In response to recent press reports highlighting the Vatican's reiteration of the ban on Roman Catholics becoming Freemasons, the United Grand Lodge of England convened to address the relationship between Freemasonry and Religion.

The Board, referencing a statement approved in September 1962, emphasised that Masonry is neither a religion nor a substitute for religion.

"The Board has been giving the most earnest consideration to this subject, being convinced that it is of fundamental importance to the reputation and well-being of English Freemasonry that no misunderstanding should exist inside or outside the Craft," stated the Board.

The statement reinforced that Masonry seeks to instil "a standard of conduct and behaviour which it believes to be acceptable to all creeds, but studiously refrains from intervening in the field of dogma or theology."

It categorically asserted, "Masonry, therefore, is not a competitor with religion, though, in the sphere of human conduct, it may be hoped that its teaching will be complementary to that of religion."

Adrian Marsh, Grand Secretary, expressed, "Its basic requirement that every member of the Order shall believe in a Supreme Being and the stress laid upon his duty towards Him should be sufficient evidence to all but the wilfully prejudiced that Masonry is an upholder of religion."

He emphasised that Masonry demands a belief in a Supreme Being for admission and expects members to continue practising their religion.