HH sues Bishop Chomba for calling him a Satanist and Freemason

http://www.lusakatimes.com/2014/12/25/hh-sues-bishop-chomba-calling-satanist-freemason/

Masons dedicate cornerstone at Grayson clock tower

http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/news/2014/dec/20/masons-dedicate-cornerstone-at-grayson-clock-tower/

Masons colluded, Hillsborough court told

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/dec/17/hillsborough-disaster-police-masonic-conspiracy

Masonic hall in Wynnum on Brisbane’s bayside is graffitied with the words ‘pedos’, ‘terrorists’ and ‘killers’ overnight

http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/east/masonic-hall-in-wynnum-on-brisbanes-bayside-is-graffitied-with-the-words-pedos-terrorists-and-killers-overnight/story-fni9r0lo-1227159753623

St. Louis City Masonic Temple being sold

http://www.ksdk.com/story/news/local/2014/12/12/st-louis-city-masonic-temple-being-sold/20302163/

Thoughts of Freemasonry

http://www.news24.com/MyNews24/Thoughts-of-Freemasonry-20141127

Rochdale Freemasons donate £3,304 to Springhill Hospice

Well done to our brethren over t'hill in Lancashire.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/92759/rochdale-freemasons-donate-3304-to-springhill-hospice

Student opens doors to Freemasonry

http://www.theranger.org/2014/11/17/student-opens-doors-to-freemasonry/

Block by block: How Freemasons built Nairobi

Interesting commentary of Freemasonry's influence in shaping the landscape of Nairobi.

http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/entertainment/thenairobian/article/2000140691/block-by-block-how-freemasons-built-nairobi

Freemason group's donation to Windsor Care Home in Minehead

http://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/news/somerset_news/11554983.Freemason_group_s_donation_to_Windsor_Care_Home_in_Minehead/

Historic Lodges set to open doors in Whitby

http://www.whitbygazette.co.uk/news/local/historic-lodges-set-to-open-doors-in-whitby-1-6915848

Masons 'mysterious, not secret', top English Freemason says on Hong Kong visit

http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1624749/masons-mysterious-not-secret-top-english-freemason-says-hong-kong

50 years as a Freemason

Congratulations to Bro Lord. I cycled through Clitheroe on the Provincial Perimeter Pedal - Waddington is "just over the border" in Yorkshire, West Riding.

http://www.clitheroeadvertiser.co.uk/news/50-years-as-a-freemason-1-6856006

Freemasons help needy

http://www.liverpoolchampion.com.au/story/2530458/freemasons-help-needy/?cs=1465

Kirklees' freemasons prepare for race of their lives in formidable 280 mile Yorkshire cycle challenge

http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/kirklees-freemasons-prepare-race-lives-7583228

Freemason uses pedal power to raise charity cash

http://www.cravenherald.co.uk/news/11352622.Freemason_uses_pedal_power_to_raise_charity_cash/?ref=var_0

Freemasons get on their bikes for charity

http://m.ilkleygazette.co.uk/news/11318429.Freemasons_get_on_their_bikes_for_charity/

The secret history of the jazz greats who were freemasons

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/jul/02/secret-jazz-freemason-history-duke-ellington-sun-ra

Festival of Flowers

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/87548/festival-of-flowers

Scholarship welcome boost

http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/303636/scholarship-welcome-boost

Japanese variety show stumbles into interview with a Grand Master of Freemasonry

Shock! Horror! Freemasonry not a secret society.

Bizarre story.

http://en.rocketnews24.com/2014/05/27/japanese-variety-show-stumbles-into-interview-with-a-grand-master-of-freemasonry/

Charity leader praises Freemasons' 50k gift

http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/11238611.Charity_leader_praises_Freemasons__50k_gift/

Event marks raising £30,000 for charity

http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/community/community-news/event-marks-raising-30-000-for-charity-1-6634919

The Masonic mystery of Col. Mix

http://altamontenterprise.com/community/out-about/05212014/masonic-mystery-col-mix

The Truth of Genesis: The Beast, The False Jesus, & The Rapture, Part 4 - Double-Cross

Oh dear, more silly nonsense from the craftaphobic.

