The freemasons who allow women to join
With very few exceptions traditional FM is male only with an estimated 6+ million members worldwide. CFM was established in France in order to allow anyone regardless of gender etc. to participate in all Masonic activities. CFM’s HQ is in Paris while FM’s is based in the UK. However, they are hardly on equal footing in terms of both influence and numbers: A few lodges do initiate women, but they’re not recognized by the more traditional Masons. The organization instead points to special sister organizations for women, like the Order of the Eastern Star, and the fact that wives are often part of a lodge’s social life — they just can’t take part in the ceremonies. It should be noted that the OES maintains a strong presence in Scotland…
