Declaration of Principles of the Order

of Freemasons in the Netherlands

 

The principles below are a chapter of the Constitution of the Order, which dates back from 1917:

Freemasonry is a movement striving for the development of the human qualities that raise people and mankind, including themselves, to a higher moral and spiritual level.

The order is an independent part of the world-wide brotherhood of freemasons. It aspires to be a center for those who want to practise the art of living.

Freemasonry believes in the existence of a spiritual and moral order as a propelling power for the progress of mankind.

Freemasonry is based on the recognition of:

the intrinsic value of the human personality

• everyone's right to seek his own truth
• everyone's moral responsibility for his own actions
• equality in essence of all people
• the brotherhood of all people
• everyone's duty to work at the welfare of the community

The Order tries to attain its objective by organising itself in accordance with the principles described and to inspire society with those principles.

Freemasonry has its own ways of working with symbols and rituals to interpret its ideas and ideals. It also supports everything that could correct and improve moral or spiritual poverty and material misery.

Freemasonry cultivates tolerance and justice, promotes brotherly love, seeks whatever unites people and nations, and tries to remove whatever separates minds and hearts. It strives for unity by making people conscious of their brotherhood. Freemasons obey the laws of their country.