Copyright 2021 Geoff Hadaway. All rights reserved.
SOUTH SHIELDS FREEMASONS'
FREEMASONS' HALL
Ingham Street, South Shields, NE33 2DQ
Reproduced by kind permission from the
Province of Nottinghamshire website
13. How strict are the Masonic rules?
Masonic rules and regulations place much emphasis on the individual to exercise his integrity and responsibility. Because of this, the rules are generally very highly respected by everyone, giving the impression of being strictly applied. And indeed they are. But as in most things Masonic, it is close guidance and good example that generally prevails rather than castigation.
Whilst we recognise and accept that human failing will always be amongst us, we have clearly defined limits of tolerance.
Thus, significant breaches of our values and the expected standards of conduct are treated very seriously. Transgressors may be admonished formally, or suspended, or invited to resign and in extreme cases, expelled. Over the last three years, in England, there have been no fewer than 43 expulsions enforced by The United Grand Lodge of England.
