Freemasonry, what is it and what does it mean to many?

We are aware that some Neath Councillors are Freemasons - because they have declared it in their register of interests - as they should in an open society.

We are also aware that Freemasons do much charitable work so they deserve credit where due.   But is there another side that we should be aware of?   We looked at the Internet and found more information.

Freemasonry means different things to each of those who join. For some, it’s about making new friends and acquaintances. For others it’s about being able to help deserving causes – making a contribution to family and society. But for most, it is an enjoyable hobby.

Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations. It teaches self-knowledge through participation in a progression of ceremonies. Members are expected to be of high moral standing and are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry. The following information is intended to explain Freemasonry as it is practised under the United Grand Lodge of England, which administers Lodges of Freemasons in England and Wales and in many places overseas.

Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its principles (moral lessons and self-knowledge) by a series of ritual dramas – a progression of allegorical two-part plays which are learnt by heart and performed within each Lodge – which follow ancient forms, and use stonemasons’ customs and tools as allegorical guides.

Having said that, we are going to look more closely at Freemasonry and see if some members of Lodges put others before themselves OR have they joined to elevate their own position in society and take advantage of who they know, bearing in mind the old saying: "it's not what you know but who you know".

It may take time for our team to collate all the facts but in the meantime your views on Freemasonry are welcome in Readers Letters.