The leaflet "Freemasonry's External Relations" outlines the criteria for a Grand Lodge to be recognized as regular by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE). To achieve recognition, a Grand Lodge must be lawfully established, independent, and self-governing, with sole authority over Craft Freemasonry in its jurisdiction. It must consist exclusively of male members who believe in a Supreme Being, and all Obligations must be taken in view of the Volume of the Sacred Law. The three Great Lights of Freemasonry must be displayed during Lodge meetings, and discussions on religion and politics are prohibited. Bodies that do not adhere to these standards, such as those allowing membership without belief in a Supreme Being or engaging in political matters, are deemed irregular and are not recognized by the UGLE, with Masonic contact with such bodies being forbidden.
December 16th, 2025
February 10th, 2026
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Introduction
This leaflet is intended to expand a topic mentioned in the leaflet 'What is Freemasonry'. It explains the United Grand Lodge of England's relations with other Masonic bodies. Freemasonry is practised under many independent Grand Lodges with principles or standards similar to those set by the United Grand Lodge of England throughout its history.
Standards
To be recognised as regular by the United Grand Lodge of England, a Grand Lodge must meet the following standards.
It must have been lawfully established by a regular Grand Lodge or by three or more private Lodges, each warranted by a regular Grand Lodge. It must be truly independent and self governing, with undisputed authority over Craft - or basic - Freemasonry (i.e. the symbolic degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason) within its jurisdiction, and not subject in any other way to or sharing power with any other Masonic body. Freemasons under its jurisdiction must be men, and it and its Lodges must have no Masonic contact with Lodges which admit women to membership. Freemasons under its jurisdiction must believe in a Supreme Being. All Freemasons under its jurisdiction must take their Obligations on or in full view of the Volume of the Sacred Law (i.e. the Bible) or the book held sacred by the man concerned. The three Great Lights of Freemasonry (i.e. the Volume of the Sacred Law, the Square and the Compasses) must be on display when the Grand Lodge or its Subordinate Lodges are open. The discussion of religion and politics within its Lodges must be prohibited. It must adhere to the established principles and tenets (the 'Antient Landmarks') and customs of the Craft, and insist on their being observed within its Lodges.
Irregular or unrecognised Grand Lodges
There are some self-styled Masonic bodies which do not meet these standards, e.g. which do not require a belief in a Supreme Being, or which allow or encourage their members to participate as such in political matters. These bodies are not recognised by the Grand Lodge of England as being Masonically regular, and Masonic contact with them is forbidden.
This United Grand Lodge of England leaflet is reproduced here with permission.