Q: Do you have to believe in God to be a Free-Mason in the Grand Orient?
A: No. The Grand Orient believes in and promotes freedom of conscience for all people. Free-Masonry is not a religion but a system of Natural Philosophy that is religion neutral. The atheist, Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and others are all equally welcome in our lodges.
Q: Is the discussion of religion or politics forbidden?
A: No. Free-Masonry is dedicated to furthering human understanding in all areas of knowledge. The only time that such a discussion would be disallowed is in the form of sectarian dissemination with the intent to proselytize.
Q: What rituals do Grand Orient lodges use?
A: Each lodge is free to choose the ritual that best suits the needs of its members. At the present time, we are offering Scottish Rite, Modern Rite, American Preston/Webb, and English Emulation.
Q: Does the Grand Orient prohibit the consumption of alcohol at lodge functions?
A: No. As Free-Masons, we are taught to temper our passions and not to drink to excess. Each Lodge may choose whether or not to allow alcohol on the premises.
Q: Does the Grand Orient claim exlusive Masonic territorial jurisdiction over all of the USA?
A: No. This question is often asked because of a fundamental difference between Anglo-American Freemasonry and Traditional Cosmopolitan Free-Masonry. We believe that other forms of Masonry may coexist with us in the same territory; for example, the mixed-gender and feminine obediences.
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