What is Freemansonry
The intention of this website is shortly to explain Freemasonry, as it is practised in lodges under STORLOGEN AF GAMLE FRIE OG ANTAGNE MURERE AF DANMARK (in English “The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Denmark”), which is the united administrative body for those Danish lodges, who work according to the English Masonic system, the most common masonic system in the world.
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest secular – non religious – fraternal societies. It is a society of men concerned with the spiritual values of our existence, men, who try to improve their moral conduct. For that reason Freemasonry can justly be considered a system of morality.
Throughout a series of ritual events its members – according to Freemasonry’s precepts and ancient forms – are taught to strengthen their morality and thereby become better, less selfish and more caring human beings. This is done by using the ancient stonemason’s tools as allegorical and symbolic guides.
Membership
The most essential qualification for initiation and membership is a belief in a Supreme Being, i.e in the existence of a God.
Membership is open to all men of any race, nationality and religion, who fulfil this essential qualification, and who are of “good report”, i.e. of good reputation.
This condition – manifesting a belief in the existence of a God – together with the strongest effort to morally strengthen oneself, is the reason that Freemasonry can not only be considered a system of morality, but a special system of morality.
Freemasonry and Religion
Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion.
The unconditional qualification for initiation, as mentioned above, gives access to men of different religions, and Freemasonry expects the initiate also after his initiation to continue to follow his own faith and belief. Freemasonry does therefore not allow religion to be discussed at its meetings.
The Three Great Principles
Throughout many years Freemasons have strived to follow three great principles:
Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
Brotherly Love is practised by a true Freemason by showing tolerance and respect for the opinions of other people and acting with kindness, truth and understanding to his fellow creatures.
Relief is manifested by the virtue of the circumstance, that a Freemason is taught to show and practise humanity and charity, not only to those nearest and dearest to him, but also to society as a whole; at the right time and in the right place to make a charitable contribution and offer voluntary work when required.
Truthis expressed by a Freemason by always striving for the full truth. A Freemason requires high moral standard. Freemasons believe that fulfilling these principles is a way to reach higher moral standards and a better life.
Freemasonry and Society
Freemasonry demands that every member respects and acts within the laws of the country, in which he works and lives.
By no means are the principles of Freemasonry in conflict with its member’s duties as citizens. On the contrary, Freemasonry inspires them in fulfilling their public and private duties.
It is not acceptable for a Freemason to use his membership to promote his own or others business nor professional or personal interests, as this is against those conditions, by which he was admitted into Freemasonry. His duty as a citizen must always prevail over any obligation to another Freemason, and any attempt to shield a Freemason, who has acted against the law or dishonourably, is contrary to his prime and greatest duty.
Secrets
The secrets of Freemasonry are the handed down - i.e. traditional ways of making themselves known to each other. It is not a secret society; as its members are free to stand by and proclaim their membership, which they will do in response to any respectable and well-founded enquiry.
The Constitution or collection of laws and regulations are open to the public. There are no secrets regarding the aims and principles of Freemasonry. However, like many other societies Freemasonry considers some of its internal affairs as private matters, reserved for its members only.
Freemasonry and Politics
Every member is completely free to have his own political opinions, and to have his own political affiliation. Freemasonry is absolutely non-political. For that reason political discussion are forbidden at the meetings.
Other Masonic Bodies
Freemasonry is practised in most countries and states of the free world, and always under a sovereign and independent Grand Lodge, with aims and standards which are compatible to those of The Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Denmark.
The possibilities and rights of Grand Lodges to visit each other depend on mutual recognition which can be obtained and offered only, if a Grand Lodge fulfils and respects the ancient surviving principles of Freemasonry, as they are defined by The United Grand Lodge of England – those principles, which make them regular.
In Denmark this recognition by old tradition is held by Den Danske Frimurerorden (in English:“The Danish Order of Freemasons Grand Lodge of Denmark”), which practises Freemasonry according to a Scandinavian model, called Det Svenske System “The Swedish Rite”. A candidate seeking membership must confess to the Christian faith.
At the same time the recognition includes Det Danske Frimurerlaug af Gamle Frie og Antagne Murere (in English: “The Ancient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons”) and Johanneslogeforbundet af G.F. og A.M., which trough agreements are connected to The Danish Order of Freemasons Grand Lodge of Denmark.
Other Grand Lodges and apparent Masonic organizations do not require a belief in a Supreme Being, or accept or even encourage their members to take part in political affairs. These Grand Lodges or organizations are not considered regular and are therefore not recognized, and Masonic contact with them is therefore not allowed.
Economy
Membership of a Lodge involves certain expenses. The dress code at a lodge meeting is full evening dress with black waistcoat and white gloves. As most men do normally not possess a dress like that, the cost of this should be considered.
At the Initiation an initition-fee must be paid, as well as a fee connected to receiving the following two degrees. A monthly or quarterly subscription must be paid as well.
At every meeting a collection to charity takes place. This is an absolutely voluntary act and the size of the contribution is an absolutely private decision.
Normally according to the ancient Masonic tradition the Lodge meeting is followed by a modest meal.
If you wish the Freemason, who contaced you regarding membership, may inform you about the size of these fees. Apart from the above mentioned fees, there are no other economic duties involved.