These are what are known in the trade as "illusory correlations" followed by "confirmation bias". The relationships between these are extreme, and if you look hard enough (confirmation bias) you're always going to find something that fits your world view. It is easier to slay a dragon as it is to kill a myth, as they say.

http://www.news24.com/MyNews24/The-Truth-of-Genesis-The-Beast-The-False-Jesus-The-Rapture-Part-4-Double-Cross-20140521

Bedford-area Freemasons provide free Child ID kits

http://www.roanoke.com/community/laker_weekly/bedford-area-freemasons-provide-free-child-id-kits/article_a01f07a8-e016-11e3-ba96-001a4bcf6878.html

Behind the scenes at not-so-secret Sheffield order

http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/behind-the-scenes-at-not-so-secret-sheffield-order-1-6599953

Man who threatened Riverside officer with ice pick wanted to kill 'free masons'

http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/2014/05/14/man-who-threatened-riverside-officer-with-ice-pick-wanted-to-kill-free-masons/a1goy4z/

Freemason Wins Court Fight Over Expulsion From Lodge

http://www.tribune242.com/news/2014/may/12/freemason-wins-court-fight-over-expulsion-lodge/

Similarity of Oaths - an eighteenth century phenomenon

I saw this during Ian Hislop's excellent BBC series recently (more of which later), and was struck by the similarity:

http://www.historyhome.co.uk/c-eight/distress/oath.htm

I, AB, of my own free will and accord do hereby promise and swear that I will never reveal any of the names of any one of this secret Committee, under the penalty of being sent out of this world by the first Brother that may meet me. I furthermore do swear, that I will pursue with unceasing vengeance any Traitors or Traitor, should there any arise, should he fly to the verge of ---- I furthermore do swear that I will be sober and faithful, in all my dealings with all my Brothers, and if ever I decline them, my name to be blotted out from the list of Society and never to be remembered, but with contempt and abhorrence, so help me God to keep this our Oath inviolate.

Signed Thomas Broughton.

This oath is the same in substance and matter of fact as was taken by me, and is mentioned and referred to in my annexed information. Signed Thomas Broughton.

Witness, Charles Adams.

Though oaths of this nature have gone out of fashion the "blood curdling oaths" the conspiracy theorists talk about are merely a context of that particular time.

Charity receives donation from freemasons group

http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/news/local-news/ellesmere-port-charity-men-sheds-6904133

Shocking Video Of World Leaders Wearing The Symbol Of The Pyramid At Major International Meeting

More Craftaphobic drivel:

http://www.rightsidenews.com/2014032734054/editorial/us-opinion-and-editorial/shocking-video-of-world-leaders-wearing-the-symbol-of-the-pyramid-at-major-international-meeting.html

17 Of The Most Influential Freemasons Ever

http://www.businessinsider.com.au/the-most-influential-freemasons-2014-3#for-another-inside-look-into-a-secret-society--19

More inaccuracies than you can wave a stick at, along with that most annoying meme that 33rd degree Freemasonry (Rose Croix) is the ultimate degree in Freemasonry. Once more, with passion IT'S A SIDE DEGREE!! (It's actually an American 'import', so to speak).

Yes, Winston Churchill was a Freemason (but he didn't stick around for long).

There is a HUGE difference between the various Grand Lodges, especially between French Lodges and Freemasonry under the United Grand Lodge of England. Not all Grand Lodges are 'recognised' (which means they call themselves Freemasons, but what they do isn't recognised as being legitimate by many others).

