It is a body of knowledge and a system of ethics based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, faith, country, and fraternity. As Masons, we lead by example, give back to our communities, and support numerous Masonic philanthropies. We invest in children, our neighbourhoods, and our future.
It is a body of knowledge and a system of ethics based on the belief that each man has a responsibility to improve himself while being devoted to his family, faith, country, and fraternity. As Masons, we lead by example, give back to our communities, and support numerous Masonic philanthropies. We invest in children, our neighbourhoods, and our future.
Our mission is guided by the enduring and relevant tenets of our fraternity–brotherly love, relief, and truth –and our core values, which include:
Brotherly love is one of the closest connections that exists between two people. This concept indicates we must be willing to overlook trivial criticisms or differences, and strive to always see the good in our brothers that will make us love them. We must put aside our biases and remember, “All men are my Brethren,” and that, “By the exercise of brotherly love we are taught to regard the whole human species as one family, the high and low, the rich and poor, who are taught to aid, support, and protect each other.”
Relief is often thought of as purely a form of charity, but there is an even greater, all-encompassing meaning to relief in Masonry. There are additional reasons a person may be suffering, other than just financially. He may be lonely, or have work or family problems bringing him down, and helpful advice or simply someone to talk to may be all the relief he needs. According to this tenet of Masonry, to relieve the distressed is an obligatory duty of all men. As Masons, we aim to sympathize, to console, and to restore peace to troubled minds whenever possible.
In Masonry, to be good and true is one of the first lessons. Masons must always endeavor for truth, both within themselves and in their interactions with others. Masonry demands high moral standards, and its members strive to uphold these principles in their public and private lives. Without truth, there would be no foundation for trust and fellowship.
Overall, although many expanded definitions of the three principal tenets exist, at its center, the teaching of Freemasonry instills in its members a moral and ethical approach to life; and, as Masons, we must always strive for these values to guide us in our everyday lives.