Basic Principles

from The Constitution of United Grand Lodges of Serbia

1. The Masonry is a Union of free men, which origin derives from the medieval mason brotherhood. The basis of the brotherhood is a pure ethic code, that finds it’s expression in the free masons regulations, and in the greatest quantity in the, so called, “Old duties of the free masons”.
2. All men, no matter of their calling or profession, no matter of the material status or position, as they are born under the equal laws of nature, have equal rights in the society. Therefore Free Masons meet as Brothers, and their Union is considered to be a Union of Brotherhood. In the same way they nurture and spread brotherly love to their peers in the profane circles.
3. All the work and life in the Union is based on love, truth, righteousness and humanity. Starting from this basis, the Union transfers given virtues into the profane society:
   • through symbolic rituals and customs in the Royal Art;
   • educational nurturing of the feeling of humanity towards loved ones;
   • righteous living, personal and in the family;
   • exemplary work on everything that is good, beautiful and useful for the whole as well as the individuals.
4. Masons respect The Great Builder of All Worlds and tolerate every religion. The Union does not belong to any sect or dogma; it does not perform neither religious nor Church cult. In it, every brother is dear, no matter the religion.
5. As an open opponent of the restriction of freedom of consciousness, religion and thought, the Mason Union defends these individual principles will all legal instruments. And as a supporter of the individual right and belief, it opposes every pressure and restriction of the religious and political beliefs.
6. The Masons love their homeland Serbia; they are loyal and faithful to it. They find that it is their duty to defend it’s freedom, independence and the immunity of their territory, cooperating on the maintenance of the inner order and peace – through words, letters and action. Therefore, they can participate in every public labor; but they should guide themselves with Mason principles in it. Because, through their labor in their Homeland in this way, they contribute to the welfare of the entire humanity.
7. The Lodges are calm and closed Workshops. In them, mutual notification on religious, political and general social issues is not excluded, but always within the borders of the Mason principles. But, personal self determination outside of the Lodge is allowed.
8. The Masonry Union accepts in it’s domain free men, of good reputation, and with the desire to nurture virtues and moral in the society. It does not make a difference in their nationality, or their political beliefs, or the civil status. But it does not allow the propagation into the membership, but gives, in discretion, the asked notifications only should it be found that someone of the interested would be a worthy member of the Mason Family.
9. The history of Masonry, Mason principles and Mason goals are no secret at all. But the existing internal rites and determined signs are not to be bespoken.
10. The Masons are obligated to be faithful and loyal to the laws of their Lodge. They protect their inviolability from anyone who does not belong to the Union; they defend Mason interests and avoid discussing Mason issues in the profane circles.
11. The Masons are free, in consent to the current regulations, to exit from the Union, when ever they wish to do so.
12. The family life between Masons, as well as the relationship between Mason families, and towards the profane circles, in nurtured on the highest moral level, and is considered sacred.

You can download the PDF file: The Constitution of United Grand Lodges of Serbia