Modern Freemasonry consists of two main groups of recognition. Regular Freemasonry insists that a volume of scripture is open in a house of work, that each member professes belief in a deity, that no woman is admitted, and that discussion of religion and politics is prohibited. Continental Freemasonry is now the umbrella term for "liberal" jurisdictions that have removed some or all of these restrictions.
Freemasonry or Masonry consists of fraternal organizations that trace their origins to the local fraternities of stonemasons, which from the late 14th century regulated the qualifications of stonemasons and their interaction with authorities and clients. The degrees of Freemasonry preserve the three degrees of medieval craftsmen's guilds, those of Apprentice, Traveler or Companion and Master Mason. These are the degrees offered by Craft (or Blue Lodge) Freemasonry. The members of these organizations are known as Masons. There are additional degrees, which vary with locality and jurisdiction, and are generally administered by different bodies than the occupational degrees.
The basic local organizational unit of Freemasonry is the Lodge. Lodges are typically supervised and governed at the regional level (usually with a state, provincial, or national border) by a Grand Lodge or Grand Orient. There is no international, world Grand Lodge that oversees all Freemasonry; each grand lodge is independent, and not necessarily recognized as legitimate.
Freemasonry means different things to each of those who join. For some, it's about making new friends and acquaintances. For others, it is about being able to help causes that deserve to make a contribution to family and society. But for most, it is an enjoyable hobby.
Its values are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness.
Freemasonry is one of the oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organizations in the world. Teaches self-awareness through participation in a progression of ceremonies. Members are expected to be of high moral standing and are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry.
