is freemasonry or Co-masonry the same?

Question

havent heard about the co-masonry before only here in yahoo answers...are they copycats?
well i understand freemasons was there since time immemorial...but co-masonry? please explain.>?

Answer 1

The explanation given by the "co-mason" NeoArt is accurate and informative. I, as an Ancient Free and Accepted Mason (the "real" Masons if you will), can only add this. "Co-masons" are generally not recognized by real Masonic Lodges and will most likely not be permitted to attend meetings. Many Masons in this country still are not even aware that this group exists.

NeoArt mentioned that Co-masons require that their "brothers" must declare belief in a higher power, but are not pressed further on the issue and there are no religious requirements apart from not being an atheist. This is the case with real Masons as well. There is no futher requirement where religious belief in concerned.

Co-Masons seem to mean well, and are most likely very good hearted individuals who are lookinig to improve themselves and their community, just as real Masons are and have. They just seem to differ in a few areas that caused them to form their own fringe group. Co-masons should still be respected as people who are trying to do good, but they will not be accepted by real Masons, as doing so would violate the oath that every Freemason takes.

Answer 2

Co-Masonry (or as it has been called "mixed Masonry") practices rites and rituals of Freemasonry. Where we differ from most Freemasons you may have heard of is we confer the degrees upon women and men of all races. We in American Co-Masonry require the candidate state that they believe in a Supreme Being but leave the description of that Being to the individual. In otherwords, we leave their religion to their own private conscience.

There are many different Orders and Juristictions of Freemasonry, even within the "masculine" (men only) rites, and so it is hard to generalize about any one practice.

Even the masculine rites have on occasion initiated and confered higher degrees upon women. They invented stories about those women hiding in closets (Hon. Mrs. Aldworth) and having to initiate them or to kill them. In 1693 we have the York Manuscript No. 4, belonging to the Grand Lodge of York, which relates how when an Apprentice is admitted the 'elders taking the Booke, he or _shee_ [sic] that is to be made Mason shall lay their hands thereon, and the charge shall be given.'

There are at least two women only Lodges in Great Britain that are accorded grudging recognition by the United Grand Lodge of England.

When a Master Mason from another Order visits our Blue Lodge he would find some changes but none that would insult his sensibilities, more likely those that would awaken a memory of older rituals he has read in books. We keep with rites "improved upon" and thus deleted from modern American (masculine) Freemasonry. Our progression through the degrees is slower, also. We believe in the fire of alchemy being a slow heating. There are more differences but they are more inclusive than exclusive. They do not bear discussing on an open board.

We hold forth our hand of friendship to all Brothers who meet on the Level, Act on the Plumb, and part on the Square. Master Masons may affiliate with our Lodges or may choose to go through initiation and progress as EAs. Many choose that route.

Answer 3

I think freemasonry is the original...
co-masonry are just the masons wannabees..
i dunno!
i have hearing about the masons and looks that they are honorable people.

Answer 4

NO! It does exist, but its not concidered mainstream freemasonry.

Answer 5

Go to www.co-masonry.org for info.

Answer 6

no

Answer 7

no that's all i can say