Saint Jude - Patron Saint of Lost Causes

Saint Jude, the patron saint of lost causes, would feel well at home within Freemasonry. Any organisation struggles with the two extremes of regulation and innovation. Over the years Freemasonry has become increasingly regulated to the point where its culture is based upon one of compliance. Unfortunately this has created an ultra-conservative organisation (with a small 'c') where members value the 'dull security of tradition' as Robert Putnam put it. Significant change, therefore, is next to impossible as it attracts people who are conservative in nature.

In the meantime membership is falling at an annual rate of approximately 2-3%. It would appear the organisation would rather decline than change.