Freemasonry today

Freemasonry may be summed up in the following manner: a system of morality, a study in the art of life, and a way of life.

Freemasonry uses symbols and allegories in teaching human virtue. It strives to awaken desire to think, question and seek. Freemasonry guides its members towards virtuous life in the spirit of brotherly love, relief and truth.

Throughout the world, regular Freemasonry is restricted to men only.

Freemasonry is not a secret society, rather a society with certain secrets. These concern the procedure of Masonic meetings, as well as its system of study and training. This tradition is hundreds of years old and originates from the ancient trade guilds.

Freemasonry is founded upon voluntary membership of law-abiding men. It does not place upon its members any obligations which would be in conflict with their legal and communal obligations.

Freemasonry is not a religion. Neither is it a sect nor a church.

Neither as an organisation nor on an individual level does Freemasonry relate to or promote the political or economic advantage of any individual or party of individuals. It teaches its members law-abiding and honourable way of life.

The Grand Lodge of Finland functions as an independent sovereign body. The national regular Grand Lodges form an international network by mutual recognition of each other. However, there is no international or supranational organisation or governing organ to which they are subject.