What is Freemasonry?
Introduction:
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest secular fraternal societies.
The following 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.
Essential Qualification for Membership:
The essential qualification for admission is a belief in a Supreme Being.
Membership is open to men who can fulfil this essential qualification and 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 meetings.
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. 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 private and public responsibilities.
The use by a Freemason of their 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 has acted dishonorably or unlawfully is contrary to this prime duty.
Secrecy:
The greatest secret of Freemasonry is that one must solicit membership.
Freemasons do not actively solicit members.
It is preferred that a new member come of his "Own Free Will and Accord.
The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned only 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 inquiries 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.
Masonic Bodies:
Once a petitioner becomes a Master Mason, he is free to petition the York RIte, Scottish Rite,
Tall Cedars, The Shrine etc. Each of these bodies require membership in a Masonic Lodge.
And each of these bodies are active in the support of their chosen philanthropy.
Other Masonic Bodies:
Freemasonry is practiced under many independent Grand Lodges. There are some Grand Lodges
and other Masonic bodies which do not meet these standards, e.g. do not require a belief
in a Supreme Being, or which allow or encourage their members to participate in political matters.
Conclusion:
A Freemason is encouraged to do his duty first to 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 neighbor through charity and service.
None of these ideas is exclusively Masonic, but all should be universally acceptable.
Freemasons are expected to follow them.
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest secular fraternal societies.
The following 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.
Essential Qualification for Membership:
The essential qualification for admission is a belief in a Supreme Being.
Membership is open to men who can fulfil this essential qualification and 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 meetings.
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. 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 private and public responsibilities.
The use by a Freemason of their 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 has acted dishonorably or unlawfully is contrary to this prime duty.
Secrecy:
The greatest secret of Freemasonry is that one must solicit membership.
Freemasons do not actively solicit members.
It is preferred that a new member come of his "Own Free Will and Accord.
The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned only 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 inquiries 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.
Masonic Bodies:
Once a petitioner becomes a Master Mason, he is free to petition the York RIte, Scottish Rite,
Tall Cedars, The Shrine etc. Each of these bodies require membership in a Masonic Lodge.
And each of these bodies are active in the support of their chosen philanthropy.
Other Masonic Bodies:
Freemasonry is practiced under many independent Grand Lodges. There are some Grand Lodges
and other Masonic bodies which do not meet these standards, e.g. do not require a belief
in a Supreme Being, or which allow or encourage their members to participate in political matters.
Conclusion:
A Freemason is encouraged to do his duty first to 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 neighbor through charity and service.
None of these ideas is exclusively Masonic, but all should be universally acceptable.
Freemasons are expected to follow them.
