Masonic Mission
What is Freemasonry?
This is the text of a leaflet published by by the
Board of General Purposes of the United Grand
Lodge of England in 1984.
What is Freemasonry?
Introduction:
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest secular
fraternal societies. This leaflet is intended to
explain Freemasonry as it is practised 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 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 practise 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 ay way conflict
with its members' duties as citizens, but should
strengthen them in fulfulling 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 dishonourably 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 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.
Other Masonic Bodies:
Freemasonry is practised 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 which do not meet these standards, e.g.
which do not require a belief in a Supreme Being,
or which allow or encourage their members 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
God (by whatever name he is known) through his
faith and religious practice; and then, without
detriment to his familiy 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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