Freemasonry is practised under many independent Grand Lodges with similar standards which all recognise each other as Freemasonry.

There are some Grand Lodges and other apparently Masonic bodies, however, that do not meet these standards, i.e. that do not require a belief in a Supreme Being, or that allow or encourage their members as such to participate in political matters. These Grand Lodges and bodies are not recognised by mainstream Freemasonry as being Masonically Regular, and Masonic contact with them is forbidden by most Regular Grand Lodges.

However, many of these institutions still provide a morally rewarding environment, and due to their nature allows those not necessarily permitted to join Freemasonry to also enjoy a similar experience.

There are groups completely styled on Freemasonry but are bespokely for women, or mixed gender, there are self styled groups for specific faiths or ethnic roots. All these groups are unique in their own right, and make up a part of Freemasonry as a whole, but are not apart of the dominant Freemasonry stemming from 1717.

There are also a number of self-styled masonic groups that hold no legitimate claim to be Freemasonry, some are purely for revenue, some for other less savoury means.

For this reason we include here at Freemasonry Universal information on them as well, to give you a greater understanding and picture of Freemasonry as a whole and also to serve as a warning to check what it is you are joining before you sign on the dotted line >> Go to Alternate area

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