IS FREEMASONRY A SECRET SOCIETY?

Freemasonry is not a secret society; it is a society that has certain secrets and these are concerned with the traditional means of recognition. All members are free to acknowledge their membership and may respond when valid enquiries are made of them. The Order's International Constitution and the General Regulations of the British Federation are available for inspection and there is no secrecy about the aims and principles of Freemasonry.

There is far more opportunity than is generally assumed to discuss aspects of Freemasonry in ordinary conversation. Our Order encourages openness with respect to what the public generally calls "secrets". The genuine secrets can only be gained by practical experience of Freemasonry; by masonic teachings, ritual and principles. Thus these secrets are not even open to all masons as they are earned on the basis of the progress made by each individual through the path of life.