What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations worldwide. It teaches self-knowledge through participation in a progression of ceremonies. Members are expected to be of high moral standing, and are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry within the community. It instils in its members a moral and ethical approach to life, it encourages thoughtfulness, fairness and consideration to others. The following information 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 countries overseas.
Freemasonry is a society concerned with moral and spiritual values, but for most, it is a serious hobby which brings fun and fellowship to all. 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.
Freemasonry instils in its members a moral and ethical approach to life, its values are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. Members are urged to regard the interests of their family as paramount but, as importantly, Freemasonry also teaches concern for other people, care for the less fortunate in life, and help for those who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in distressed circumstances.
The three great principles on which Freemasonry rests are,
BROTHERLY LOVE:
Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others, and behave with kindness, understanding and consideration to their fellow man.
RELIEF:
Freemasons are taught to practice charity, and to care not only for their own, but 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, honesty and aiming to achieve them in their own lives as well as those of others. Freemasons believe that these principles represent a way of achieving higher standards in life, and making the world a better place for us all to live in.
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick, the aged, and those less fortunate than ourselves. This work continues today all over the world, making Freemasonry “Truly Universal.”