What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest fraternal societies.

It is a society of men who are concerned with moral and spiritual values.
It is a way of life that complements religious, family and community
affiliations. It is a school of instruction and a system of moral and
spiritual philosophy as outlined in its rituals, lectures and teachings.

Put simply, Freemasonry strives to make good men better.

Who are Freemasons?

Freemasons are men who share a common goal of:

• a belief in a Supreme Being

• high moral standards

• kindness in the home

• courtesy in society

• honesty in business

• fairness in all of their dealings.

They seek a better way of life and treat all men as equal regardless
of race, religion or social standing.

What does Freemasonry stand for?

Every true Freemason:

• shows tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behaves
with kindness an understanding to his fellow creatures

• practices charity and care for the community as a whole, as well
as his own family through charitable giving and by voluntary work

• strives for the truth, requires high moral standards and aims to achieve them in his own life.

Freemasons believe these three principles represent a way of achieving higher standards in life.

 

Is Freemasonry a religious organization?

Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for a religion,
although Freemasons share a common belief in a supreme power,
according to the beliefs or customs of each individual.

This is the essential qualification for admission to Freemasonry and continuing membership.

Freemasonry goes beyond religious boundaries and brings together
men of every country, belief, sect and opinion in peace and harmony.

Because religion can divide men it cannot be discussed within the Lodge.

That does not mean that religion plays no part in Freemasonry. Masonic meetings
open and close with a prayer, but no Freemason is told how he should pray or
what he should pray to of for. He must find the answers to these questions
in his own faith, in his own church, synagogue, shrine, temple or other
place of worship according to his individual beliefs.