Differences should be encouraged; they truly add spice to the flavour of life. In Freemasonry, many Lodges have variations of procedure, of floor-work and alternative renderings of parts of the ritual, yet all Freemasons work under the guidance of the Great Architect and are dedicated to Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Differences bring alternative perspectives, bring insight and understanding; and understanding lies upon the path to Truth. The path to which we, as Freemasons, are devoted; hence, differences enrich us all.
    Differences though can be put into the dangerous service of sectarianism. When one group, lauding their particular type of difference, decides that all other groups are to be excluded, then we have the potential for conflict. Our forefathers recognised this and saw its applicability to matters of religion – over which so much blood has been spilt. They required solely a belief in the Divine source of life. The first Charge required of Freemasons, in the first Constitutions of 1723, stated that masons are obliged "to that religion in which all men agree, leaving their particular opinions to themselves… whereby masonry becomes the Centre of Union, and the means of conciliating true friendship among persons that must have remained at a perpetual distance".
    The modern Constitutions have much the same: "Let a man’s religion or mode of worship be what it may, he is not excluded from the order, provided he believe in the glorious architect of heaven and earth, and practise the sacred duties of morality".
    Clearly, Freemasonry maintains a distinction between religion and spirituality. And this is right and proper. A religion is a man-made form – however inspired – which conveys and communicates spirituality as best it can: humans are not perfect; their creations are not either. Yet beneath the form of religion lies the spiritual, that direct connection with the Divine.
    I was saddened to receive letters from Freemasons critical of any approach which takes seriously spiritual perspectives other than the Judaeo-Christian tradition. We also had Brethren complaining of our mention of Co-Freemasonry. While it is true that the latter is not part of the United Grand Lodge of England it is still part of the varied weave of world Freemasonry. And so far as other religions are concerned, they too are part of the varied weave by which spirituality is expressed.
    There are, a wise man said, many paths to the top of the mountain. The strength of Freemasonry lies in its traditional, and constitutional, ability to embrace all these paths under the guidance of an omnipresent Divinity. We inhabit a world of differences; let us celebrate them, not seek to fight or reduce them.
    ooooooo
    An exciting opportunity is coming up for readers of Freemasonry Today: we have designed a special twelve-day tour of Egypt, hosted by myself and the author Robert Temple. There is much there to fan the flames of spirituality, to provide both insight and that wonderful ingredient, mystery. There is also much which reveals parallels to masonic tradition. Could there be some real residue from so long ago still present in our teachings and rituals? It is possible. You need to see these places and make up your own mind. We plan to begin the tour on 23 April 2002 and spend time in Cairo, Aswan and Luxor, with trips radiating out into the ancient sites. Come along, it will be fun and inspiring. If you have never visited Egypt before, you will be astounded. Nothing matches actually being within the vast temples and feeling the ancient ambiance swirling about you like the desert winds.
    Michael Baigent MA – Editor

ADVICE FOR CONTRIBUTORS

    Could contributors to the News section please send me either photographs taken with film not exceeding 100 asa in speed, or on a digital camera set at 600 dpi, the image to be posted to me on a disc. The photographs themselves I prefer to be of the end-use of the charitable funds raised, not of a large cheque obscuring all else. Lets see the equipment purchased, or the hospice supported.