What are the core principles of Freemasonry?
Freemasonry's core principles are rooted in its ancient traditions and moral teachings, emphasizing Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. These tenets encourage members to foster a spirit of universal brotherhood, promote charity and aid to those in need, and pursue moral integrity and knowledge. According to Osborne Sheppard's compilation, Masonry is closely associated with religion, requiring belief in a Supreme Being and teaching moral truths that align with religious principles, without being a religion itself. The object of Freemasonry is to promote peace, good order, and elevate the welfare of mankind. It advocates for moral conduct, social harmony, and the pursuit of truth, all while respecting individual faiths and beliefs, making it a universal fraternity that transcends religious and national boundaries.