Freemasonry: Closeted Mental Illness?

Thousands belong to it. Hundreds of cities host it. But what is the secrecy surrounding the practice of Freemasonry, and is it safe for our communities? Operating under the assertion of promoting "mutual assistance" between its members, the Society of Free and Accepted Masons is a fraternal organization, comprised primarily of men from various walks of life. Criteria for membership includes belief in a supreme being, as well as "birth in freedom," or that outside the bondage of slavery. Many other fraternal organizations such as Moose, Elk, and Kiwanis have assembled a network of member-driven chapters throughout the world, however none have generated criticism as that of Freemasonry. Multiple, profound incidents involving members of the organization lead to a singular question: is Freemasonry a haven for the mentally ill? In this article, we