Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is a system of morality. It is emphatically not a religion, nor is it a quasi-religious organisation. At the Lodge meetings Freemasons enjoy a private environment in which they are able to share in a common bond based on the commitment each has made to live by three basic principles. These are expressed (in 18th century English) as Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.
Brotherly Love invokes tolerance, care, understanding and kindness and encourages Freemasons to treat all other people as they would wish to be treated themselves.
Relief reminds us that there are always those less fortunate than ourselves and teaches us that it is a privilege to be able to help, whether financially or otherwise.
Truth demands integrity in our actions and our thoughts. It inspires the highest moral standards in life.
These principles form the basis of the moral code by which we try to live our lives. They are the common bonds between all Freemasons, in this country and all over the world.