Joining
How does one become a Mason (Freemason)?
The Anderson Constitution of 1723 defines that a person who is free and of good character, mature, conscious of their life views, and acting ethically can become a Freemason.
Although much has changed since the proclamation of the Anderson Constitution, the general principles remain constant. Concepts of freedom, autonomy, and the notion of citizenship have evolved – Freemasonry has also undergone transformations. Today, we accept women and men on equal terms, treating all interested parties regardless of skin colour, sexual orientation, religion, or nationality equally.
The late Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Poland, Piotr Kuncewicz, formulated the principle of inviting candidates to the Order. It is the principle of “doors wide open with a high threshold step.” We are open to all sincerely interested in the Masonic path of self-development. However, we only invite those who are actively seeking, aware of the responsibilities that come with the invitation, and are ready to develop their individuality through group cooperation.
What are the conditions for admission to the Grand Orient of Poland?
In practice, a person who may seek an invitation to the Order should:
- Have a conscious, free, and uncoerced will to join the Brotherhood.
- Be mature in life, at least of legal age.
- Have stable livelihood and a regulated personal life.
- Be capable of a critical, objective view of the world.
- Enjoy an excellent reputation (we also require that they have not been criminally convicted for intentional offences).
- Be honourable, loyal, and honest, tolerant of the diversity of others.
- Be discreet and capable of keeping secrets.
Meeting the above requirements is a necessary but not sufficient condition for admission to the ranks of the Brotherhood.
What does it take to become a Freemason?
If the aforementioned conditions are met, the question remains: how to be invited, or how to obtain an invitation to the Grand East of Poland? This procedure can be initiated in two ways:
- Upon the initiative and recommendation of an active member of Order.
- Upon the applicant’s own initiative – by submitting an application via email, which should include: a CV and a motivational letter introducing the applicant’s character.
What is the application procedure like?
An individual applying for admission to one of the Lodges should submit their application to the chosen Lodge in the form of a CV and a motivational letter. They should present themselves, their education, place of residence, age, workplace, and marital status. The application should also include information about the applicant’s interests, values guiding their life, and reasons for seeking admission to Freemasonry. It is important to provide a contact phone number, email address, and convenient time for phone contact.
The candidate’s information is presented to Lodge members who decide on further processing of the candidacy. If the verification is successful, the first “live” meeting will be scheduled. During this meeting, the applicant will receive all necessary information about further steps, and the interviewer will decide whether further direct meetings will occur. Opinions and observations from these conversations will be presented to the Brothers and Sisters (from the chosen Lodge) and will be the basis on whether an invitation for the final meeting – before all Lodge members – is presented to the Candidate. The final decision on admitting the candidate to Initiation will be made.
By submitting their application, one must be aware that admission to the Organization does not entail any honours, privileges, access to power, money, or luxuries. Instead, it entails obligations, costs, personal work, and active involvement, not just participation. Embarking on the path to Freemasonry also requires being aware of the need to patiently endure the preparatory period, which can be quite long.
The candidate’s decision to apply to Freemasonry is taken very seriously by us. Therefore, it should be the result of a carefully considered decision.