Co Masonic and Women's Freemasonry

To my Co Masonic Brethren and Women Freemasons, let us start with some interesting information

For some who do not understand or are not aware of the other Freemasonry in the UK , as well as in the rest of the world I have put together a montage of information about female and co Masonry.

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The Honourable Fraternity of Antient Masonry
Freemasonry for women came to this country from France in 1902 in the form of mixed Lodges (Co-Masonry). In 1908 some Co-Masons decided to break away to start a new Order because they objected to control from France and to some of the ritual and influences found in Co-Masonry. They wanted to practise Freemasonry on the same lines as the male United Grand Lodge of England.

The Honourable Fraternity of Antient Masonry was founded on 20th June 1908 and its first Grand Master and driving force was a man - the Rev. Dr. William Frederick Cobb. However, since 1912, the Grand Masters have all been women. The new Order at first included both men and women, but eventually the decision was taken in the early 1920s to restrict entrance to women only and no longer admit men as visitors. Although a handful of loyal men remained in office, by 1935 we had become an exclusively female organisation and we remain so today.

Another Masonic Order for women split off from ours in 1913. This was called the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasonry, and so to avoid confusion in names we added "Order of Women Freemasons" to our title in 1958. This is the name by which we are known today.

From a beginning with three small Lodges in 1908 we have gradually increased in numbers and locations. The 1950s and 1960s were particularly active in expansion, especially abroad, and recently (2005) a Lodge was opened at Fuengirola near Malaga in Spain.

The present Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Brenda I. Fleming-Taylor, has been in office since 1989 and has been instrumental in bringing to the Order an openness and pride in our presence in the wider world.

The United Grand Lodge of England have, in a statement of 10th March 1999, acknowledged the regularity and sincerity of women's Freemasonry although they do not officially recognise it and their members cannot take part. Many of our own Lodges meet in premises owned by the men's Order and informal relations are cordial and co-operative.

The Honourable Fraternity of Antient Masonry

Who and what is HFAF?
The HFAF 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. Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest secular fraternal societies. It is concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ceremonies. Our Order has many Lodges throughout England and the Isle of Man, stretching from as far north as Carlisle and south to Brighton and Bournemouth and westwards in the Cotswolds. We also now have a Lodge in Gibraltar and two in Spain

Membership requirements
* You must be able to profess a belief in a Supreme Being
* You must be a woman, aged 21 or over and resident in the UK



GRAND LODGE OF FREEMASONRY FOR MEN AND WOMEN

Definition of aim 1 ...We believe in a Supreme Being, known universally as God to the English speaking world, but meaning the same to all creeds and tongues.

Definition of aim 2 ...We believe in the equality of all mankind, regardless of race, creed, colour or gender. We are all aspirants seeking the truth and have the freedom of choice to interpret Masonic allegory in our own way, free of dogma.

Definition of aim 3 ....We seek to work on that which unifies all mankind, within ourselves and in the outer world and which uplifts the spirit to see the truth beneath the symbolism we use.

International Co-Freemasonry, Le Droit Humain

There are many Masonic bodies, of which only The International Order of Co-Freemasonry, Le Droit Humain, admits both men and women. Each Masonic body has its own view and legend of the origins of Freemasonry, though there is, broadly-speaking, a common-point of origin for all Masonic ceremonies.

The International Order of Co-Freemasonry, Le Droit Humain, is a fraternal brotherhood that has many Federations and Jurisdictions worldwide. In contrast to other Masonic bodies, it is a global Order.

The Order has its headquarters in Paris. Every country works the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, from the 1st to the 33rd degree.

Brotherly Love. Every true Freemason shows tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behaves with compassion and understanding.
Relief. From earliest times Freemasons have endeavoured to help, to the best of their ability, those in distress, without detriment to any who are dependent upon them, and to give their support to outside Charities.
Truth. Freemasons strive for truth both in their view of themselves and in their dealings with others. Masonry requires high moral standards and its members endeavour to uphold these principles in their public and private lives.
Co-Freemasonry within the British Federation asserts, in accordance with the ancient declarations of Freemasonry, the existence of a Creative Principle, under the title of "The Great Architect of the Universe". It maintains the open "Volume of the Sacred Law" in every Lodge when duly formed for Masonic purposes. It maintains the ancient landmarks of Freemasonry, and withholds recognition from all irregular and clandestine meetings, or Lodges not holding proper Charter.

Statement issued by UGLE - 10th March 1999

There exist in England and Wales at least two Grand Lodges solely for women. Except that these bodies admit women, they are, so far as can be ascertained, otherwise regular in their practice. There is also one which admits both men and women to membership. They are not recognised by this Grand Lodge and intervisitation may not take place. There are, however, discussions from time to time with the women's Grand Lodges on matters of mutual concern. Brethren are therefore free to explain to non-Masons, if asked, that Freemasonry is not confined to men(even though this Grand Lodge does not itself admit women). Further information about these bodies may be obtained by writing to the Grand Secretary.

The Board is also aware that there exist other bodies not directly imitative of pure antient Masonry, but which by implication introduce Freemasonry, such as the Order of the Eastern Star. Membership of such bodies, attendance at their meetings, or participation in their ceremonies is incompatible with membership of this Grand Lodge.