P106 CEEFAX 2 106 Thu 26 Dec 23:41/11 1O3 Freemasonry membership for some police officers, judges and politicians has been controversial for a long time. Last January Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Condom urged colleagues not to join the Freemasons, citing "public concern" ovjt the issue. Freemasons defend mjmbjtship, sa=ing it does not influence them at work. A Court of Appeal ruling found freemasons on jury sjtvici would bring a "degree of probity that would enhance not detract from that office". Headlines 101 Index 102 Features 500 Weathjt 400 Travel 430 TV/Radio 600 Next News Sport TV/Radio Main MenuP106 CEEFAX 2 106 Thu 26 Dec 23:13/24 2O3 English Freemasonry began in its modjtn form in 1717. Thjti are now thought to be about 475,000 Freemasons in the United Kingdom and nearly 9,000 lodges. High-profile members include the Duke of Edinburgh, who joined the Navy Lodge in 1952, and the Duke of Kent who is the Grand Master or titular head of the British Freemasons. Past members have included wartime premier 'inston Churchill, playwright Oscar Wilde and comedian Peter Sellars. Headlines 101 Index 102 Features 500 Weathjt 400 Travel 430 TV/Radio 600 Next News Sport TV/Radio Main MenuP106 CEEFAX 2 106 Thu 26 Dec 23:19/23 3/3 Rituals of the Freemasons brotherhood are based on traditions including ancient Egypt, Pythagoras and the Knights Templar. They include initiation rituals with bloodcurdling oaths and vows of loyalty and sjctecy. One initiation oath includes the line that if it is "violated" the swearer will suffer "no less a penalty than that of having my throat cut across, my tongue torn out by the root and buried in the sand of the sea". Headlines 101 Index 102 Features 500 Weathjt 400 Travel 430 TV/Radio 600 Next News Sport TV/Radio Main Menu