BUT

interesting to see Steve Wozniak is a Freemason. From what I have seen of him, the man has genuine humility :-)

Pock man becomes leading Freemason

http://www.pocklingtonpost.co.uk/news/local/pock-man-becomes-leading-freemason-1-6491607

New regional Freemason leader sets out to dispel secrecy myths

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/main-topics/general-news/new-regional-freemason-leader-sets-out-to-dispel-secrecy-myths-1-6487343

Public prejudice cost us charity tax break, Freemasons complain

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/10661581/Freemasons-millions-arent-true-charity-rules-judge.html

Freemasons’ millions aren’t true charity, rules judge

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/10661581/Freemasons-millions-arent-true-charity-rules-judge.html

Top freemason pledges to help county's neediest

http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/11044932.Top_freemason_pledges_to_help_county_s_neediest/

Magistrate’s refusal to deny involvement in freemasonry ‘unacceptable’ – Fenech Adami

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/en/newsdetails/news/national/Magistrate-s-refusal-to-deny-involvement-in-freemasonry-unacceptable-Fenech-Adami-20140211

Introduction to Freemasonry

This is pretty cool:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B4srDnzQzs&feature=youtu.be

Antrim freemasons challenge suspension in court

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-25936502

Scout group gets cash boost from Freemasons

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/scout-group-gets-cash-boost-from-freemasons-1-6398769

A freemason handshake in Turkey

http://en.cihan.com.tr/news/A-freemason-handshake-in-Turkey_4230-CHMTM0NDIzMC81

Freemasons complain their Grand Lodge organ isn't loud enough

Quite amusing:

http://www.camdennewjournal.com/news/2014/jan/freemasons-complain-their-grand-lodge-organ-isnt-loud-enough

Freemasonry: 'The firm within the firm'

How can Tony Gosling get it so wrong? I was looking at Form P last night for a candidate who is applying to my Lodge. This specifically states that candidates will not use Freemasonry to advance themselves. Part of the initiation ceremony has this theme as well "uninfluenced by mercenary or any other motive" etc. etc. Has he not read the Antient Charge in the Book of Constitution?

As Upton Sinclair wrote "It's difficult to get a man to understand something if his salary depends upon his not understanding it.

http://rt.com/op-edge/freemasonry-operation-tiberius-uk-972/

Masons’ grand sum for Keighley foodbank

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/10946732.Masons____grand_sum_for_Keighley_foodbank/?ref=rss

Freemasonry Explained In Groundbreaking Yorkshire Exhibition

That's more like it! Accurate reporting on Freemasonry. Come on journalists, you know you can do it if you try!

http://yorkshiretimes.co.uk/article/Freemasonry-Explained-In-Groundbreaking-Yorkshire-Exhibition

Freemasons donate £800 to Rape Crisis

More on the charitable work of Freemasons:
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/10947359.Freemasons_donate___800_to_Rape_Crisis/

Freemasonry: An enjoyable hobby or a dark secret society?

Bit of a mixed review that reports and rather sits on the fence, whilst churning out the dated stereotypes "it has been reported that", "in the past suspicions" etc. etc.Yet another reporter gets their first story on the Craft.

http://www.kentnews.co.uk/news/freemasonry_an_enjoyable_hobby_or_a_dark_secret_society_1_3215492

Leaked reports highlights role of freemasons in the UK police

Unfortunately this story seems to be rolling around the internet. It refers to an enquiry back in in 2002 (isn't that a bit old?), appears to be two lines in a report that is pure speculation (i.e. where is the evidence) and finally inflames ancient and ridiculous superstitions about a "secret organisation".

Journalism at its poorest.

http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2014/01/15/345663/leaked-reports-highlights-role-of-freemasons-in-the-uk-police/

Revealed: How Freemasons are used to corrupt justice system

This is almost like nostalgia: the sort of article that used to appear about Freemasonry. Where's the evidence?

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/uk/revealed-how-freemasons-are-used-to-corrupt-justice-system-29909474.html#comments

Article on Irish Freemasonry

Are rather curious, somewhat whimsical article . However,a  somewhat interesting and welcome insight into Irish Freemasonry

http://www.independent.ie/opinion/editorial/there-are-ladies-nights-i-dont-particularly-enjoy-them-and-i-dont-think-the-women-do-either-if-you-asked-them-what-they-thought-about-freemasonry-the-answer-would-be-that-they-find-it-hilariousassistant-to-the-grand-secretary-irish-freemasons-29900094.html