I am a Mason! This plain and simple statement is said with pride, not apology! But to make such a statement is not enough. Reasons are expected and I give them briefly and almost in outline form.

Because of the Friendships the Fraternity Has Offered Me
These friendships reach back 50 years to a rural community in Virginia where I was raised a Master Mason. Those plain, simple men took me into their circle of friendship and sustained me through many of the difficulties a young minister will find in his first year out of the seminary. Across half a century, my life has been blessed by friends from all walks of life and many denominational groups. Freemasonry is truly ecumenical in its membership. In a day of mistrust, suspicion, discrimination, separation, and even hatred, Freemasonry removes the distance between men. Friendship, morality, and brotherly love are the hallmarks of our relationships. There is a basic integrity in the Fraternity so often lacking in many of life's relationships.

Because of the Beautiful Ritual Rooted in Biblical History
These Rituals relating to each Masonic degree are not forms without substance. Out of the ancient landmarks they come with honoured words that plumb the depths of human emotion. As one who loves the beauty and meanings of words, I never tire of watching and listening to the granting of any degree, the opening and the closing of lodge meetings. Ancient Biblical history comes alive in the drama and language of Freemasonry. The beauty and order of a Masonic lodge added to the symbols so familiar to the Fraternity have meant so much to so many.

Because of the Practice of Brotherhood and the Charitable Endeavors
Masons are not interested in shallow social activity, although they need and enjoy good fellowship. They are not interested only in a community service club, although they want to be proud of the service record and community image of the Fraternity to which they belong. Masonic homes, hospitals, and institutions are rendering a service to "the least of these" in such a manner that underscores the care and the devotion of the people called "Mason". No hospital offers quite the care for crippled children or burned children as do those that bear the name of "Mason". At no cost to the families, these hospitals open their doors and lives are restored and made whole again.

Because of the Deep Religious Tone
Let me quickly and emphatically say that Freemasonry is not and has never been a religion, however, Freemasonry has always been a friend and ally of religion. In 50 years as a minister and a Mason, I have found no conflict between my Masonic beliefs and my Christian faith. I have not found and so not now find that Freemasonry is "incompatible with Christian faith and practice". Freemasonry has never asked me to choose between my lodge and my church. Masonry has never and will never usurp the place of God. Never has anyone dared to say: "Thou shalt love Masonry with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind". There can be only one ultimate loyalty, and the Living God is the only worthy object of such loyalty. Possibly there are those who have made a god out of Masonry. You can make a god out of anything - your business, your labour union, your civic club, your lodge, and even your church. You can even make a god out of leftovers (Isaiah 44). My Masonic activities have never interfered with my loyalty to and my love for my church. Quite to the contrary, my loyalty to my church has been strengthened by my Masonic ties. God Masons are good churchmen. The Grand Master of Pennsylvania Masonry says: Freemasonry is having faith to live by; Freemasonry is being a self to live with; Freemasonry is a never-ending pursuit of excellence. This, then, is my testimony. I am a Mason without apology!

By Bishop Carl J. Sanders; United Methodist Church; Dothan, Alabama; Published in THE NEW AGE; Grand Lodge of Iowa; Republished in THE TRACING BOARD; GRS; March, 1987.