Letter: False Masons

MR MILLER is not ashamed to admit he is a Freemason (letter, 24 February). Good for him. My problem is that secrecy allows others to claim membership which cannot be checked.

I work with victims of abuse by healthcare professionals, psychiatrists, GPs, psychiatric nurses and so on. When those who have suffered long-term sexual abuse begin to show signs of independence, it is surprising how often they are told, "You won't get anywhere if you try to complain about me. I am a Freemason."

It may be that this is merely a fictitious ploy by people we know to be skilled manipulators; but if there were an open register, at least non-members would not be able to make such a claim.

JEAN ROBINSON

Oxford