Regular VS Irregular: In Freemasonry, the distinction between Regular and Irregular Freemasonry is fundamental. It concerns the legitimacy, traditions, constitutional authority, and recognition of a Masonic body. Irregular Lodges are those that do not conform to the standards of regularity and the ancient landmarks .
## 1. Regular Freemasonry
Regular Masonic Tradition
Regular Freemasonry operates according to established principles and traditions recognised by mainstream regular Grand Lodges.
Its commonly accepted characteristics include:
– Belief in a Supreme Being (Great Architect of the Universe).
– The Volume of the Sacred Law is displayed in the Lodge.
– The traditional three degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason.
– No discussion of partisan politics or religion in Lodge meetings.
– Exclusively male membership.
– Sovereign Grand Lodge authority over its subordinate Lodges.
– Recognition and fraternal relations with other regular Grand Lodges.
A prominent example is the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Lebanon which was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Newyork.
## 2. Irregular Freemasonry
Outside a particular regularity framework
Irregular Freemasonry refers to Masonic organisations that do not conform to the principles or constitutional requirements of a regular Masonic authority.
Examples of practices that may place a Grand Lodge outside the Anglo-American regular tradition include:
– Accepting atheists or those who do not profess belief in a Supreme Being.
– Removing the Volume of the Sacred Law from Lodge proceedings.
– Admitting both men and women.
– Allowing political or religious discussions in Lodge.
– Operating without an accepted constitutional lineage or authority.
– Having no recognition from the established regular Grand Lodges.