What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry teaches moral lessons and self-knowledge through
participation in a progression of allegorical two-part plays, which are
learnt by heart and performed within each lodge.
Freemasonry offers its members an approach to life which seeks
to reinforce thoughtfulness for others, kindness in the community,
honesty in business, courtesy in society and fairness in all things.
Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount
but importantly Freemasonry also teaches and practices concern for
people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.
1.Why do people join and remain members?
People became Freemasons for a variety of reasons, some as the
result of family tradition, others upon the introduction of a friend or out
of a curiosity to know what it is all about.
Those who become active members and who grow in
Freemasonry do so principally because they enjoy it. They enjoy the
challenges and fellowship that Freemasonry offers. There is more to
it, however, than just enjoyment.
Participation in the dramatic presentation of moral lessons and in
the working of a lodge provides a member with a unique opportunity
to learn more about himself and encourages him to live in such a way
that he will always be in search of becoming a better man, not better
than someone else but better than he himself would otherwise be and
therefore an exemplary member of society.
2.Each Freemason is required to learn and show humility through
initiation. Then, by progression through a series of degrees he gains
insight into increasingly complex moral and philosophical concepts,
and accepts a variety of challenges and responsibilities which are
both stimulating and rewarding. The structure and working of the
lodge and the sequence of ceremonial events, which are usually
followed by social gatherings, offer members a framework for
companionship, teamwork, character development and enjoyment of
shared experiences.
3.What Promises do Freemasons take?
New members make solemn promises concerning their conduct in
the lodge and in society. These promises are similar to those taken in
court or upon entering the armed services or many other
organisations. Each member also promises to keep confidential the
traditional methods of proving he is a Freemason which he would use
when visiting a lodge where he is not known.
The much publicised 'traditional penalties' for failure to observe
these undertakings were removed from the promises in 1986. They
were always symbolic not literal and refer only to the pain any decent
man should feel at the thought of violating his word.
Members also undertake not to make use of their membership
for personal gain or advancement; failure to observe this principle or
otherwise to fall below the standards expected of a Freemason can
lead to expulsion.
4.Who can join?
Membership is open to men of all faiths who are law-abiding, of good
character and who acknowledge a belief in God. Freemasonry is a
multi-racial and multi-cultural organisation. It has attracted men of
goodwill from all sectors of the community into membership. There
are similar Masonic organisations for women.
5.Is Freemasonry a religion?
Freemasonry is not a religion. It has no theology and does not teach
any route to salvation. A belief in God, however, is an essential
requirement for membership and Freemasonry encourages its
members to be active in their own religions as well as in society at
large.
Although every lodge meeting is opened and closed with a prayer
and its ceremonies reflect the essential truths and moral teachings
common to many of the world's great religions, no discussion of
religion is permitted in lodge meetings.