Web Guidelines

The United Grand Lodge of England and this District Grand Lodge of South Africa recognise that the Internet has become an important medium in the process of informing both Freemasons and the public.  This District very much appreciates the work that Lodges have already undertaken and the success that has been achieved. 

However, the growth in the number of these sites indicates there is a need for consistency with regard to policy matters and that all of the material used must now have District and United Grand Lodge approval.  The District IT Team have been tasked with the responsibility of working with individual Lodges / Chapters, or any other Masonic facility, on any IT  related issue, including Masonic internet websites, and to issue the necessary authorisation.

The highly publicised Protection of Personal Information Bill (POPI Bill) has been promulgated in South Africa. Public and private companies, District Grand Lodge of South Africa - Western Division included, are now required to assess their practices associated with the collection, retention, dissemination and use of personal information against the prescriptions of the Bill and engage in a readiness exercise in order to gear for the necessary changes to such practices.  

Therefore, all English Constitution Freemasons and Lodges responsible for Masonic websites, or if you are considering one, must now adhere to the following guidelines:-

• The Provisions of the "POPI Bill" must apply (CLICK HERE FOR DISTRICT POLICY)
• All material used within the website must be kept up to date and current.
• All images used must be royalty free and, where appropriate, the Lodge / Chapter / Masonic facility must own the copyright of any images, or have the written consent from the legal copyright owner.
• Where photographs are used, signed authorisation from the person or persons must be obtained prior to publication of the same on your website.
• Before “publication”, each Lodge / Chapter / Masonic facility web site must have the approval of the District which will, in turn, seek the approval of United Grand Lodge of England.
• Information concerning Lodge / Chapter Meeting dates on your website, must be in the following, or similar, format: “We meet every second Thursday at 6.00 pm, from February to November.  [the address of the premises where the meeting is to be held can be shown].
• If you do not have a website, but are thinking of having one, then the District IT Team can help and guide you, please contact the District IT Manager  for more information.
• Your website can display a special event, but must be removed the day after the event.
• Event notices can also be placed on the District Website, found at www.freemasonrycape.net
• All websites should have links to the District Grand Lodge and United Grand Lodge web sites.
• Any URL’s [links] to any website must have the written consent of the website owner.
• United Grand Lodge of England has approved and published information concerning all Masonic websites and their content (IMPORTANT - READ THIS DOCUMENT UGLE WEBSITE GUIDELINES)
• After approval of the website, you may then use the District Grand Lodge and United Grand Lodge Coat of Arms.

Consideration should be made on your website for the following:

• A welcome page detailing the name of the Lodge, banner, location & contact information.
• A brief history of the Lodge.
• When you meet and the physical address.
• A diary of future events – Masonic and social.

If you wish to establish, or continue, your website, you are now required to comply with the above guidelines.

All Masonic Websites must now have the approval of both UGLE and District

District GL will obtain UGLE approval on your behalf through the District IT Team, if you require further advice or information please contact the District IT Manager