A ‘Secret’ Society?
40 Many are concerned by the secrecy of Freemasonry: ‘if Freemasonry is right, why all the secrecy?’ asks Andy Arbuthnot (Should a Christian be a Freemason?) and many others. In their evidence to the Working Group, the United Grand Lodge argued very strongly that the element of secrecy was much exaggerated by their detractors, making the point that Freemasonry, historically, has been exempted from legislation suppressing secret societies considered a danger to the state. They add a number of other, perhaps more immediately relevant, points:
Freemasons are under no obligation to conceal their membership of the Graft...
The meeting places of Freemasons’ Lodges are not hidden. They may not always be labelled as such, but the neighbourhood will know, and there is usually some external indication of the building’s purpose, even if it is only a decorative Square and Compasses. Some (e.g. Freemasons’ Hall in London) are open to the public.
The aims of Freemasonry have been published in the press.
Freemasonry’s rule book, the Book of Constitutions (which also states its aims) is available for purchase by any member of the public.
The affairs of its Lodges are private, as are the internal affairs of other private associations or clubs.
They concluded their submission on this particular matter by re-asserting that ‘the secrets of Freemasonry are the signs, grips and words used in proof of membership’.
41 Very early in the life of the Working Group it became clear that even these ‘secrets’ are pretty open secrets and have been for many years.
42 The Grand Lodge itself is inhibited and inhibits its members from making such revelations. Information for the Guidance of Members of the Craft is quite explicit on this point: (go to Masonic Secrets)