Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest secular fraternal societies. This article is intended to explain Freemasonry as it is practiced under, the United Grand Lodge of England and the Grand Lodge of Ireland, which administer Lodges of Freemasons in England and Wales & Ireland and in many places overseas.
The explanation may correct some misconceptions.
Freemasonry is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ritual drams, which follow ancient forms, and use stonemasons’ customs and tools as allegorical guides.

The Essential Qualification for Membership

The essential qualification for admission into and continuing membership is a belief in a Supreme Being.

Membership is open to men of any race or religion who can fulfill this essential qualification and who are of good repute.

Freemasonry and Religion

Freemasonry id not a religion, nor is it substitute for religion. Its essential qualification opens it to men of many religions and it expects them to continue to follow their own faith. It does not allow religion to be discussed at its meetings.

The Three Great Principals

For many years Freemasons have followed three great principals.

Brotherly Love
Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the options of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures.

Relief
Freemasons are taught to practice charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.

Truth
Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives.
Freemasons believe that these principals represent a way of achieving higher standards in life.

Charity
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and aged. This work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and local charities.

Freemasonry and Society
Freemasonry demands from its membership a respect for the law of the country in which a man works and lives.

Its principals do not in any way conflict with its members’ duties as citizens, but should strengthen them in fulfilling their public and private responsibilities.
The use by a Freemason of his membership to promote his own or anyone else’s business. Professional or personal interests in condemned, and is contrary to the conditions on which he sought admission to Freemasonry.

Freemasonry and Politics
Freemasonry is non-political, and the discussion of politics at Masonic meetings is forbidden.

Other Masonic Bodies

Freemasonry is practiced under many independent Grand Lodges with standards similar to those set by the United Grand Lodge of Ireland and Grand Lodge of Ireland.
There are some Grand Lodges and other apparently Masonic bodies that do not meet these standards, e.g. that do not require a belief in a Supreme Being, or that allow or encourage their members as such to participate in political matters.

These Grand Lodges and bodies are not recognized by United Grand Lodge of England and the Grand Lodge of Ireland as being Masonry regular, and Masonic contact with them is forbidden.

Conclusion
A Freemason is encouraged to do his duty first to his God(by whatever name he is known) through his faith and religious practice; and then, without detriment to his family and those dependent on him, to his neighbor through charity and service.