Freemasonry a secret society, right?

The answer is: it is not!

A secret society is one in which membership must be concealed; the meeting places kept secret and; knowledge of its organization and principals, unknown.

Freemasonry’s meeting places and activities are easily ascertained by those interested enough to inquire. The Laws and Constitutions are all published and there are many books on Freemasonry in most bookshops and libraries. The Masonic Order in Minnesota is headquartered at the Minnesota Masonic Home in Bloomington.  It is open to the public at certain times and openly sponsors numerous charities through a division called Minnesota Masonic Charities.

Freemasonry has been described more accurately as: a society with secrets. These are primarily relating to the modes of recognition used between Masons, including the proverbial – funny handshakes! Many people wonder why these are kept secret; however, this is simply a tradition and as part of our moral instruction, we learn the value in preserving that tradition and thus keeping those modes limited to our members.

Other aspects we would consider to be simply private, opposed to secret; just as other societies and organizations would regard some of their internal affairs as matters limited to members.

To maintain the fraternity and harmony of a lodge and contrary to the conspiracy theorists and sensational novelists, Freemasonry disallows any discussion about religion or politics within it meetings, although it does encourage its members to be active in civic concerns and their chosen faith. The prohibition on discussing politics or religion allows members of all political backgrounds and religious beliefs to gather outside the bounds of usual separation.

In essence: Freemasonry promotes the practice of improving the virtues of moral, ethical and spiritual responsibility, actively participating in charity fundraising and the broadening of mental horizons through the symbolic moral plays taught in its lodge meetings.