Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest secular fraternal societies. This
leaflet 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 admission into and continuing membership
is a belief in a Supreme Being. Membership is open to men of any race or
religion who can fulfill this essential qualification and are of good repute.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 is non-political, and the discussion of politics at Masonic meetings
is forbidden.
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 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 recognized by the United Grand Lodge of
England as being masonically regular, and Masonic contact with them is
forbidden.
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.
Published by the Board of General Purposes of the
United Grand Lodge of England