Freemasonry today

Freemasonry may be summed up in the following manner; a moral code, a study in the art of life, and a way of life.

Through the use of symbolism and parables the moral code of Freemasonry teaches human virtue. Freemasonry strives to awaken the desires to think, question and seek. It guides its members towards leading impeccable lives in a spirit of truthfulness, helpfulness and brotherhood.

Throughout the world traditional Freemasonry is restricted to men only.

Freemasonry is not a secret movement, rather an organisation which keeps certain secrets. These relate to the procedure of Freemasonry meetings as well as its system of study and training. This tradition is hundreds of years old and originates from the functioning of the ancient trade guilds.

Freemasonry is founded upon the voluntary membership of law-abiding men. It does not place obligations upon its members 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. In the name of brotherhood it adheres to abidance by the law and an honourable way of life.

Finland's Grand Lodge functions at a national level as the independent sovereign body. The Grand Lodges of the world also work internationally and in recognition of one another. However, there is no international or supranational organisation or governing organ to which they are subject.