It is a voluntary association of men

It does not solicit members

It is a system of moral conduct

It is not an insurance or benefit society

It is a way of life

It is neither a religion nor a creed, nor a religious order

It is a fraternal society

It is not a charity organization but makes charity a duty

It is religious in its character

It is not organized for profit

it is a pursuit of excellence

It dictates to no man as to his beliefs, either religious or secular

It seeks to make good men better men

It seeks no advantages for its members through business or politics

It teaches morality through symbolism

It is not a forum for discussion of religion, politics or other partisan affairs

It uses rites and ceremonies to instruct its members

It is not a secret society as it does not concern its existence or purposes

It is based on a firm belief in the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of Man, and the Immortality of the soul

As a fraternal association dedicated to making good men better, Freemasonry respects the religious beliefs of all its members. Freemasonry has no theology and does not teach any method of salvation. In particular it does not claim that good works gain or guarantee salvation.

While Freemasonry supports homes for members and their spouses, most Masonic services, including Shrine medical and burn centers are available to all citizens. In 1990, American Masonic philanthropy totaled more than $525 million, of which 58% went to the general public.

Masonic meetings are announced publicly, Masonic buildings are marked clearly and are listed in phone directories, and Masons proudly wear jewelry identifying their membership. Freemasonry inherited a tradition of trade secrets from the cathedral-building guilds of medieval Europe. The only "secrets" still belonging to modern Masonry are traditional passwords, signs of recognition, and dramatic presentations of moral lessons.

Freemasonry admits only men, but many Masonic-related organizations, such as the Eastern Star, Amaranth, Job's Daughters, Rainbow for Girls and DeMolay for Boys, offer ample opportunities for women and youth.

The solemn promises taken in Freemasonry are no different than the oaths taken in court or entering the armed services. The much discussed "penalties", are judicial remnants from an earlier age, are symbolic, not literal. They refer only to the pain any honest man should feel at the thought of violating his word

Freemasonry encourages study, including literature by the great writers of ancient times. Freemasonry does not sanction the views of these authors but offers them for each individual's reflection and evaluation.

Masons learn through a series of lessons. These "degrees" of insight, move from basic to more complex concepts. This no more hides the nature of Freemasonry from  novice members than does having a student understand fractions before calculus.

There are approximately 2.5 million Masons in the United States and nearly 6 million throughout the world

Freemasonry is made up of many individuals in numerous organizations, a;; subordinate to the Grand Lodge within their jurisdiction (i.e. state). None of these members or organizations can speak for Freemasonry; that is the responsibility of each Grand Lodge within its jurisdiction. No Masonic body nor author, however respected, can usurp the authority of a Grand Lodge.

Masonry has many groups, each with a special social, education, or philanthropic focus. A man becomes a Mason in his local Lodge then he joins any of the following "Appendant Bodies"; The Scottish Rite, York Rite (which includes the Royal Arch and Knights Templar), Shriners, Grottoes, Tall Cedar, etc.