Introduction

Freemasonry is one of the oldest, secular, brotherhood societies in the world. The below information is intended to explain the Masonry and, by informing, to rectify wrong interpretations.

The Freemasonry is a society of people guided by moral and spiritual values; its members learn freemasonry values through dramatic rituals, verbal and non-verbal references which pursue old forms and use customs and tools of ancient stone-cutters as allegoric guidelines.

Who may become a Freemason

In order to become a Freemason, a man needs to believe in God. The membership is open to men of all races and religions who believe in God and who are reputable in the society.

Freemasonry and Religion

Freemasonry is not a religion, nor a replacement of the religion; as such, it is open to people of all confessions of faith, people who believe in God, and it expects them to continue to pursue their faith. It is not allowed to discuss confessions of faith at Freemasonry sessions in a Lodge.

Three Grand Principles

For centuries, Freemasons followed three grand principles:

• Brotherly love – Each true Freemason will show his tolerance and respect for other people’s opinion and behave with consideration and understanding towards the humankind.
• Assistance – Freemasons are taught to spread goodness, to help the misfortunate ones and to care, not only for their brothers, but for the whole community where they live in, through charities, solidarity or volunteer work as individuals.
• Truth – Freemasons always fight for the truth, setting before themselves high moral standards and striving for their accomplishment during their lifetime.

Freemasons believe that these principles represent a way to achieve high standards in an individual's life.

Freemasonry and Society

Freemasonry requires its members to observe the laws of the state in which they live and work.

The Freemasonry principles are not in conflict with citizen duties of a brother as a citizen, but such duties should give him strength to duly exercise his public or private responsibilities.

Any misuse of the membership to a brotherhood by a Freemason in terms of promoting his personal or somebody’s profession, professional or personal interest, will face the disapproval and it is in contradiction with the terms under which he asked for the access in a Freemasonry brotherhood.

The citizen duty of a Freemason must always prevail over any obligation to other Freemasons; each attempt to protect a Freemason who acted dishonourably or illegally is contrary to his elementary obligations.

Discretion

Secrets of the Freemasonry refer to its traditional ways of recognizing. We are not a secret society, because each member is free to declare his affiliation to the brotherhood. Freemasonry rules and constitutions are available to public. There is no single secret about objectives or principles of the Freemasonry.

Freemasonry and Politics

Freemasonry is apolitical, and any discussion on politics at a Freemasonry meeting is strictly forbidden.

Other Freemasonry Bodies

Freemasonry works under the protection of many independent Grand Lodges, the standards of which are similar to those established by the Grand Lodge of England in 1723, so-called Anderson’s Constitutions or Book of Rules which is taken by the Regular Grand Lodge of Serbia   as a guide in its work.

Conclusion

A Freemason will be always encouraged to execute his duty, firstly towards his God (whatever is the name that he knows) through his confession of faith and religious service, then without any restrictions towards his family and those depending on him, towards his neighbours through help and support.

All these ideas are not exclusively Freemasonic, but they should be accepted by all people on this planet Earth which we call our home, always with hope for a better world than that we live in.

Freemasons are expected to follow these ideas.