FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest secular fraternal societies. This page is intended to explain Freemasonry as it is practiced in the Province of Ontario under the direction of the Grand Lodge of Canada. The explanation may correct some misconceptions. Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ritual dramas, which follow ancient forms and use stonemasons' customs and tools as allegorical guides.
The Essential Qualification for Membership:
The essential qualification for admission into and continuing membership is a belief in a
Supreme Being. Membership is open to men of any race or religion who can
fulfill this essential qualification and are of good repute.
Freemasonry and Religion:
Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. Its essential
qualification opens it to men of many religions and it expects them to
continue to follow their own faith. It does not allow religion to be
discussed at its meetings.
The Three Great Principles:
For many years Freemasons have followed three great principles:
Brotherly Love -- Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of
others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures.
Relief -- Freemasons are taught to practice charity, and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by
charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.
Truth -- Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives.
Freemasons believe that these principles represent a way of achieving higher standards in life.
Charity:
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the
sick and the aged. This work continues today. In addition, large sums are
given to national and local charities.
Freemasonry and Society:
Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the country in which a man
works and lives. Its principles do not in any way conflict with its members'
duties as citizens, but should strengthen them in fulfilling their private
and public responsibilities. The use by a Freemason of their membership to
promote his own or anyone else's business, professional or personal
interests is condemned, and is contrary to the conditions on which he sought
admission to Freemasonry. His duty as a citizen must always prevail over any
obligation to other Freemasons, and any attempt to shield a Freemason who
has acted dishonourably or unlawfully is contrary to this prime duty.
Secrecy:
The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with its traditional modes of recognition. It is
not a secret society, since all members are free to acknowledge their
membership and will do so in response to inquiries for respectable reasons.
Its constitutions and rules are available to the public. There is no secret
about any of its aims and principles. Like many other societies, it regards
some of its internal affairs as private matters for its members.
Freemasonry and Politics:
Freemasonry is
non-political, and the discussion of politics at Masonic meetings is
forbidden.
Other Masonic Bodies:
Freemasonry is
practiced under many independent Grand Lodges with standards similar to
those set by the Grand Lodge of Canada. There are some Grand Lodges and
other apparently masonic bodies which do not meet these standards, e.g.
which do not require a belief in a Supreme Being, or which allow or
encourage their members to participate in political matters. These Grand
Lodges and bodies are not recognized by the Grand Lodge of Canada as being
masonically regular, and masonic contact with them is forbidden.
Conclusion:
Freemasonry is
practiced under many independent Grand Lodges with standards similar to
those set by the Grand Lodge of Canada. There are some Grand Lodges and
other apparently masonic bodies which do not meet these standards, e.g.
which do not require a belief in a Supreme Being, or which allow or
encourage their members to participate in political matters. These Grand
Lodges and bodies are not recognized by the Grand Lodge of Canada as being
masonically regular, and masonic contact with them is forbidden.