Obligation

[RhushidaK]

While I do know my EA and FC obligations regarding keeping masonic secrets as secrets, what does it actually consist of? What all comes under "Masonic secrets" and what all comes under information that can be given to the public?
I have a lot of friends who ask questions about Freemasonry, and so far my general method has been to keep secret all that happens inside the temple when a lodge is at work, while giving information that can be publically found on the websites of Regular Grand Lodges, mostly UGLE and GLI.

 

[Bloke]

While I do know my EA and FC obligations regarding keeping masonic secrets as secrets, what does it actually consist of? What all comes under "Masonic secrets" and what all comes under information that can be given to the public?
I have a lot of friends who ask questions about Freemasonry, and so far my general method has been to keep secret all that happens inside the temple when a lodge is at work, while giving information that can be publically found on the websites of Regular Grand Lodges, mostly UGLE and GLI.

Obligations and conventions vary place to place. I suggest you ask an experienced brother in your own lodge for the local custom.

 

[MarkR]

Yeah, different states have different rules about what the "secrets" are, and some have no specific definition. You can be certain that the modes of recognition are considered things you should not discuss with a non-Mason; beyond that, check your Grand Lodge statutes and talk to experienced brothers in your lodge. Here in Minnesota, there's not a whole lot I can't discuss. From the Minnesota Masonic Manual:

What is a Masonic Secret
What are the things we call the secrets of Masonry?
The first secret is the ballot of a Mason. No one can know
how a Mason votes, unless that Mason tells him, and that
is considered unmasonic conduct. The right and privilege
of casting a secret ballot is universally respected in this
country by Masons and non-masons alike.
Other secrets are:
• the modes of recognition (signs and words);
• the obligations or vows of each degree;
• the manner of conferring the degrees, and;
• the legend of the third degree.