Beyond Dogma: The Maturity of the Spirit

Information gathered by the Office of National Statistics from the 2021 census of England and Wales has revealed that almost 40% of people have "no religion", which has increased from approximately 25% in ten years. This suggests a national move away from conventional or dogmatic religion.

Of those who chose to write in their answer under the "any other religion" option, the largest groups identified their faith as "Paganism" "Spiritualism" and general "Spirituality", with a tenfold rise from 2011 in those identifying their faith as "Shamanism". This also suggests a greater interest in the more grounded, interpersonal, and mystical aspects of traditional spirituality and inner work.

Many people are searching for a more personal, nurturing and direct relationship with their spirituality and spiritual life; a grounded, respectful and rational connection to the divine, the mystical or the numinous, which also supports morality, ethics, contemporary values, and individual empowerment. We believe that the human tendency towards spirituality, mysticism, meritocratic hierarchy (all are equal, but not everyone can be, do or know everything), and religious contemplation is a natural one , but that it should be explored and enjoyed without oppression, tyranny, immorality or elitism (let those who are ready to receive, receive in full). Although atheism is an understandable reaction against the tyranny of religious oppression, and the moral confusion of the world, it isn't the only response.

We at the EMO UK believe that Egyptian Freemasonry supplies exactly these needs. Our Order is not stuck in the oppressive past, nor does it show favour to one particular gender, religion, philosophy or demographic. For Spirituality to be worth pursuing, it must be for all, and for the good of all. To ensure this, we are committed to particular values.

We initiate all genders into our Order, because we believe that our Mysteries are beneficial to all.

We admit people of any Faith or Religious inclination, including those who cannot define what they believe, but admit to there being "Something" greater than themselves - whether defined as an Intelligence, a Spirit, a Presence, or some mysterious aspect of Human Consciousness and Energy. Among us in the EMO UK, we have Christian, Muslim, Pagan, Gnostic, Jewish, Druidic, Shamanic and Native Priesthood working in harmony and joy together, linked not only by Masonry, but by the uniting presence and essence of Soul and Spirit in all human Faiths.

Our Works are ethical and moral, but they are also openly spiritual and mystical, using our symbolism, ritual and techniques to search together for greater Spiritual Truth and Authenticity.

We support Charitable Works, and the compassionate and supportive treatment of others.

We believe that the GAOTU gave us the Tools to make a most beautiful and perfectible world, but that we were also given the personal and collective responsibility to use those Tools effectively, working and building together to raise the Temple of Humanity in which dwells an Undying Spirit of Love, Goodness, Light and Life.

We see Freemasonry (of all Rites and Obediences) as UNIVERSAL; the best chance and greatest means by which Humanity as a whole - every nation, every culture, every individual - can achieve harmony, community, fulfilment, and abiding peace.

T.'.F.'.E.'.