Although Freemasonry is many things to many men it is, basically, an association of friends. It is a fraternity that admits into membership men of all races, creeds and colours, who have a belief in a Supreme Being.

What, then, is the connection between religion and Freemasonry?

A plain and simple answer is: “There is no connection between the two, any more than there is between religion and the Rotary Club, or between religion and the Cancer Society”.

Christopher Haffner, in his book Workman Unashamed (also available in the Grand Lodge Library) points out that Freemasonry lacks the basic elements of religion. It has no theological doctrine and, by forbidding religious discussion at its meetings, will not allow a “masonic theological doctrine” to develop.

Secondly, Freemasonry offers no sacraments and, thirdly, Haffner points out, it does not claim to lead to salvation by good works, by secret knowledge or by any other means.

What is Freemasonry?