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 any 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.
