Freemasonry is one of the world’s largest and oldest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations. As such, it seeks to reinforce spiritual values and promote friendship, charity, integrity, and a concern for the common good in all its members.
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Freemasonry means different things to each of those who join. For some, it is simply about making new friends and acquaintances.
There are no strangers – only friends we have yet to meet.
For others it is about charity, being able to help deserving causes – making a contribution to family and society – or gaining experience of handling administration, public speaking, etc. For many, it is an enjoyable hobby that seeks to instil in every member a moral and ethical approach to life.
Friendship: showing tolerance, respect for the opinions of others, and behaving with kindness and understanding to all, whatever their circumstances.
Charity: practising charity and caring – not only for our own, but also for the community as a whole – through charitable giving and by voluntary efforts and work as individuals. From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of widows / orphans, the sick, and the aged. This work continues today with vast sums of money being given to national as well as local charities, a significant number of whom are non-masonic and thus benefit the wider community.
Masonic charity is exercised at every level: individual Lodges make gifts and give aid to their own communities and every Province also gives large sums of money to regional causes.
Integrity: striving for honesty and high moral standards, aiming to achieve them in every aspect of our own lives.
Anyone aged 18 or over can become a Freemason, young or old from whatever religion or social background. Freemasonry aspires to being extremely diverse, demonstrably tolerant, devoid of discrimination and mirroring society probably better than many other organisations.
They can ask someone they know to be a Freemason. Alternatively, they can make enquiry through the UGLE or MetGL websites or write to these respective organisations who will arrange for someone to contact the potential member and develop the enquiry from there.
