I read the article ‘UK Freemasons go on charm offensive’ (February 8).

I am a Freemason in the US and have been for 36 years, plus I am Roman Catholic.

I describe the Masons as a “friendship society”. It is not a “secret-society”. We openly acknowledge who our members are. All candidates go through background checks to make sure no criminality is involved. American Masons are noted for good fellowship events and charitable endeavours, including to help crippled children and those suffering burns.

My Roman Catholicism is completely compatible with my friendship circles. Being Catholic is a religion. Being a Mason is a fraternity that only requires a belief in almighty God. In other words, an atheist would be turned away.

The husband of Queen Elizabeth II is a Freemason, as was her father, King George VI and Edward VIII and Edward VII and others.

Winston Churchill, singer Nat King Cole and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart were all Freemasons. Many clergymen – past and present – have been Freemasons.

Freemason lodges are located in small towns and large cities.

I am honoured to associate with good men of good character. It is sad that mystery novel writers and conspiracy theorists have concocted scurrilous rumours about an otherwise fine and time-honoured institution. Granted, in Italy, France, Mexico and, probably, elsewhere too there are pockets of wannabee or fake Masons which UK and US Masons would consider to be illegal and clandestine.

I fully support criticising the fake groups but, please, do not stigmatise the good groups that have existed for over 300 years in their current form. The Freemasons are the oldest and largest fraternity. The intent is to take good men and make them better men by virtuous lessons.

We believe in the “Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God”.