Anglo-American Freemasonry


Anglo-American Freemasonry is a loose network of overlapping chains of mutually recognized Grand Lodges. For the most part these trace their descent from one of "original" British Grand Lodges, with mutual recognition based on adherence to certain core values, rules and membership requirements.

Different branches of Freemasonry

Freemasonry is often said to consist of two branches not in mutual regular amity:
The majority of Masonic jurisdictions around the world follow the Anglo-American style The Anglo-American style is especially dominant in the United States, and the countries that once formed the British Empire. It has a minority presence in France and most Latin American countries. The Anglo-American branch has several noteworthy sub-branches, most notably Prince Hall Freemasonry. The Swedish Rite, although recognised by this branch of masonry, is best viewed as a separate rite.
The Continental Style dominates in France, and has a majority presence in several European countries and in most Latin American countries. It has a minority presence in other parts of the world.
There are three core issues that separate the Anglo-American Branch and the Continental Branch of Freemasonry:
IssueAnglo-AmericanContinental
Belief in DeityRequires its members to express a belief in Deity as a condition of membershipNot a requirement, allowing atheists to join
Female membershipDoes not admit women as members. There are associated organisations in American Freemasonry which are open to women, but unrecognised in England or Ireland.Open to female membership by means of mixed lodges, women-only lodges or by being in amity with women only bodies
Political involvementStrict ban of the discussion of politics in a lodge setting, and its Grand Lodges will not comment on political mattersAllows political discussion, and its Grand Orients will often issue statements on political issues.