FAQ: What is Co-Masonry?
Larry the Mason from Holbrook
Version 1.0
August 2006
This Frequently Asked Question comes from the weekly USENET MASONRY FAQ, posted to alt.freemasonry every Friday at 08:00 Pacific. Please refer to the weekly FAQ for other resource and contact information.
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What is Co-Masonry?
Co-Masonry, also known as Adoptive Masonry, refers to Masonic Lodges
that admit both men and women. Co-Masonry traces its heritage back to
the 19th century.
There are two Grand Lodges of Co-Masonry with jurisdiction in America:
Le Droit Humain, based in Paris, France and the original Co-Masonic
organization in the US; and the American Federation of Human Rights
(American Co-Masonry), based in Larkspur, Colorado.
The degree structure differs slightly from standard Blue Lodge
structure (i.e.: the Scottish Rite is worked as part of the regular
Lodge, not a separate organization), but in most things Co-Masonic
lodges function as regular Masonic lodges.
There are a few feminine grand lodges, which are considered by the
UGLE to be regular, with the exception of the initiation of women.