Freemasonry is one of the
world’s oldest secular fraternal societies.
This page 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 explanations here may correct some misconceptions.
Freemasonry under the United Grand Lodge of England 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 full-fill 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. Religion is discouraged
being 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
practice 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, generous donations 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 any way conflict with its members’ duties as citizens but should
strengthen them in fulfilling 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
discouraged.
Other Masonic Bodies
Freemasonry is practiced 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 not permitted.
Conclusions
A Freemason is encouraged
to do his duty first to God (by whatever name his God 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 ideals are exclusively
Masonic, but all should be universally acceptable.
Freemasons are expected to
follow them
To become a Freemason you must:
- Be
a man of at least 21 years of age
- Be
of good moral character
- Have a personal belief in a Supreme Being
- Decide to become a Mason of “your
own free will and accord” without expectation of any material gain or benefits
- Be loyal to your country
- Be dedicated to providing for your
own family
- Have a sincere determination to
conduct yourself in a manner that will earn the respect and trust of others
- Possess a desire to help others
through community service and universal benevolence
To pursue your interest
in becoming a Freemason and a member of the Rising Star Lodge No.
6153 please follow these steps:
- In the first instance please feel free to contact our Lodge Secretary using the link on our “Contacts” link.
- Masons do not solicit for members.
- You’ll need to express your personal interest in joining Freemasonry.
- Subject to you being considered eligible and properly motivated you will be asked
- to meet in person one or two members of the Rising Star Lodge and
- later complete an application form for membership.
- You may subsequently be invited to meet with the Lodge Committee to discuss
- your application and to answer any questions you may have.
Your application will be
presented to a Lodge Meeting and a secret ballot will be conducted whereby Members vote on
your suitability. You will be notified of the result and if successful invited
to attend a Lodge Meeting for your initiation into Membership.
THE FUTURE OF
FREEMASONRY
An independent study has
been conducted by a non-Masonic body on “The Future of Freemasonry”. The Report
has been published and can be read by clicking on the link below.
The Future of Freemasonry
