The Strategy for Freemasonry 2022 & Beyond

The English Constitution is unique in the fact that the Royal Arch is an integral part of our Masonic experience and the strong links between English Craft Freemasonry and the history of the Royal Arch in our Constitution are well documented. The undeniable and intrinsic link between the two means that it is imperative for us to move forward with a coherent, integrated plan for both the Craft and Royal Arch. This way, we can make sure that Freemasonry within the English Constitution remains as special and unique as it always has been. Coherence is absolutely the key in this case and the new Strategy reflects that.

As Freemasons, we can sometimes find new ideas and advancements are met with some scepticism and the old adage of ‘No, because’. It is this that we need to urgently address in order to make sure that the ambitious plans presented within this Strategy can be properly embedded. Instead, we need to move towards a ‘Yes, if’ approach at all levels. Change is not always easy, but the rewards will be fruitful if we can engage fully with this fundamental shift in the way we do things.

The Membership Challenge is the difference between gains and losses of members either in a Province/District or in aggregate for UGLE. It is expressed as % of Initiates and therefore identifies the increase in Initiates required in order to stabilise our membership numbers although a combination of increasing Initiates and reducing losses is likely to be the most practical solution. Gains include Initiates, Joiners who were Unattached and have now joined a new Lodge, Re-joiners who were Unattached and re-joined one of their original Lodges. Losses include Resignations, Cessations, Exclusions, Expulsions and Deaths.

“It is also the responsibility of all members of a Lodge or Chapter, not just that of the Membership Officer, Mentor or Almoner, to support their members: it is a team effort, and we are all responsible (not least the Proposer and Seconder of the Brother- or Companion- concerned). When someone is not seen for a time, please contact them to ascertain they are not in difficulty and to understand why they have not been able to attend and what can be done to help keep them involved. This may be as simple as just offering them a lift to the next meeting. This support and just offering them the hand of friendship might just help to address the issue of resignations or, what is worse, Cessations and Exclusions where members just quietly drift away, often unnoticed. Attracting new members is important but as you heard earlier retaining the active engagement and enjoyment of our existing members will be just as much the key to our success.”

Pro Grand Master, December QC 2022)

The Strategy sets out the need for Provinces and Districts to encourage inclusion throughout the membership by developing and enabling newer Brethren to involve themselves in projects at Provincial/District level. As we move forward, it is vital that we are drawing on the expertise of all members.

The Strategy outlines the need for members to remember that Freemasonry is supposed to be enjoyed! Many members find their Freemasonry enjoyable for a variety of reasons - including the sociable nature of the organisation and the charitable work undertaken. Get in touch with us and let us know what you enjoy most about being a Freemason.