De-Christianisation of English Freemasonry

The following article is presented with the compliments of the
HOLDEN RESEARCH CIRCLE.

The article may be freely used for masonic purposes only.

For all other purposes the approval of the
Circle President, V.W Bro Graeme Love
must be obtained.

DE-CHRISTIANISATION OF
ENGLISH FREEMASONRY

Prepared by W.Bro Graeme Love, PJGD, President HRC
November 2001

This subject rises to the surface from time to time, yet never seems to get adequate coverage.
So:

1. What is/was meant by the use of the infamous term "de-christianisation"?

2. When did it occur?

3. What was it?

Reply:
Anderson's Constitutions of 1723 is the normally accepted date for what has become known as the "de-christianisation of the Craft".

Explanation:
The term was not intended to refer merely to the fact that Jews and members of other denominations were now allowed to become Freemasons. It was a reference to the removal by Anderson of Christian allusions in his Constitutions and the adoption of a wider view of religion, accepting a belief in God irrespective of one's religion.

References:

"Masonic Curiosities" by Yasha Beresiner (PM Quatuor Coronati Lodge #2076, London), ANZMRC, Melbourne, 2000, Chpt.11, ISBN 0-9578426-0-9.

Anderson's Constitutions of 1923, which connotes "de-christianisation":

'But though in ancient Times Masons were charg'd in every Country
to be of the Religion of that Country or Nation, whatever it was, yet
'tis now thought more expedient only to oblige them to that Religion in
which all Men agree, leaving their particular Opinions to themselves.'

REFER also to "Masonic Musings", the Annual Transactions of the Victorian Lodge of Research #218 (UGLV), for the year 2000, Chpt. Five, Page 50, third paragraph. The identical to the above was delivered at 218, on 5th August, 2000, by Yasha Beresiner, LGR.