mirror of
https://github.com/nhammer514/textfiles-politics.git
synced 2024-12-26 15:59:29 -05:00
67 lines
2.6 KiB
XML
67 lines
2.6 KiB
XML
<xml><p>Subject: Leaflet: Freemasonry and Society</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>This is the text of a leaflet published by by the Board of
|
|
General Purposes of the United Grand Lodge of England in 1987.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p> Freemasonry and Society</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Introduction:
|
|
This leaflet is intended to expand a topic mentioned in the
|
|
leaflet "What is Freemasonry". It explains the United Grand Lodge of
|
|
England's view on Freemasonry and Society.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Respect for the law:
|
|
Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of any
|
|
country in which a man may work and live.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Principles:
|
|
The principles of Freemasonry do not in any way conflict with its
|
|
members' duties as citizens, whether at work or at home or in public
|
|
life, but on the contrary should strengthen them in fulfulling their
|
|
private and public responsibilities.
|
|
|
|
Use of Membership:
|
|
A Freemason must not use his membership to promote his own or
|
|
anyone else's business, professional or personal interests. This is
|
|
made clear directly or by inference several times during a Freemason's
|
|
early career so that no Freemason can pretend to be ignorant of it. A
|
|
Freemason who transgresses this rule may be suspended from Masonic
|
|
activities or even expelled.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Family:
|
|
Freemasonry should not be allowed to harm a man's family or
|
|
other connections by taking too much of his time or his money or
|
|
causing him to act in any other way against their interests.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Duty as a citizen:
|
|
A Freemason's 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 or to confer an unfair
|
|
advantage on another Freemason is contrary to this prime duty.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Personal or business difficulties:
|
|
If it could be proved by evidence that any personal failure or
|
|
business difficulty was attributable to 'Masonic influence', Masonic
|
|
authority would take a serious view of the fact, as it would be
|
|
contrary to the principles of Freemasonry.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>Secrecy:</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>* Freemasonry is not a secret society.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>* Like many other societies, it regards some of its internal affairs
|
|
as private matters for its members.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>* There is no secret about its aims and principles. Copies of the
|
|
constitutions and rules can be obtained from Freemasons' Hall by
|
|
interested members of the public.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>* The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with its traditional modes
|
|
of recognition. Its ceremonies are private.</p>
|
|
|
|
<p>* In ordinary conversation there is very little about Freemasonry
|
|
which may not be discussed.
|
|
|
|
* On inquiry for acceptable reasons, Freemsons are free and will be
|
|
proud to acknowledge their own membership.
|
|
</p></xml> |