The Masonic Renewal

After more than 45 years of involvement in Masonic lodges, I have decided to dedicate this space to a reflection aimed at envisioning a Masonic Renewal. Over the past several years, I have spent a great deal of time studying the ins and outs of the Masonic path, and today I am convinced that there is a way forward that can lead us toward a renewal worthy of our ideal.

What kind of Masonic renewal is possible?

A – The future of Freemasonry can only be conceived as a continuation of our own history.

It is from our history that renewal must emerge. It is what it is — we cannot change it. However, being conscious of the different episodes spanning these three centuries can help us avoid the mythomania that, unfortunately, is all too common.

Our history is that of successive communities of men and women who, since the 17th century, have shaped the “face” of Freemasonry according to historical events and personalities.

Freemasonry was built upon a method:

• a small elitist group,

• a ritual,

• a pursuit of harmony.

In reality, this method is not a fully-fledged project; each lodge is free to give it whatever content its leaders choose. In a way, this demonstrates freedom, but in practice, coherence is not always present, and divisions are inevitable — not to mention potential drifts into unrelated paths.

Based on this foundation, a true acceleration took place in England with the decision to create a Grand Lodge in 1723. Those involved during this pivotal period were close to the English royal family (up to 1707), and later to the British Crown.

To recall, here are the monarchs who reigned between 1700 and 1800:

• William III (1689–1702)

• Queen Anne (1702–1714)

• George I (1714–1727)

• George II (1727–1760)

• George III (1760–1820)

This period in British history is quite extraordinary:

• It marks England’s transformation into Great Britain

• The assertion of parliamentary rights

• The transition from the Stuarts to the Hanoverians

• The institutionalization of Freemasonry

At that time, the world was dominated by three major powers: Great Britain, France, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In each of these nations, Freemasons held key decision-making positions within political circles.

Three historical factors favored the expansion of Freemasonry:

1. The alliance between the English bourgeoisie and the aristocracy — mirrored in other countries as partnerships between the bourgeoisie and ruling political parties

2. The coincidence of the Grand Lodge's founding with the momentum of liberal ideas

3. The integration of occultism into Masonic symbolism

These three sociological components still explain the ambiguity of the Masonic path today, which contains three distinct tendencies:

• fascination with power, whatever its form,

• a liberal — sometimes libertarian — orientation,

• esoteric temptation.

Today, the existence of a significant Masonic historical legacy, along with the participation of the well-to-do (middle class, bourgeoisie, and senior officials), allows Freemasonry to survive and retain a degree of appeal.

We sometimes tend to judge the vitality of a social movement by the number of its members. What is true for a protest group or a sports association cannot be applied to the appeal of Freemasonry. Historically, Masonic lodges have been structures reserved for an elite. Numerous writings refer to the intellectual qualities of its members. Everything suggests that Freemasonry was conceived as a movement of influence.

Under these circumstances, judging the influence of an obedience based on the number of its members does not answer the question “What is our purpose?” If it were simply a question of numbers, all we would need to do is turn lodges into service providers and we would see membership soar.

The ambition of Freemasonry is not quantitative but qualitative! It seeks to work for Peace, Harmony, and Universal Brotherhood!

B – What is its purpose ?

Over the course of three centuries, in the countries where it has taken root, Freemasonry has revealed itself in various ways:

• a proximity to (or rejection of) political power

• a structure for social integration of minorities

• a sounding board for liberal ideas

• a receptivity to esoteric beliefs

• an internally autocratic mode of governance

• a constant reference to a “glorious” past

This "polyphony" ends up undermining the credibility of many Masonic declarations, which, though often well-intentioned, appear incoherent. Yet despite this, Freemasonry continues to attract new candidates, and lodges continue to initiate.

To hope for renewed influence, it is essential to give meaningful purpose to the Masonic path: bringing together men and women who embody high moral and philosophical values could become the primary mission that grants Freemasonry a unique role in the social fabric.

