London Rugby Lodge

Exlibris Lodge No 3765 has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past year, transitioning into a Special Interest Research Lodge dedicated to exploring the intersection of advanced technologies such as AI, VR, AR, and Blockchain with the practice and administration of Freemasonry. 

This initiative seeks to understand how these tools can be deployed ethically and effectively for the ultimate benefit of the Craft.

This journey, made even more impressive by the Lodge's position just over a year ago, culminated in a truly significant milestone on Saturday, 26th April 2025. The day perfectly encapsulated not only the Lodge's revitalisation but also its forward-looking mission for the benefit of all Freemasons.

The morning saw the regular Lodge meeting held in London. This was a vibrant affair, showcasing the Lodge's renewed health and appeal. The Brethren present Balloted for nine Joining Members, successfully Initiated a new Candidate into the mysteries of Freemasonry, and further proposed five additional joining members for future consideration. 

This surge in activity and membership – now standing proudly at 32 – represents a phenomenal turnaround for a Lodge that, in January 2024, was contemplating the difficult decision of handing in its Warrant. It is a testament to the vision, dedication, and hard work of its Members in embracing a new direction.

Building on the momentum of the morning's success, the afternoon at Freemasons Hall saw the first Exlibris Digital Freemasonry Conference. This event brought together over 30 members and guests, signalling a keen interest within the Craft in the implications of the digital age.

The conference squarely addressed the profound challenges and opportunities presented by the digital revolution for traditional institutions like Freemasonry. It explored how contemporary digital technologies, from Virtual Reality and Blockchain to Artificial Intelligence and strategic social media engagement, can be integrated thoughtfully and ethically into Masonic practice and administration.

Moving beyond just technical feasibility, the discussions delved into how these tools might revitalise the Craft's historical role as a dynamic platform for learning and personal development. Papers and presentations rigorously investigated practicalities such as: 

• The adaptation of ritual to virtual environments
• Proposed new methodological approaches to inquiry in the digital age
• Blockchain's potential for fostering individual self-sovereignty within the Fraternity
• Strategies for ethical online public engagement with the Craft

Crucially, the conference also acknowledged the essential requirements for security, privacy, governance, and accessibility. The collective vision articulated was one of 'Digital Freemasonry' – not replacing tradition, but leveraging new tools to enhance its timeless mission, expand its reach, correct public misconceptions, and ensure its vibrant future.

Key takeaways from the conference include:

• Digital Transformation is Imperative: Acknowledging its pervasive digital influence, the conference saw technology engagement as critical. An active online presence is vital for Freemasonry's 21st-century relevance, accessibility for younger generations, and securing its sustainability and vitality.
• Methods, Not Principles, are Transforming: Digital technology transforms the 'how' – applying new processes to achieve the Craft's established outcomes. This is seen as developing "Digital Working Tools" for the "Digital Quarry", an evolution preserving, not replacing, core principles or traditional practice.
• VR for Training, Challenges for Ritual: Virtual Reality (VR) offers opportunities for accessibility, particularly for Lodges of Instruction or observing demonstration rituals. However, using VR for core ceremonies like Initiation faces significant challenges regarding security, privacy in personal locations, supervision, legitimacy, and validity, requiring careful policy and sanction.
• Blockchain Fosters Self-Sovereignty: The potential of Blockchain extends beyond administration to individual self-sovereignty. Its principles align with Masonic values. ‘Decentralized Identifiers’ enable private identity verification, and ‘Zero-Knowledge Proofs’ allow proof of status without revealing data, reinforcing control over digital identity.
• Social Media for Visibility and Attraction: Strategic social media is vital for relevance, correcting misconceptions, showcasing community impact, and attracting aligned individuals without recruitment. This balances discretion with transparency, highlighting values and charity while protecting ritual privacy.

The events of April 26th highlight Exlibris Lodge No 3765’s pioneering spirit. As a Special Interest Research Lodge, Exlibris is undertaking vital work, offering a foundational analysis and a potential roadmap for how Freemasonry can navigate the 21st century, using technology consciously and with ethical principles to strengthen its foundations and continue its invaluable work for generations to come. 

It stands as a beacon of how adaptation and innovation, rooted in core principles, can lead to remarkable revitalisation.

For further information contact Ex Libris lodge at https://www.exlibac.com/exlibris-lodge-3765/

This article is part of the Arena Magazine Issue 58 – Summer 2025 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official online magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.

Read more articles in Arena Issue 58 here.

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