? In the quantitative survey we were particularly encouraged to learn that nearly half (49%) of all those questioned would like to know more about Freemasonry and one in four men (26%) would consider becoming a Freemason. Also the fact that 40% of those who would not currently consider joining believe it s not for people like me represents both an opportunity and a challenge, as the reality is that any man over the age of 21 (or 18 in the case of University Lodges) can apply to join, regardless of race, colour, religion, political views or social or economic standing. Clearly we still have some way to go to dispel the many myths and misunderstandings around Freemasonry and to convey the openness and transparency that exists throughout the organisation today. However, we are well on the way and believe that initiatives such as this will have an important part to play in this process, so it s certainly an exciting time. Q9. Why don t you think people will admit to being a Freemason? It is most likely to be a result of the myths and misunderstandings surrounding Freemasonry which we are working hard to overcome, through initiatives such as this. However, this situation is changing as people gradually come to realise that Freemasonry is an open and transparent organisation whose members do a lot of good raising money for charities and working in communities across the country. Freemasons are actively encouraged to acknowledge their membership, and many today are comfortable doing so as people s understanding of the organisation increases and their perceptions change. Q10. What celebrations are you planning for your tercentenary? 2017 is a major milestone for Freemasonry and lots of exciting celebrations will take place all will be revealed closer to the time. Section 2: Membership Q11. Has the number of members grown or fallen in recent years? The number of members has been increasing steadily, particularly among younger people who can join University Lodges from the age of 18. In total, the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) has more than 250,000 members meeting in over 8,000 Lodges across England, Wales, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. There are a further 150,000 members in Ireland (Northern Ireland and Eire) and Scotland, and around six million Freemasons worldwide. This alone shows how relevant Freemasonry is today, and that we are meeting the needs of our members. Q12. Why won't you allow women to join? Lodges under the auspices of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) are open only to men, while there are two separate Grand Lodges which are exclusively for women. This is the way that both the men s and women s Lodges like it to be, just like other single sex organisations such as Rotary (men) and the Women s Institute (WI). Q13. Surely there are members of society who you would not want within your ranks? Any man over the age of 21 (or 18 in the case of University Lodges) can apply to join the Freemasons, regardless of race, colour, religion, political views or social or economic standing, as long as they do not have a criminal record. While members are expected to have a religious belief, Freemasonry itself is a non-religious and non-political organisation in fact discussion of politics and religion are not allowed at Lodge meetings so as to maintain a convivial atmosphere at all times.

4 Q14. What actually goes on once the doors are shut at a Masonic Lodge? Lodge meetings are run in a similar way to those of other organisations, covering orders of business, the induction of new members and any new appointments. They are open to members of the Lodge and guests from other Lodges. Charitable funds are also raised at Lodge meetings through out-ofpocket donations. These funds are given to causes chosen by each individual Lodge often other organisations working in and supporting the local community in which the Lodge is based. Lodge meetings last no more than an hour-and-a-half and are followed by a dinner, providing an opportunity for members to relax and enjoy the company of their friends. Section 3: Charitable and community role Q15. Isn't it simply the case that you are only prepared to help each other? No, that could not be further from the truth. Freemasonry is today one of the largest charitable givers in the UK. Second only to the National Lottery, Freemasons donate an average of 30 million to good causes annually, through its four charitable foundations as well as to non-masonic charities and international disaster funds. For example, Freemasons raised a total of 148,000 for the Haiti Disaster Relief Fund to date, and donated an emergency grant of 50,000 to the British Red Cross to assist its Japan Tsunami Appeal. This money is not raised through street collecting or other external fundraising, but comes directly from the pockets of individual Masons. Charitable giving has always been a cornerstone of Freemasonry, which is based on the principles of thoughtfulness for others, kindness, honesty, courtesy and fairness in all things. In addition, many Masons play an active role in their local communities. Q16. How much money do you raise for charity? Freemasonry is today one of the largest charitable givers in the UK. Second only to the National Lottery, Freemasons donate an average of 30 million to good causes annually, through its four charitable foundations as well as to non-masonic charities and international disaster funds. For example, Freemasons raised a total of 148,000 for the Haiti Disaster Relief Fund to date, and donated an emergency grant of 50,000 to the British Red Cross to assist its Japan Tsunami Appeal. Importantly, this money is not raised through street collecting or other external fundraising, but comes directly from the pockets of individual Masons. Q17. What are you and your members doing to help address the many problems that society faces? Charitable giving, along with care and consideration for other people, particularly those less fortunate members of society, has always been a cornerstone of Freemasonry which is today the second largest charitable giver in the UK. Freemasons donate an average of 30 million annually to good causes through their four charitable foundations as well as to non-masonic charities and international disaster funds. For example, Freemasons raised a total of 148,000 for the Haiti Disaster Relief Fund to date, and donated an emergency grant of 50,000 to the British Red Cross to assist its Japan Tsunami Appeal. This money is not raised through street collecting or other external fundraising, but comes directly from the pockets of individual Masons, who are encouraged to make a positive contribution to society. At an individual level, Freemasonry acts as a constant by providing members with a unique combination of friendship, belonging, stability and structure, all of which are too often lacking from today s fragmented society. Many Masons cite the lifelong friendships they have formed as being one of the most important reasons for their membership.

5 Q18. What is the appeal of becoming a Freemason, and why become one today? There are many different reasons why people join the Freemasons though they are likely to be much the same today as they have always been. One of the main reasons is camaraderie. Many friendships made through Freemasonry endure for life, and Lodge dinners which follow our formal meetings offer members the opportunity to enjoy each other s company in a more relaxed and informal environment. Other reasons put forward during the research for The Future of Freemasonry report include a sense of belonging and structure which are not always easy to find in today s fragmented society and a desire to help other people by getting involved in the local community. Most importantly of all though, it s about enjoyment if members didn t enjoy Freemasonry they would not remain part of the organisation in the way that they do. Section 4: Openess Q19. Will Freemasonry change in the future to become more open and transparent? The Freemasons are already a very open and transparent organisation. For example, copies of its aims, constitutions and rules are freely available and the United Grand Lodge of England s website at contains a wealth of information on everything from the historical foundations of the organisation to the layout of a typical Lodge room. Furthermore, anyone can visit Freemasons Hall for a guided tour any day of the week (except Sundays and public holidays). It is one of the finest art deco buildings in London which many people will recognise, as it is a sought-after location for TV and movie companies. Individuals are completely free to acknowledge their membership and are actively encouraged to do so. Q20. But Lodge meetings are private aren t they? Yes, Lodge meetings are for members only, similar to the meetings of many other membership-based organisations or even the board meetings of companies. However, Freemasons operate in an extremely open and transparent manner. For example members follow a set of rules as set out in the Book of Constitutions and is available for public viewing. Visitors are welcome to visit Freemasons Hall, there is a wealth of information available on the United Grand Lodge of England website at and the organisation welcomes enquiries about Freemasonry and its aims and objectives. Q21. Is Freemasonry effectively a networking opportunity for members to help further their careers? No, absolutely not. In fact, networking is not permitted at all.