The Core Masonic Values

Have you ever wondered about the core Masonic values that guide brothers within Freemasonry?

According to the United Grand Lodge of England:

“For Freemasons, there are four important values that help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Charity. In today’s world filled with uncertainty, these principles ring as true as they have at any point in the organization’s history.”

Let’s take a look at these values in a little more detail and explore what they mean for Freemasons in the present day.

Integrity

Masons are expected to act with integrity in all aspects of life. Whether they are at home with their families, attending Masonic functions, at work, or in a social setting in their communities, Masons should conduct themselves in a way that demonstrates sound ethical principles.

Integrity is also concerned with accountability and responsibility. As custodians of the Craft, Masons must preserve the secrets and centuries-old rituals for future generations. It’s vitally important that brothers understand the importance of acting with integrity to preserve the morality of Freemasonry as a whole.

Friendship

It’s little surprise that Masons often form life-long friendships with their fellow brothers. Joining a lodge affords Masons the opportunity to connect with like-minded men in their communities, while attending meetings and arranging social and charitable functions.

But the bonds of friendship extend further than just within the lodge. Through mutual connections, Masons become acquainted with new people throughout their communities and even further afield through Masonic functions. With the appropriate mindset, Freemasonry enables men to develop meaningful friendships built upon mutual values.

Respect

One of the main reasons why Freemasonry has stood the test of time and thrived for centuries is due to the respect that Masons have for one another. They respect the teachings of the Craft and the opinions and personalities of their fellow brothers.

But the respect shown by Masons is also far-reaching, and they’re encouraged to treat every person with respect and dignity, regardless of their background. Without respect, Freemasonry would not be able to exist. It’s as simple as that.

Charity

The fourth value is one that is often overlooked by those outside of the Craft. Masons are expected to act charitably wherever possible in life. Whether it’s caring for a sick relative, checking in on a lonely neighbor, or raising money for a worthy cause, charity is part of the very fabric of Freemasonry.

For whatever reason, Masons don’t always get the credit they deserve when it comes to their charitable acts, in spite of the fact that brothers across the world raise millions of dollars every year for organizations and individuals that need it the most.

Closing thoughts

These core values help to shape a Mason’s life. Brothers are expected to live by a strict moral and ethical code, and these four values help them to conduct themselves in a manner that is conducive to universal Freemasonry.