Post by Tamrin on May 1, 2010 19:46:03 GMT 10
WELCOME
Freemasonry is a fraternal institution that is established on the basis of a belief in a Supreme Being. It aims at creating bonds of brotherly love and brotherhood as well as strengthening tolerance among human beings, starting from its own members. Likewise, it aims to promote humanity in a climate of freedom, peace and justice.
In this framework, Freemasonry is not a collective teaching but an individual one. It neither forces its members, individually or collectively, to profess their faith nor imposes on them any convictions. In the light of above principles, a freemason determines his path by using his reason and following his own conscience. Thus, he searches his own Truth.
Freemasonry does not discriminate between its members in terms of religion, sect, race, language, creed or social rank. The Fraternity selects its members from among men of good repute who are free and have a belief in a Supreme Being. Those sceptics who do not have any faith or ideal are not accepted into the Fraternity.
Since the day it was founded Freemasonry have always been against bigotry as it prevented the individual and the humanity from promoting and improving. This has caused some persons and/or institutions, which have desired to have a monopoly over the individual’s and society’s development, to make baseless accusations against Freemasonry.
There is no institution in the world as old and important as Masonry that is not completely understood or is misunderstood. That is not true only for our country but also for the entire world.
Accusations to Freemasonry by some circles, who are enslaved by superstition and bigotry, are unfounded. Those making such accusations are only voicing groundless rumours and consequently, at least, not doing justice to their own intelligence and conscience. This is so regarded by Masons.
That is why Freemasonry has never responded to such attacks or felt the need for defence against it. It realises that a brief research by any unbiased person will immediately offer the truth about Masonry. Yet, it is up to the individual to decide.
Freemasonry is not a secret society but its meetings are only open to members. One of the reasons for being deemed as secret society is that its members, dating from old times, have used and continue to use symbols in the teaching of the Masonic precepts and traditional forms of recognition to prove their identity, which includes handshakes. However, the aims, principles and rules of Freemasonry are open to the public.
Freemasonry is a legal society. In Turkey, like other associations/societies, our Grand Lodge is subject to the audit and inspection of State. Moreover, our Fraternity deems it obligatory and sacred duty for members, as they are citizens of the country, to abide by the Law and serve their Country with loyalty and honour.
The Grand Lodge expels those members who act against public order, are convicted of dishonourable crime or are leading a life not befitting Masonry. On the other hand, if desired resignation is possible at any time.
Our Grand Lodge agrees that members are free and on their own to acknowledge their membership or to do otherwise. According to this understanding a Freemason has no right to disclose the membership of another member.
Doors of Freemasonry is open to men who have a belief in a Supreme Being, are free, honest, intellectual, of good intentions and good repute
Salih Evcilerli
Grand Master
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WE GREET YOU WITH LOVE AND RESPECT
WE GREET YOU WITH LOVE AND RESPECT
Freemasonry is a fraternal institution that is established on the basis of a belief in a Supreme Being. It aims at creating bonds of brotherly love and brotherhood as well as strengthening tolerance among human beings, starting from its own members. Likewise, it aims to promote humanity in a climate of freedom, peace and justice.
In this framework, Freemasonry is not a collective teaching but an individual one. It neither forces its members, individually or collectively, to profess their faith nor imposes on them any convictions. In the light of above principles, a freemason determines his path by using his reason and following his own conscience. Thus, he searches his own Truth.
Freemasonry does not discriminate between its members in terms of religion, sect, race, language, creed or social rank. The Fraternity selects its members from among men of good repute who are free and have a belief in a Supreme Being. Those sceptics who do not have any faith or ideal are not accepted into the Fraternity.
Since the day it was founded Freemasonry have always been against bigotry as it prevented the individual and the humanity from promoting and improving. This has caused some persons and/or institutions, which have desired to have a monopoly over the individual’s and society’s development, to make baseless accusations against Freemasonry.
There is no institution in the world as old and important as Masonry that is not completely understood or is misunderstood. That is not true only for our country but also for the entire world.
Accusations to Freemasonry by some circles, who are enslaved by superstition and bigotry, are unfounded. Those making such accusations are only voicing groundless rumours and consequently, at least, not doing justice to their own intelligence and conscience. This is so regarded by Masons.
That is why Freemasonry has never responded to such attacks or felt the need for defence against it. It realises that a brief research by any unbiased person will immediately offer the truth about Masonry. Yet, it is up to the individual to decide.
Freemasonry is not a secret society but its meetings are only open to members. One of the reasons for being deemed as secret society is that its members, dating from old times, have used and continue to use symbols in the teaching of the Masonic precepts and traditional forms of recognition to prove their identity, which includes handshakes. However, the aims, principles and rules of Freemasonry are open to the public.
Freemasonry is a legal society. In Turkey, like other associations/societies, our Grand Lodge is subject to the audit and inspection of State. Moreover, our Fraternity deems it obligatory and sacred duty for members, as they are citizens of the country, to abide by the Law and serve their Country with loyalty and honour.
The Grand Lodge expels those members who act against public order, are convicted of dishonourable crime or are leading a life not befitting Masonry. On the other hand, if desired resignation is possible at any time.
Our Grand Lodge agrees that members are free and on their own to acknowledge their membership or to do otherwise. According to this understanding a Freemason has no right to disclose the membership of another member.
Doors of Freemasonry is open to men who have a belief in a Supreme Being, are free, honest, intellectual, of good intentions and good repute
Salih Evcilerli
Grand Master
