What is
Freemasonry?
Introduction
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest secular fraternal societies. The
following information is intended to explain Freemasonry as it is practiced
under the United Grand Lodge of England, which administers Lodges of
Freemasons in England and Wales and in many places overseas.
The explanation may correct some misconceptions.
Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values.
Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ritual dramas, which
follow ancient forms, and use stonemasons' customs and tools as allegorical
guides.
The Essential Qualification for Membership
The essential qualification for admission into and continuing membership is
a belief in a Supreme Being.
Membership is open to men of any race or religion who can fulfil this
essential qualification and who are of good repute.
Freemasonry and Religion
Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. Its
essential qualification opens it to men of many religions and it expects
them to continue to follow their own faith. It does not allow religion to be
discussed at its meeting.
The Three Great Principles
For many years Freemasons have followed three great principles:
Brotherly Love
- Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions
of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow
creatures.
Relief - Freemasons are taught to practice charity and to care,
not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by
charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.
Truth - Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral
standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives.
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Freemasons believe that these principles represent a way of achieving higher
standards in life.
Charity
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of
orphans, the sick and the aged.
This work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and
local charities.
Freemasonry and Society
Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the country in
which a man works and lives.
Its principles do not in any way conflict with its members' duties as
citizens, but should strengthen them in fulfilling their public and private
responsibilities.
The use by a Freemason of his membership to promote his own or anyone else's
business, professional or personal interests is condemned, and is contrary
to the conditions on which he sought admission to Freemasonry.
His duty as a citizen must always prevail over any obligation to other
Freemasons, and any attempt to shield a Freemason who as acted dishonorably
or unlawfully is contrary to this prime duty.
Secrecy
The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with its traditional modes of
recognition. It is not a secret society, since all members are free to
acknowledge their membership and will do so in response to enquiries for
respectable reasons. Its constitutions and rules are available to the
public. There is no secret about any of its aims and principles. Like many
other societies, it regards some of its internal affairs as private matters
for its members.
Freemasonry and Politics
Freemasonry is non-political, and the discussion of politics at Masonic
meetings is forbidden.
Other Masonic Bodies
Freemasonry is practiced under many independent Grand Lodges with standards
similar to those set by the United Grand Lodge of England.
There are some Grand Lodges and other apparently Masonic bodies that do not
meet these standards, e.g. that do not require a belief in a Supreme Being,
or that allow or encourage their members as such to participate in political
matters.
These Grand Lodges and bodies are not recognised by the United Grand Lodge
of England as being Masonically regular, and Masonic contact with them is
forbidden.
Conclusion
A Freemason is
encouraged to do his duty first to his God (by whatever name he is
known) through his faith and religious practice; and then, without
detriment to his family and those dependent on him, to his neighbour
through charity and service.
None of these ideas is exclusively Masonic, but all should be
universally acceptable. Freemasons are expected to follow them.
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