Who speaks for Freemasonry?
Masonic ritual is the principle authority that speaks for Freemasonry. While there is no exact uniformity in Masonic ritual from state to state, the rituals are essentially the same. Masons thus boast of the universality of Freemasonry. Moreover, although Masonic ritual is not identical from state to state, every Grand Lodge in the United States recognizes each other as practicing valid Freemasonry. This means that Masons from one state can visit a lodge in another state and are generally allowed to participate in the ritual work. When a Christian criticizes the teachings of Freemasonry using the rituals, the Mason often evasively responds by saying “No one speaks for Freemasonry.” Such a response is not genuine, and is really just an effort to avoid addressing the rituals. Any honest Mason would admit that his Grand Lodge’s ritual is the authority that speaks for Masonry in his jurisdiction, and it is from these rituals that we learn of Masonry’s teachings about God, resurrection, and