But this can only happen if consensus can be found — at the very least within a lodge that truly desires to revitalize and give meaning to its work.

C – Operating with exemplary governance

No reflection is credible if the governance of the institution behind it is inconsistent with its stated purpose.

If Freemasonry wishes to be understood as a space for the encounter of individuals who bear high moral and philosophical values, then it must implement exemplary governance based on eleven key principles:

1. Dignity for all

2. Mutual recognition

3. Active benevolence

4. Just and shared rules

5. Genuine participation

6. Moral transparency

7. Care for the most vulnerable

8. Shared responsibility

9. A non-exclusive purpose

10. The ability to navigate conflict

11. Long-term commitment

D – Expressing the raison d’être through a renewed Masonic path

Adopting the Masonic path would first and foremost mean choosing encounter.

An encounter with fellow human beings driven by the same desire to work in the ethical and philosophical domains, to strengthen universal fraternity in service of a common good, particularly in the protection of our planet.

Affirming a principal orientation:If disappointment today stems from disillusionment, then a will to act with resilience, driven by the desire to gather those who uphold high moral and philosophical values, can transform the life of a lodge — and from lodge to lodge, of the entire obedience, and ultimately, the whole Masonic order.

Accepting secondary orientations:The priority given to this central mission does not exclude the presence of other motivations, which may also be acknowledged.

A gradual process:Gathering individuals of high values requires the ability to welcome, organize their work, and value collective and collaborative efforts.

Depending on whether this dynamic takes place within a lodge, an obedience, or a Masonic association, the modalities will vary.

• At the lodge level, the three-degree ritual can serve as a selective process, reserving access to the third degree for those brothers and sisters who have demonstrated — through their work — that they belong to the circle of bearers of high values.

• At the level of an obedience, symposia would no longer be animated by external personalities, but by internal resources — possibly supplemented by invited guests. In this way, Freemasonry could appear as a bearer of solutions for peace and harmony among peoples, grounded in benevolence and universal fraternity.

• Within a Masonic association, a more flexible structure would allow for freer and more engaged expression.

High moral and philosophical values: what does this mean?We know that these notions are not reserved for academics. While cognitive tools are important, personal experience and commitment allow us to recognize with whom we are dealing. Masonic tradition must prioritize exemplarity.

The expression “high moral and philosophical values” may refer to:

• Reflective thinking

• Benevolence

• Fraternity

• Humility

• Commitment to others

• Pacifism

• Sharing

• Study and research

Making Freemasonry a component of civil society:

• A democracy needs counterbalances. The Masonic Order could serve this role, operating exclusively on ethical and philosophical grounds

• Without political engagement or participation in state power

• As a guardian of secularism, understood as the rejection of all forms of lobbying, whether religious, economic, or otherwise

In this framework, I am convinced that Freemasonry has a bright future:

• By dispelling the initial ambiguity of myth-driven interpretations

• By affirming coherent, demanding, and forward-looking content

• By enacting exemplary and fraternal governance

• By restoring credibility to collective labor inspired by a genuine desire for initiation

Freemasonry can then establish itself as a specialized forum for those who carry high moral and philosophical values.

E – What can be expected?

Ideally, this renewal would be embraced by the principal Masonic obediences in the countries where Freemasonry is present.

Very little would need to change.

Just this:

• Display a clear priority: to unite people of high moral and philosophical stature

• Establish training for Masters to:

  • facilitate fraternal governance

  • prepare for the leadership of lodges and structures

  • support collaborative work in ethical and philosophical reflection

  • integrate the meaningful valorization of the Third Degree

Of course, this evolution will take time — but it can eventually give a new face to our contribution in ethical and philosophical discourse.

We are aware that this renewal will only occur if carried forward by collective reflection.

If this challenge speaks to you, do not hesitate to contact me:📧 mateo.simoita@gmail.com

Mateo Simoita