Why are you a secret society?

We are not, but lodge meetings, like those of many other groups, are private and open only to members. The rules and aims of Freemasonry are available to the public. Meeting places are known and in many areas are used by the local community for activities other than Freemasonry.

Many masons will not answer questions about the fraternity as they believe it is supposed to be a "secret". In the end that is a loss for the fraternity as any time someone asks a question about Masonry it's a great opportunity to talk openly about it. An often retort to this idea is that it is a Society with Secrets, rather than a secret society, but this is equally confusing.

There are aspects to Freemasonry that are kept and taught to only those who go through the initiations and ceremonies so as to keep them in a proper perspective and context of meaning. These aspects are not "secrets" but instead knowledge that is best communicated in a specific and concise manner.

Therefore, Freemasonry is not a secret society but a discreet society with secrets.