what is freemasonry

Freemasonry, also known as Masonry, refers to fraternal organizations that trace their origins to the local guilds of stonemasons from the end of the 14th century. These organizations regulated the qualifications of stonemasons and their interaction with authorities. Freemasonry has evolved into a worldwide fraternity with an estimated six million members. The Masonic lodge is the basic organizational unit of Freemasonry, where regular meetings are held to conduct formal business, social, and charitable events. Freemasonry has a long historical perspective and has been influential in various countries, including Europe, the New World, and Asia. It is a men-only order that emphasizes fellowship, moral discipline, and mutual assistance, and it has been associated with the advance of the British Empire. Freemasonry evolved from the guilds of stonemasons and cathedral builders of the Middle Ages and has encountered opposition from organized religion and various states throughout its history. It is not a Christian institution, although it has often been mistaken for such, and its teachings emphasize morality and charity.