What is Freemasonry?

 Freemasonry is the world’s oldest  fraternal society. In this site, we explain Freemasonry as it exists under the Grand Lodge of Scotland, which is the corporate body governing Freemasonry in Scotland and Scottish Masonic Lodges in many other parts of the world.

 It unites people of good character who, though of different religious, ethnic or social backgrounds, share a belief in a Supreme Being and the brotherhood of mankind.

This explanation may correct some misconceptions. and dispel some myths.

 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 who are of good repute.

There are Freemasons all over the world with a whole range of religious backgrounds - it doesn't matter. As long as a mason believes in his own Supreme Being, regardless which religion it is associated with.

 Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. The one essential qualification means that Freemasonry is open to men of all religions and it expects them to continue to follow their own faith.

It is not permitted for Freemasons to discuss these subjects at masonic meetings.

Pictured above is Bhagavad Gita, Holy Bible and Al-Qur'an - Hindu, Christian and Islam. Brethren of these religions attend meetings together in complete harmony.

• Brotherly Love – Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to others.

• Relief – Freemasons are taught to practise 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 all walks of life 

 From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged.

Today charitable work has expanded to include the whole community and in addition; large sums are given to national and local charities. 

 Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the country in which they work and live.

Its principles do not in any way conflict with its members’ duties as citizens, but should strengthen them in fulfilling their public and private responsibilities.

The use by a Freemason of his 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 dishonorably or unlawfully is contrary to this prime duty and the teachings of Freemasonry itself. 

 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 is non-political, and the discussion of politics at Masonic meetings is forbidden.  

  Freemasonry is practiced under many other Grand Lodges which set the same standards and promote the same principals as the Grand Lodge of Scotland.

However, there are organisations that do not meet these standards. For example, some do not require a belief in a Supreme Being, others permit their members as such to participate in political matters, some don't admit men of specific religions.

For these reasons such bodies cannot be considered to be masonically regular and Scottish Freemasons can have no masonic contact with them.  

Our members are from almost every background you can think of; rural areas of South Lanarkshire to urban parts of our towns and cities, unemployed, business owners, tradesmen, IT professionals, retired, medical professionals, truck drivers, council workers, academics, bus drivers, serving military personnel, veterans - all sorts!

We have members in their early 20s and others in their 90s.

Freemasonry is a way of life for most of us. We enjoy being amongst our friends, whether within a lodge or outside it.

We have brethren who are in masonic motorbike groups (they ride in groups all over Scotland and in Europe), many have shared interests and hobbies like walking, going to rugby or football together or socialising with each other and our families. We have pipers and drummers who perform together in local pipe bands.

We have brethren who we see many times a week and others only at the lodge meetings. 

It doesn't matter - you'll fit in somewhere!

 A Freemason is encouraged to do his duty first to his God (by whatever name he/she/it is known) through his faith and religious practice; and then, without detriment to his family and those dependent on him, to his neighbour through charity and service.

None of these ideas are exclusively masonic, but all should be universally acceptable. Freemasons are expected to follow them.