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What
is Freemasonry
Introduction
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest secular fraternal
societies. The following information is intended to explain
Freemasonry as it is practised 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 Membership
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 who 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
meeting.
The Three Great Principles
For many years Freemasons have followed three great
principles:
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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 non-masonic 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 fulfilling
their public and private responsibilities.
The use by a Freemason of his 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.
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 that do not meet these standards, e.g. that do not
require a belief in a Supreme Being, or that allow or
encourage their members as such 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
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A Freemason is encouraged to do his duty first to his
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 neighbour
through charity and service.
None of these ideas is exclusively Masonic, but all
should be universally acceptable. Freemasons are
expected to follow them. |
Who can join?
Membership is open to men of
all faiths who are law-abiding, of good character and who
acknowledge a belief in God. Freemasonry is a multi-racial and
multi-cultural organisation. It has attracted men of goodwill
from all sectors of the community into membership. There are
similar Masonic organisations for women.
Who can become a Freemason?
Our fraternity has a wonderful history, which dates
back more than three centuries. It is one of the world's
oldest secular fraternities, a society of men concerned with
moral and spiritual values. Founded on the three great
principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth, it aims to
bring together men of goodwill, regardless of background and
differences.
People might think that to become a Freemason is quite
difficult. It's actually straightforward.
The essential qualifications for admission is that you have
a belief in a Supreme Being.
It is usual for candidates to be "mature
men of 21 years and over", but in some circumstances
candidates between the ages of 18 and 21 can be admitted.
Suggested Steps
After reading the
information available on the UGLE
(click here) site, and if you are still interested in becoming a Freemason, we
advise that you first talk to a family member, friend or
colleague whom you already know to be a member. They will be
able to explain to you what they can about the fraternity and
help you find a suitable Lodge.
If you don't know anyone at all who is a member, then get
in touch with a Masonic Office in your area, see 'Index
to Provinces' or 'Index
to Overseas'. Write to that
office, telling them a little bit about yourself and your
reasons for wishing to join.
If in London, contact the Metropolitan Grand Lodge of
London (33 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AA. Tel: 020 7539
2930) or contact Chris Connop at Freemasons' Hall on 020 7395
9226.
If
in Wiltshire you are invited to contact the Secretary of your
chosen lodge by e-mail telling them a little bit about yourself and your
reasons for wishing to join. Alternatively e-mail the
Provincial Grand Secretary, who will forward your details to
the appropriate lodge. Individual Lodge e-mail addresses are
available via our Contact button
above. Please note :- Not all lodges are connected to the web
as indicated on the Contact page.
Arrangements will be made to meet you socially to find out
more about you, and to give you a chance to find out more
about us.
You would then in due course be invited to meet a committee
of members from a Lodge you might be joining, prior to being
balloted for membership of that Lodge.
All being well, a date would then be fixed for your
admission.
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