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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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We've compiled a list of the questions we get asked the most often by those seeking more information on Universal Co-Masonry.

What is Freemasonry?: There is no simple one-line definition that satisfactorily describes what is Freemasonry. Among many things, it is a Science, a Philosophy, and a system of morality and ethics that employs ritual drama to convene self-evident truths.

What is the Aim of Freemasonry?: Freemasonry seeks to destroy ignorance under whatever form - to combat superstition, fanaticism, and egotism wherever encountered.

Is Freemasonry a religion?: Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. However, the doors of Freemasonry are open to men and women of any philosophy, religion, creed.

Does Freemasonry have dogma?: No, Freemasonry is an organization that practices absolute liberty of mind while inculcating the maximum amount of discipline. Masonry seeks diversity in its members to ensure freedom and tolerance in its ranks.

Is a belief in God a requirement to become a Freemason?: In accordance with the ancient declaration of Freemasonry, Freemasons must assert the existence of a Supreme Power, but at the same time, they are at perfect liberty to differ in regard to the Attributes of that power.

What is Co-Masonry, Mixed-Masonry, and Freemasonry for Men and Women?: All three terms are synonymous of Masonic Orders that practice Freemasonry and including men and women of every race, nationality, and religion who wish to do away with all cause for division and strife.

How does Co-Masonry differ from Male-only Masonic Orders?: Instead of admitting men only to its ranks, it admits women on an equal footing. It proclaims equal rights for both sexes and absolute liberty of conscience. In order to secure everyone unlimited freedom in the search for Truth, it demands the utmost tolerance from all its members. It avoids political and religious discussions wherever these cannot be carried on with requisite tolerance and moderation. It welcomes everyone who is upright, free, of mature age, sound judgment, and strict morals - whatever may be his or her convictions in matters of religion, philosophy, or politics.

Why is everyone called "Brother?: Universal Co-Masonry is committed to cultivating an environment of spiritual unity and inclusivity. To this end, the Masonic Temple has been opened to people of every race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and creed. In order to promote unity in such diversity, members make use of the title “Brother” to address one another. This form of address is in alignment with the Masonic Doctrine of Solidarity and is intended to remove all distinction between Brothers in the Craft. In the Profane world, Universal Co-Masonry understands, respects, and supports the freedom of each Brother to self-identify as they see fit.

Who is a Freemason?: A Freemason is one who owes obedience to the Masonic Order and to the laws of his or her country. He must live honorably, practice justice, love his neighbor, work unceasingly for the true happiness of Humanity, and help human beings to emancipate themselves from the thralldom of passion and ignorance.

Does Freemasonry help build contacts?: Freemasonry is not for business networking or collecting contacts.

Why does Freemasonry rely on ritual?: Freemasonry relies on ritual to illustrate those principles that cannot be verbally communicated. Ritual, being a series of actions set in a particular order, is the parable by which the Initiate can learn about himself, his society, and his universe.

Why join a Masonic Lodge?: Through participation in a Masonic Temple, a Freemason is given an opportunity to learn the more important truths of morality, his relationship with God and fellow man - and at the same time learning the perspective of others in an atmosphere of tolerance and mutual support. Whether you are Christian, Muslim, or a Deist; black or white; male or female; rich or poor; all who gather within the doors of the Temple are met on the Level as equals.

How do I join a Masonic Lodge?: To become a Freemason, one merely needs to knock on the door of the Temple by asking for membership in The Order. Why must you ask? Because you have to join of your own free will and accord. It has to be your own desire, decision, and action. Click here for more information on how to join a Masonic Lodge.

What are the time commitments of a Masonic Lodge?: The time commitments are dependent on the Lodge that you join but can range from twice to three times a month. Freemasonry does not seek to be large in its assembly and therefore attendance is of great importance to each lodge.

What is the age requirement to make application?: Eligible individuals are men and women who are of 21 years of age or older.

Does one have to have a Freemason in the family in order to make application?: No, family relations have no effect on admission into The Order.

Can a felon make application?: No, unless the felony was committed before the age of 18.

What is Universal Co-Masonry?: The Honorable Order of Universal Co-Masonry, heir to the ancient traditions whose wise principles, moral force, and discipline it has maintained, has preserved the rules, discipline, and aim of Ancient Masonry. The Order practices the 1st to the 33rd Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish, including the English Rite Degrees of the Mark, Royal Ark Mariner, and Holy Royal Arch of Jerusalem.

Does Universal Co-Masonry have the truth?: No, instead it seeks to discover it. No institution or organization has ownership of the Truth.

What is the focus of Universal Co-Masonry?: Universal Co-Masonry works to the Glory of the Great Architect of the Universe and to the perfection of Humanity by seeking to find relief through the eradication of ignorance and the strengthening of ties of fraternity.

What does Universal Co-Masonry expect from its members?: To think high, to speak truth, to do well, to be tolerant toward others, to search after truth, to practice liberty under law, fraternal equality, justice and solidarity, are the duties which The Supreme Council of Universal Co-Masonry, prescribes to Freemasons seeking to build to the Glory of the Great Architect of the Universe, to the perfection of Humanity, and to the service of the Head of All True Freemasons, the true Masonic Temple open to both men and women.