Christianity and Freemasonry

You have heard criticism of Freemasonry that may have made you think more
deeply about the Craft.  Some of the criticism has come from religious
bodies and some individuals.

A  considerable number of Freemasons are Christians and many of them are
staunch supporters of their own church, as members, office bearers and
clergy.  Men have joined the Craft of their own free-will (nobody is ever
asked to join) and all applicants have been subject to careful scrutiny
as to their moral standards before being accepted as members.  Some may
have sought membership for ulterior reasons (all organisations have that
problem) but the majority have joined the Craft for the sake of its
fellowship, a fellowship which is not concerned with wealth, social
standing or religious conviction but only with the positive development
of character.

What is Freemasonry

A group of men in a free association with the common bond of belief in
God and an awareness of moral obligation. Its primary objective is to
promote the harmony and well being of the human family under the
sovereignty of God.

Freemasonry aims to contribute to the fellowship of mankind by the
acceptance of each member as an equal and by its service to others. It
has the capacity to speak to all cultures, races, nations, religions and
occupations. It hopes to make good men better and expects high ethical
standards from its members. It calls on its members to render service
wherever they can, not only to fellow Masons but to the world in general

Its Origins

The origins of Freemasonry date back many centuries to the stonemasons
who built the great cathedrals of Europe in the Middle Ages and even
later in history. Their working tools and the structure of their
exclusive society in those days are still used symbolically in
Freemasons' lodges and the organisation of the Craft.

It was once closely related to the Christian Church but in the eighteenth
Century sectarianism and civil rebellion forced the Masons to concentrate
only on creating fellowship among its members. Increasingly it banned
discussion about religion and politics in its assemblies because of its
potential divisive tendencies.

The first lodges in New Zealand were formed by the early settlers with
the Grand Lodge of New Zealand being established in 1890.

Questions asked of Freemasons

Is Freemasonry a Religion?

No. Freemasonry is neither a substitute for nor a competitor against any
religious body. There is a requirement of belief in a Supreme Being but
it does not claim to bring men into a closer relationship with God.

Its ceremonies have a considerable religious character and atmosphere and
contain elements common to all world religions especially Christianity,
which provided its foundation.

It respects the rights of members to hold their own individual religious
and political beliefs and interpret Masonic teachings in the context of
their own religious convictions. Prayers in the Masonic context are not
acts of worship beyond the simple asking of a blessing at the beginning
of labour and returning of thanks at its successful conclusion. The Craft
has always accepted that should any of its members feel at any time their
spiritual faith is in conflict with the teachings of Masonry they should
withdraw from it in the same voluntary way in which they joined. Many
experienced Christians, church leaders, clergy and lay have seen no
conflict or incompatibility whatever in being simultaneously Christians
and Masons. The Presbyterian Church of New Zealand in a report published
in The White Book 1987 announced itself convinced that "for these men
Freemasonry is not a religion and its rituals do not offer a way of
earning a standing with God.

Why the secrecy in Freemasonry?

Many organisations maintain confidentiality of information. The so called
secrets of Freemasonry are details of the various ceremonies which
concern Freemasons only. These ceremonies are solemn, intentionally
impressive and are conducted with dignity and decorum. They emphasise the
history and reinforce the ethical dimension of the Craft. Nothing taught,
is incompatible with the civic, moral or religious duties a person owes
to God, to his neighbour or his country of birth or adoption. The truths
conveyed are universal. The form in which they are conveyed is restricted
to members of the Craft enabling Masons from 125 countries to readily
identify each other and recognise an individual's stage of advancement
within the Craft.

Can a man be a Christian and a Freemason?

Yes. A Christian is one who accepts Christ as Lord and Saviour and
attends the Church of his choice. He will have a clear concept of God, a
total commitment to loving him plus a compelling motive to love everyone.
He can fulfil the charges laid on him by the Craft without compromising
his own faith and that of the Church he belongs to or the moral ideas
required of him or his duties. The manner in which he reflects his own
faith is a personal decision and one which Masonry makes no attempt to
influence. There have been many whose faith and witness have been
strengthened by the depth of friendship and acceptance in a lodge.

Nevertheless, some specific questions have arisen.

A
Do Freemasons honour Christ?
Not all do. All major religions have members within the Craft. As an
ethical fellowship no special emphasis is given to the leaders of any
world religions. Members of differing belief are encouraged to be
faithful to their own religious commitments.

B
What about the Bible?
In New Zealand lodges the Bible, which satisfies the beliefs held by most
New Zealand Masons, occupies a dominant position in all ceremonies in
this country and is acknowledged as the Volume of the Sacred Law. It is
considered to be the "unerring standard of truth and justice and . . .
(from it we learn) . . . the duties we owe to God, to our neighbour and
to ourselves." In non Christian environments other books sacred to their
religion are used. Freemasonry does not attempt to add anything to
Scripture. It freely acknowledges that some of the traditional history
used in its teaching framework is legendary.

C
The Obligation and Penalties
As in any organisation there are obligations of membership. As these are
of ancient origin, some may appear quaint today. The ancient penalties
sometimes listed as criticism of the Craft, are not actually part of the
ceremonies. References to them are symbolic - as traditional historical
notes, intended to intensify the demand of the personal commitment being
undertaken .


Freemasonry is defined as a benevolent, charitable, educational and
ethical society. It promotes our humanity under the sovereignty of God;
it is educational in that it strives to teach the practice of every moral
and social virtue; it is benevolent in that it adheres to the ancient and
universal principles of brotherly love, relief and truth, not only among
Masons but also in their relations with the world at large; and
charitable in that it does not require a man to limit his beliefs nor to
reject the faith in which he has been brought up or in the established
religion of this country.

Any enquiries can be directed to:

The Grand Secretary
The Grand Lodge of Antient, Free and
Accepted Masons of New Zealand
Telephone (04) 856-622
39-41 Ghuznee Street
PO Box 6439
WELLINGTON