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Traditionally, only men can be made Freemasons in Regular Freemasonry. Many Grand Lodges do not admit women because they believe it would break the ancient Masonic Landmarks. However, there are many non-mainstream Masonic bodies that do admit both men and women or exclusively women.
Membership is open to men age 18 and older who believe in a Supreme Being and meet the qualifications and standards. Men of all ethnic and religious backgrounds are welcome.
he Grand Lodge of British Columbia does not recognize as regular Freemasonry any self-styled body that initiates women. That said, there are several organizations calling themselves Freemasonry that do initiate women.
The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), and others concordant in that regular tradition, do not formally recognize any Masonic body that accepts women. The UGLE has stated since 1998 that two English women's jurisdictions are regular in practice, except for their inclusion of women, and has indicated that, while not formally recognized, these bodies may be regarded as part of Freemasonry, when describing Freemasonry in general.
Wikipedia
Originally posted by UFOpsychiczebra
Actually you're wrong.
Sorry women are NOT formally recognized, they even admit it in your own link that you provided in this post. Not officially recognized means just that, not recognized.
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.
www.owf.org.uk...
Originally posted by Trinityman
reply to post by UFOpsychiczebra
3. Womens Freemasonry. This is, again, irregular masonry as ... However the UGLE in a statement of 10th March 1999, acknowledged the regularity and sincerity of women’s Freemasonry although they do not officially recognize it and their members cannot take part.
The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), and others concordant in that regular tradition, do not formally recognize any Masonic body that accepts women. The UGLE has stated since 1998 that two English women's jurisdictions are regular in practice, except for their inclusion of women, and has indicated that, while not formally recognized, these bodies may be regarded as part of Freemasonry, when describing Freemasonry in general.
I think it is fairest to say that Women-only freemasonry as practiced by the OWF and HFAF is most certainly freemasonry, but irregular from the perspective of traditional Regular Freemasonry.
My personal view of all irregular freemasons, in fact anyone who thinks they are a freemason, is to accord them the courtesy of treating them as such. … I can tell you that I have met many freemasons, male and female, who are irregular by my standards but are the finest people you would wish to associate with, and highly knowledgeable about freemasonry itself.
Hope this helps UFOpsychiczebra - this is an emotive subject for many freemasons. I apologize for continuing the thread derailment and I hope a women freemason comes along soon to answer your questions.
Originally posted by UFOpsychiczebra
There is no need for you to apologize Trinityman, (but, your apology is accepted) unlike all the other replies in this thread, you have shown courtesy, respect and intelligence in your reply. Maybe all the others whom have replied to this should read your post as a good example of an appropriate response.
There are women Freemasons. They practice as Freemasons. They have their lodges, so obviously they are not accepted into male lodges, and actually vice versa. That is except for co-Freemasonry but that is another subject. The fact that a male Freemason does not recognise a female Freemason does NOT make her less of a Freemason. Get over it!
Why are some men so threatened by this? Are you afraid they might find out about your male only secrets? You do realise that your reaction to this only reinforces the homo- erotic associations that there with Freemasonry?
The current status of women in Freemasonry is transitional, there will eventually be full acceptance. Like all prejudice it will be overcome.
DO NOT REPLY IF YOU ARE A MAN, OR YOU ARE NOT ACTUALLY REPLYING TO THE OP.
Trinityman was only trying to clarify and help with what was a deliberate attempt by all the other replies in thread to derail it off topic. However, all the other replies in this thread - your OFF TOPIC posts are not welcome here.