Freemasonry means different things
to each of those who join. For some, it’s about making new
friends and acquaintances. For others it’s about being
able to help deserving causes – making a contribution to
society. But for most, it is an enjoyable hobby.
Freemasonry is one of the world’s
oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal
and charitable organisations. It
teaches self-knowledge through participation in a
progression of ceremonies. Members are expected to be of
high moral standing and are encouraged (but not required)
to speak openly about Freemasonry. For many, its biggest
draw is the fact that members come from all walks of life
and meet as equals whatever their race, religion or
socioeconomic position in society. Freemasonry instils in its members a
moral and ethical approach to life. Its values are based
on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness.
Freemasonry is a society of
men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are
taught its principles (moral lessons and self-knowledge) by a
series of ritual dramas – a progression of allegorical
two-part plays which are learnt by heart and performed within
each Lodge – which follow ancient forms, and use
stonemasons’ customs and tools as allegorical guides.
Under the United Grand Lodge of
England (which includes Wales), there are over 250,000
Freemasons.The Grand Lodge
of Ireland, which serves the whole island of
Ireland, and the Grand
Lodge of Scotland have a combined total of
approximately 150,000 members. There are over six million
Freemasons worldwide including two million in North
America.
Freemasonry
is founded on three great principles:
Brotherly Love
Tolerance
and respect for the opinions of others and an obligation to
behave with kindness and understanding to our fellow
creatures.
Relief
The
practice of charity. Freemasonry is known above all else for
its substantial outward giving to many worthy causes,
donating many millions of pounds every year to masonic and
non-masonic charities.
Truth
Masons
strive for truth, aiming to achieve high standards in
their public and private lives.
Freemasonry demands from its members
in the 8,000 lodges under the United Grand Lodge of
England a respect for the law, with which its principles
do not in any way conflict.
A Freemason's duties are first to
his God, then, without detriment to his family and those
dependent upon him, to his fellow human beings. A
Freemason's duty as a citizen must always come first and
it is a serious disqualification to attempt to use
membership in the Order to promote one's own interests or
those of anyone else.
Click here
for answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) as provided by
the United Grand Lodge of England.
