How Anglican Clergy Perceive Freemasonry: Complementary System, Incompatible Enemy or Harmless Eccentricity

Abstract

While the Roman Catholic Church has consistently pronounced against Freemasonry, the Church of England has never officially done so. Twenty years after the last debate on the subject in the General Synod (1987), the present study has assessed the views on Freemasonry held by senior clergy (Archdeacons, Area and Rural Deans) through a qualitative survey that attracted 518 responses (response rate: 64%). The survey generated more negative responses about Freemasonry than positive responses. The former revolved around six themes: additional public commitments, family life, fair practice, theological orthodoxy, spiritual development, church development and change. The latter revolved around three themes: philanthropy, provision of wider networks, local social activity and service. The data demonstrated that, whether making positive or negative evaluations, the majority of clergy took the theme seriously and made little attempt to trivialise Freemasonry. It was also clear that the majority of views were based on personal contact, hearsay, and anecdote, rather than on an informed examination of the issues. On the basis of these findings, recommendations are made for both further research and the continuing professional education of clergy.