Freemasonry and Religion
A man does not subscribe to a new religion, much less to an anti-Christian religion when he becomes a freemason, any more than when he joins any political party or service club. There is nothing in Freemasonry that is opposed to the religion he brings with him into the masonic lodge.
Freemasonry does not assert nor does it teach that one religion is as good as another. Freemasonry admits men of all religions. Freemasons believe in religious freedom and that the relationship between the individual and his God is personal, private and sacred.
We do not apply a theological test to a candidate. We do ask a man if he believes in a Supreme Being and that is the only religious test. Belief in a Supreme Being is faith; belief about a Supreme Being is theology. As freemasons we are interested in faith only and not in theology. Religion is not permitted to be discussed at masonic meetings.
Freemasonry is a completely tolerant organization. When Freemasonry accepts a Christian, a Jew, a Buddhist or a Muslim, it does not accept him as such, but accepts him as a man, worthy to be received into the masonic fraternity.
Freemasonry stands for the values that are supreme in any religion and expects each member to follow his own faith and to place his duty to the Supreme Being above all other duties. We are sure that a member who is true to the principles he learns in Freemasonry will be a better member of his faith because of it.
Freemasonry is not a religion nor is it a substitute for religion.
Freemasonry advocates no sectarian faith or practise.
Freemasonry seeks no converts.
Freemasonry solicits no new members.
Freemasonry raises no money for religious purposes.
Freemasonry has no dogma or theology. Religious discussion is forbidden in a masonic lodge thereby eliminating the chance for any masonic dogma to form.
Freemasonry offers no sacraments and does not claim to lead to salvation by works, by secret knowledge, or by any other means. The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with the modes of recognition only and not with the means of salvation.
Freemasonry supports religion. Freemasonry is far from indifferent to religion. Without interfering in religious practise, it expects each member to follow his own faith.