Provincial Grand Lodge of Suffolk

• Ads taken in Times, Telegraph and Guardian newspapers
• Personal letter by Dr David Staples, Chief Executive of the United Grand Lodge of England references writing to the Equality and Human Rights Commission to make its case

Embargoed until 00.01 hours Thursday 8 February 2018: The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) has taken full page ads in The Times, Daily Telegraph and Guardian calling for an end to discrimination of its 200,000 plus members.

Headlined ‘Enough is Enough’, the ad is a personal letter from Dr David Staples, Chief Executive Officer, which reiterates the organisation’s values and highlights how throughout its 300-year history when people have suffered discrimination, Freemasonry has welcomed them into lodges as equals.

Such is the frustration amongst members about the level of prejudice, Dr Staples has also written to the Equality and Human Rights Commission to make its case.

Dr David Staples, Chief Executive of UGLE commenting says:

“This is a first for us, but necessary under the circumstances. For too long we have been unjustly singled out. We are an organisation whose whole tenet is about helping individuals become better people, with values of honesty, integrity and service to others. Membership of Freemasonry is not only positive for them as individuals, but also for society at large.

“Sadly, too many Freemasons have to exercise caution in response to prejudice and discrimination they fear they will face. We want the day when every Freemason can proudly declare themselves a member of our great and historical organisation without fear of retribution, suspicion or damage.

“We’re open and happy to talk about anything and today we are announcing a series of sessions up and down the country too and to answer any questions people may have. I am also welcoming any queries from individuals myself.”

ENDS

The ad below will appear in Thursday 8 February 2018 editions. 

For further information, please contact:

Bondy Consulting – 020 7534 9800
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Note to Editors About the United Grand Lodge of England The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) is the governing body of Freemasonry in England, Wales, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands (plus a number of Districts and groups overseas), formed in 1717 and has a membership of over 200,000.

UGLE celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2017, marking the date that four London Lodges came together at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern in St Paul’s Churchyard and declared themselves the world’s first Grand Lodge.

Freemasonry is one of the world’s largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations, and its symbolic origin lies in stonemasonry.

Last year alone it raised over £33 million for good causes.

Visit www.ugle.org.uk for further information.