About Freemasonry

The UGLE Mission Statement

What we are — Our purpose

We are a unique members’ organisation which has thrived for over 300 years. Having no political or religious affiliations, we comprise members of all ages, races, religions, cultures and backgrounds. We meet in our individual Lodges throughout the country where we have ceremonial traditions which encourage us both to be more tolerant and respectful and actively to fulfil our civic and charitable responsibilities; we also make time to eat, drink and meet together, and form lifelong friendships

What we aim for — Our vision

To attract those from all backgrounds and walks of life, enabling them to develop into more thoughtful and confident people. To inspire and challenge them to practise the core values we celebrate – Integrity, Friendship, Respect, Service – in their private and public lives. To cement our reputation as a force for good in our communities and society at large and as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join.

How we will achieve this — Our mission

We will enhance our reputation as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join and broaden our membership across all age groups.

Our Values

Integrity: Rather than working on buildings like the masons of old, today’s Freemasons focus on building themselves as people of integrity, and membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal.

Friendship: One of the oldest social organisations in the world, Freemasonry is not defined by an ideology. It is open to people from all religions and political persuasions, and provides the common foundation for friendships between members, many of which will last for life.

Respect: With a membership of more than 200,000 people drawn from communities across the UK, Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of their race, religion or any other perceived differences that can divide us as a society

Service: Whether participating in events, fundraising for a charitable cause or volunteering for public or community organisations, service is at the very heart of Freemasonry. Our members make valuable contributions by donating time, resources and skills.

Integrity

Friendship

Respect

Service

Women’s Freemasonry

Women’s Freemasonry and UGLE

There are at least two Grand Lodges in England and Wales solely for women. The United Grand Lodge of England acknowledges the regularity and sincerity of women’s Freemasonry, although they do not officially recognise it and their members cannot take part in each other’s meetings.

Many of their Lodges meet in Lodge Rooms owned by UGLE Lodges and informal relations are cordial and co-operative.

Order of Women Freemasons

The Order of Women Freemasons is the oldest and largest Masonic organisation for women in this country and works on the lines of regular male Freemasonry.

Formed in 1908, they have some 4,000 members grouped into over 200 Craft Lodges operating in the UK and overseas.

HFAF Freemasonry for Women

The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF) which is now known as Freemasonry for Women is a fraternity for women and organised by women.

It was founded in 1913 and membership is open to women of any race or religion, who are able to profess a belief in a Supreme Being.