Law
 Freemasons consider it their fundamental right to know what is happening in society. The creation of the US Declaration of Independence and Constitution is an excellent example of establishing a framework for democratic rights.
In their own forums, Freemasons talk a lot about the personal rights of Freemasons and the rights of lodges and grand lodges, but less about their obligations.
 Freemason forums regularly state that what is written in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights also applies to Freemasons. Therefore, every Freemason has the right to access all sources of information and to be freely informed.
Many Freemasons believe they have a duty and responsibility to seek the truth and analyze events and issues. Based on this, a responsible Freemason is someone who consciously accepts the consequences of their decisions, judgments, actions, deeds, conduct, and behavior, in accordance with their principles and moral beliefs.
Duty, obligation
 Based on the various ritual books and rituals examined, we can conclude that Freemasonry also fundamentally distinguishes between the concepts of duty and obligation. Duty and obligation are related concepts, but they have distinct meanings.
The term duty appears in all the rituals examined, although not always in the form of questions and answers. The various rituals attach equal importance to the issue of duty.
A Freemason’s duty is something that a Freemason “must do,” which cannot be legally enforced (although it can be sanctioned under association law), but which a Freemason must do because it is linked to his personal honor and integrity.Such duties include, for example, regular attendance at lodge meetings and supporting fellow Freemasons in times of need.
When examining Masonic duties and obligations, attention should be drawn to the Universal Declaration of Human Obligations, a resolution adopted by the InterAction Council in 1997, which recognizes the dignity, equal and inalienable rights of all people worldwide, and the foundations of freedom, justice, and peace. (The InterAction Council is an independent international organization founded in 1983. It brings together a group of statesmen who have held the highest offices in their countries). |
 According to the Universal Declaration of Human Responsibilities, every person has responsibilities and duties.
Some key statements about duties that can be found in the declaration are:
● Duties in terms of the dignity of all people
● Solidarity and humane treatment: All people must treat everyone humanely. People must behave in solidarity with one another.
● Moral standards above good and evil: No one is above good and evil; everyone is subject to moral standards.
● Responsibility for a better society: Every person should promote good and avoid evil. |
| The exact wording of the obligation may vary depending on the Masonic rite, jurisdiction, and degree.
However, the various rites agree on this within Freemasonry.
The “obligation” refers to the solemn promise or commitment made by the Freemason during the initiation ceremony.
The essence of this is common to the various rituals: the obligation, i.e., the binding promises made by the candidate to uphold the principles, values, and secrets of the brotherhood.
 The candidate takes an oath, swearing to keep secret all aspects of Masonic teachings. Thus, the obligation is a binding declaration to observe the principles, secrets, and duties of Freemasonry. The obligation serves as the basis for the Freemason’s path within the brotherhood. It symbolizes the candidate’s commitment to personal growth, moral development, and adherence to Masonic ideals.
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The primary obligations of Freemasons:
● To live according to the principles of Freemasonry.
● To keep Masonic secrets confidential.
● To support the lodge and fellow brothers.
Personal commitment reflects and signifies the character, integrity, and incorruptibility of a Freemason. Breaching this obligation is considered a serious offense within the brotherhood, as it is a key issue in the initiative process.
It emphasizes honesty, loyalty, and mutual respect among lodge members, who are considered brothers. |
Perhaps it is not wrong to say that while duty encompasses broader responsibilities both within and outside the lodge, obligation refers to the promises made during initiation. While duties refer to specific tasks related to work or role, obligations encompass broader moral or ethical responsibilities related to personal integrity and social norms.
Among the obligations, it is important to emphasize
“Living according to the principles of Freemasonry.”
This also means that Freemasons are obliged to voluntarily accept the fundamental values of Freemasonry, out of inner compulsion.
A ritual question and answer:
„What makes you an Entered Apprentice Mason?
– My obligation.”
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The responsibilities of Freemasons
 Freemasons have multiple responsibilities. The most important ones (without claiming to be exhaustive) are:
Moral discipline and personal development: Freemasons commit themselves to self-improvement, moral development, and adherence to Masonic principles.
Since they are obliged to examine and study themselves constantly, it is their responsibility to strive to become better people.
Charity work and mutual aid: They assist their fellow Freemasons and their families in times of need. Charity and philanthropy are part of the Freemasons’ responsibility. This is symbolized by the hand in the illustration.
Community and brotherhood: Freemasons build strong bonds with other members, creating a supportive network. Lodge meetings and other Masonic social events promote brotherhood and camaraderie.
Preservation of traditions and rituals: Freemasons are guardians of tradition. They preserve ancient rituals, symbols, and teachings, passing them down through generations. In this way, they contribute to the continuity of Masonic wisdom.
Social and community involvement: In the illustration, the stylized buildings symbolize community presence and social responsibility. |
| Freemasons actively participate in community and civic activities, volunteer work, and public service.
Freemasons aim to have a positive impact outside the lodge as well.
Freemasons have a special responsibility in society to promote the ideals of the Enlightenment (represented in the illustration by the light bulb, symbolizing knowledge, light, and progress).
Freemasons have promoted Enlightenment ideals such as individual liberty, dignity, and democratic government.
Freemasons support intellectual development and critical thinking. Freemasons show personal respect for their own history. Freemasons respect history and their traditions. |
Regarding Masonic responsibility, one lodge ritual reads as follows:
“The primary goal of our lodge is to examine, analyze, and process social, political, economic, and cultural processes. We consider it our duty to express ourselves in the interest of progress. Freemasonry principles prohibit comments on everyday party politics. Still, we have the opportunity to comment on general or specific issues of interest to society and to present our opinions to the public.”
By fulfilling their duties and obligations, and by embodying their responsibilities, striving to make good people better, perfecting themselves, and striving to create a positive future. |
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