mirror of
https://github.com/nhammer514/textfiles-politics.git
synced 2024-10-01 01:15:38 -04:00
104 lines
4.6 KiB
Plaintext
104 lines
4.6 KiB
Plaintext
Subject: Leaflet: What is Freemasonry
|
|
|
|
This is the text of a leaflet published by by the Board of
|
|
General Purposes of the United Grand Lodge of England in 1984.
|
|
|
|
What is Freemasonry
|
|
|
|
Introduction:
|
|
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest secular fraternal
|
|
societies. This leaflet 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 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 meetings.
|
|
|
|
The Three Great Principles:
|
|
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 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, requireing 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 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 ay way conflict with its members' duties
|
|
as citizens, but should strengthen them in fulfulling 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
|
|
dishonourably or unlawfully is contrary to this prime duty.
|
|
|
|
Secrecy:
|
|
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 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
|
|
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
|
|
recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England as being masonically
|
|
regular, and masonic contact with them is forbidden.
|
|
|
|
Conclusion:
|
|
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 familiy 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.
|