Freemasonry is a way of life. It is fraternal in organization, religious in character, based on the belief in the Fatherhood of God, Brotherhood of man, and immortality of the soul.

Freemasonry is NOT a secret society as many surmise. It is a voluntary association wherein the interested one comes of his own free will and accord.

Freemasonry is NOT a religion as many claim it to be.

Freemasonry, in its every effort and purpose strives to do charitable work within its membership and for society and through its teachings, seeks to make good men better men. The lessons conveyed by our ritual are based on the Golden Rule.

It is a band of men bound together in the bonds of brotherly love and affection that extends throughout the world.

Freemasonry is:

kindness in the home – honesty in business
courtesy in society – fairness in work
resistance toward the wicked – pity and concern for the unfortunate
help for the weak – trust in the strong
forgiveness for the penitent – and above all
love for one another and – reverence and love for God.

Freemasonry as a Society is:

Charitable – it is devoted to the welfare and happiness of mankind.

Benevolent – teaching that the good of others is of primary concern.

Communal – recognizing that Society is made up of individuals, it impresses upon its members the principles of personal righteousness and responsibility, enlightens them in those things which make for human welfare; and inspires those feelings of charity and goodwill toward all mankind leading to practical application of those cherished principles.

Educational – its authorized ceremonials teach a system of morality and brotherhood based upon Sacred Law.

Religious – it acknowledges a one and caring Deity. Neither secular nor theological, reverence for a Supreme Being is ever present in its ceremonials. The volume of the Sacred Law is open upon its Altars whenever a Lodge is in session.

Social – in so far as it encourages the meeting together of men for the purpose of its primary objectives, education, fellowship and charity.

To these several ends:

It Teaches – and stands for the individual’s worship of a Supreme Being: truth and justice; fraternity and philanthropy, enlightenment and liberty – civil, religious and intellectual.

It Charges – each of its members to be true and loyal to the government of the country to which he owes allegiance, and to be obedient to the law of any state in which he may be.

It Believes – that the attainment of these objectives is best accomplished by laying a broad basis of principles upon which men of every race, country, sect and opinion may unite rather than by setting up a restricted platform upon which only those of certain races, creeds and opinions can assemble. Holding these beliefs and in the knowledge that the true Freemason will act in civil life according to his individual judgments and the dictates of his conscience.

This Grand Lodge Affirms:

Its Continued Adherence – to that ancient and approved rule of Freemasonry which forbids the discussion in Masonic meetings of creeds, politics or other topics likely to excite personal animosities.

Its Dedication – to those basic Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth; and by their consistent practice, the lessening of the aggregate of human suffering and the promotion of the true and lasting happiness of Mankind.

Its Conviction – that it is not only contrary to the fundamental principles of Freemasonry, but dangerous to its unit strength, usefulness and welfare, for Masonic bodies to take action of attempt to exercise pressure of influence for or against any legislation, or in any way attempt to procure the election or appointment of government officials, or to influence them, whether or not members of the Fraternity, in the performance of their official duties.

Issued by:
The Grand Lodge of Alberta
http://www.freemasons.ab.ca