Freemasonry is a Fraternity or Brotherhood – Not a Religion or Religious Society – It is based on the belief that each person has a responsibility to help make the world a better place. Freemasonry encourages good Men to become better Men by promoting a life dedicated to high ideals, community service, and benevolence. Freemasons believe in the importance of religion; Men of all faiths and religio
us beliefs are members of the organization. Their compassion for others manifests itself in many ways, from housing neglected and abused children to helping seniors remain independent. Masons contribute over $1.4 million every day in the North America to aid individuals who are sick, aged, or destitute, or whose physical, emotional, and psychological needs are not being met. The vast majority of Masonic philanthropies assist people who are not Masons. Masonic principles
• Act with honour and integrity in everything you do
• Believe in a Supreme Being and keep faith in the center of your life
• Be tolerant and considerate of different religious, social, and political views
• Strive to leave the world a better place than when you entered it
• Practice mutual help – give and accept help when it’s needed
• Uphold and maintain the principles of good government and oppose divisive and degrading influences.
• Value self-improvement over financial success
• Remain good at heart
• Strive to live a brotherly life
What are Freemasons and What do they Believe? Freemasons are composed of people of all nationalities, religions, occupations and ages. Freemasons believe in truth, tolerance, respect, and freedom. Because of their belief in universal principles & freedoms Freemasons have been prosecuted and seen historically as threats by tyrants and despotic dictators. Intolerance towards Freemasons even emanated at one time from the Holy Roman Catholic Church. Freemasonry had been outlawed in Germany by Hitler and the Nazi's during WW II, by Mussolini in 1925, by Franco in Spain in 1941, suppressed by the Communists of Russia, Romania and Hungary, and in Iran by the Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979. The countries where Freemasonry openly exists are in counties that are tolerant and more democratic than others. Any Man may petition to be a Freemason so long as he meets the requirements: (here are a few)
He must believe in a Supreme Being;
He must not have a criminal record;
He must be a Man of good moral standing and principles within his community. Freemasons believe in “Making Good Men Better” which implies that its adherents should seek continual improvement and growth. A maxim in ancient Greece, “Man Know Thyself”, echoes in modern ceremonial Freemasonry and implies the importance of learning about self, for by becoming a more enlightened and principled individual it is most probable that a person will in turn be a contributing citizen to their society. It is important that a Mason is a good family member, friend, neighbor and employee. Freemasons believe in living a life of positive contribution and to the building up of self, society and the world. Masonry is not a substitute for persons chosen faith but rather supplements faith, life and living.
