Believe in tolerance and love for all

Freemasons have been laying cornerstones for centuries. George Washington, a Master Mason, presided over the laying of the cornerstone of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C.

In these days of political correctness, anyone may complain about anything, and authority feels it necessary to cave in, to avoid controversy. In this case, several people stated that Freemasonry is a religion. Without further question, the ceremony was canceled. (Sept. 26 news article: “Arlington school kills cornerstone.”)

The Masonic Fraternity is an ancient and respected order. It does an enormous amount of good throughout the world. Masons award scholarships and the Grand Lodge sponsors a literacy campaign. Freemasonry quietly donates to many charities. Study of its ritual and philosophy elevates the mind and brings us into accord with our Brethren wherever they may be. Masons help Masons and non-Masons alike, rarely claiming credit, but simply doing what their obligation and their instincts tell them to do.

Freemasonry is not a religion, but our members are religious in the finest sense of the word, with tolerance and love for all beliefs and creeds. Freemasonry is found everywhere that men believe in a god. We do not tell a man what he must think, or in what form he must worship. When he steps into the lodge, all men are equal, there are no social, religious or racial distinctions, and no contention.

Many Masons were involved in the creation of the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights. The values expressed in those documents are all Masonic values. If our nation were still dedicated to the values of friendship, morality and brotherly love that were espoused by our founding fathers, perhaps we would be living in a different world than we find ourselves in today.

These are some of the reasons I am proud to be a Freemason.

Free and Accepted Masons of Washington

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