The main argument of this paper is that Freemasonry lacks an inspirational and formally stated objective, or purpose.
It argues further that the lack of purpose is a root cause of our membership decline and suggests an objective that would attract and keep members, improve our public image, guide us in our actions and measure our success. I am aware that some Grand Lodges have adopted ‘Mission Statements’.
These seem to be of a more limited nature that the objective I now advocate. They are perhaps a sort of subsidiary mission, a task we undertake as part of our overall purpose.
