Freemasonry
Grand Lodge Room, Freemason’s Hall, 17 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, Ireland (Image source: thejournal.ie)
Introduction
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest secular fraternities. It is a society concered with moral and spiritual values. Freemasons are taught these precepts by a series of ancient forms, using the customs and tools of the stonemasons as allegorical guides.
Essential Qualifications for Membership
The essential qualification for admission to Freemasonry is a belief in a Supreme Being. Membership is open to men of integrity from any race or religion who can fulfil this essential qualification.
Freemasonry and Religion
Freemasonry is not a religion, or a combination of religions, nor is it a substitute for religion. It expects its members to adhere to their own faith, and it does not permit discussion on religious matters at Masonic meetings.
Three (3) Great Principles
Freemasons are expected to adhere to three (3) 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 members, but for the community as a whole, by both charitable giving, and by voluntary effort.
- Truth – Freemasonry strives for truth and requires high moral standards of its members.
Charity
Freemasonry has been concerned from its earliest days with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today.
Freemasonry and Society
Freemasonry demands that its members abide by the laws of the country in which they live and work.
The principles of Freemasonry do not, in any way, conflict with the member’s duties as a citizen, but rather encourage and support its members in fulfilling their public and private responsibilities.
The use of a Freemason of his membership to promote his business, professional or personal interests is forbidden.
A Mason’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 is strictly forbidden.
Secrecy
The only secrets of Freemasonry are those concerned with its traditional modes of recognition. It is not a Secret Society, as all its members are free to acknowledge their membership, and will do so in response to reasonable inquiries.
There is no secret about any of the aims and principles, and its constitutions and rules are available to the public. Like many other societies, it regards some of its internal affairs as matters private to its members.
Masonic meeting places are well known locally.
Freemasonry and Politics
Freemasonry is non-political, and any discussion of politics at Masonic meetings is forbidden.
Other Masonic Bodies
Freemasonry is practiced under many independent Grand Lodges with standards similar to those required by the Grand Lodge of Ireland.
There are a few Grand Lodges and other self-styled Masonic or similar Bodies which do not meet these standards (e.g. which do not require belief in a Supreme Being, encourage their members to participate in political matters, etc.). These Bodies are not recognised by the Grand Lodge of Ireland.
Conclusion
A Freemason is encouraged firstly to do his duty to his God through his faith and religious practice, and secondly to his neighbour through charity, tolerance and service.
These ideas are not exclusively Masonic, but are universally acceptable, and Freemasons are expected to follow them.
(Source: “What is Freemasonry? A brief explanation of Irish Freemasonry”, Grand Lodge of Ireland)
