Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations. There are 250,000 Freemasons belonging to 8000 Lodges throughout England and Wales and overseas districts with over six million members worldwide.
Freemasonry instills in its members a moral and ethical approach to life. Our values are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness. It also teaches and practices concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.
For some it’s about having an enjoyable past time, making new friends and having fun. For many it is also about being able to help deserving causes – making a contribution to family and to wider society.
There are three great principles of Freemasonry that have endured for many years and, whilst they may seem old fashioned, they are still as relevant today as they were when first conceived:
Brotherly Love (Kindness) - characterised by tolerance and respect for others and their opinions and behaving with kindness and understanding towards all people with whom we come into contact throughout life.
Relief (Charity) – practicing care and charity towards our own members and the community as a whole; giving some of our time and attention to care for those who are less fortunate and for the good of our communities; and personal charitable giving, without detriment to our families.
Truth – Freemasons aim to achieve personal integrity by maintaining high moral standards in their own lives and all their activities.
Freemasons believe that through the daily practice of these three great principles, men may achieve self-improvement and higher standards in life.
Freemasons are expected always to treat others as they would like to be treated in similar circumstances.