Basic Principles of Freemasonry

From the Constitution of the Regular Grand Lodge of Serbia Of Free and Accepted Masons

1. Freemasonry is a fraternity which basic principle is belief in Supreme Being, known by Freemasons as the Great Architect of the Universe, and love for the fellow man and the humanity. Our fraternity accepts Basic Principles and Antient Landmarks of Anderson’s Constitution from 1723.
2. Fraternity of Freemasons admits as members men that are free and of good report, motivated to nourish the virtues and morals in society and aiming towards human perfection. They accept their Masonic obligations by taking an oath on open Book of Sacred Law (Bible, Torah, Qur'an or any other)
3. Regardless of their profession or title, material wealth or place in society, nationality, religious or political belief, Freemasons meet and accept each other as brothers, and see Freemasonry as fraternity in which they aim towards the enlightened state of their souls. By nourishing ethics and moral of their members, Freemasonry strives towards perfection and happiness of the entire humanity.
4. Freemasonry is an active society. Their work is based upon love, truth, righteousness, humaneness and honesty. Fraternity reflects these virtues onto the profane society by individually working on everything that is good and useful for any man as well as the society as whole, by cherishing noble feelings towards fellow man and living an exemplary personal and family life.
5. The Fraternity makes no compromise in fighting for clean conscience, free speech and undeniable right to live free. Freemasons believe in tolerance, comprehension and humanity, making the world a better place.
6. Freemasons are obliged to provide each other with brotherly help and protection, as long as there are honorable intentions. They strive in all occasions to maintain the peace and harmony within, necessary for the perfect self control.
7. Freemasons meet in Lodges where Three Great Lights of Freemasonry: The Volume of the Secret Law, Square and Compasses are always on display, enabling them to work with dedication and diligence, according to Rituals, Constitution and by-laws of Freemasonry.
8. Freemasonry tolerates different religious and political beliefs, but does not create any political or religious communities, and does not practice any religious or clerical ceremonies. As an organization, it does not discuss or offers any opinion regarding any religious or political matters, or gets involved in political processes. At the same time, it feels obliged to defend the people from tyranny, by the means of reason and truth.
9. Freemasons have deep patriotic sense towards their homeland; they are faithful and loyal citizens. They consider as their duty to defend its freedom, integrity and independence, by pleading for peace and order and respecting democratic institutions of the State. By taking part in public offices, it is a duty of every Freemason to implement the ethical principles of Freemasonry. By doing this, they bring prosperity and happiness upon the entire humanity.
10. Principles, goals and history of Freemasonry are not secret. Existing rituals and established modes of recognition and membership are secret.
11. It is the duty of every Freemason to be faithful to his Lodge, to protect its sacredness from anyone not belonging to the Fraternity, to protect the interests of Freemasonry, and not to discuss any internal matters of Freemasonry in profane circles.
12. Every Freemason can resign from Freemasonry by his own free will.