Another point is that because Freemasonry embraces all men who believe in a Supreme Being it could cause disharmony if we specifically referred to God, so a number of variations are used such as the Great Architect. The Great Architect is neither a Masonic god nor an attempt to combine all gods into one. To the Christian the Great Architect is the Trinitarian God of his faith, to the Jew, Hindu, Sikh, Moslem etc. the Great Architect is the God of his religion. Using such terms enables men of differing religions to pray together without offence being given to any of them. In order to maintain harmony in the Lodge, one of the basic principles of Freemasonry is that the Lodge shall not discuss religion or politics. Grand Lodge will not have friendly association with a foreign Grand Lodge if they tolerate such discussion.

The principles of Freemasonry are common to all great religions but Freemasonry does not try to replace religion or be a substitute for it. Every Candidate is exhorted to practice his religion and to regard its Holy Book as the unerring standard of truth. But Freemasonry does not instruct its Members in what their religious beliefs should be. Freemasonry deals in relations between men, religion deals in a man's relationship with his God. Incidentally, we do not say "Amen" at the end of prayers but "So must it be". In fact we use the old English "So mote it be".

For Many Years Freemasons Have Followed Three Great Principles:

'Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth'

Otherwise described as Friendship, Compassion and Integrity'.

Brotherly Love:

Every true Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others and behave with kindness and understanding to his fellow creatures.

Relief:

Freemasons are taught to practice charity, and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole, both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals.

Truth:

Freemasons strive for truth, requiring high moral standards and aiming to achieve them in their own lives.