What is Freemansonry
The intention with this page is to shortly 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 which is 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. And for just that reason Freemasonry does 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 other people´s opinions 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.
Truth is expressed by a Freemason by always striving for the full truth. A Freemason requires high moral standard, and Aims to fulfil them himself.
Freemasons believe that fulfilling these principles is a way to reach higher moral standards and a better life.
Freemasonry and Society
Freemasonry demandsfromevery member to respect and keep the laws of the country, in which he works and lives.
By no menans 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 anyone else’s business, professional or personal interests, as this is against those conditions, by with 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 total 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 about the Aims and principles of Freemasonry. Like many other societies Freemasonry consider some of its internal affairs as private matters, reserved for its members.
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 its meetings.
Other Masonic Bodies
