DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES OF THE GRAND LODGE OF ANTIENT, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF NEW ZEALAND

Freemasonry as a Society is

Charitable – its resources are devoted to the welfare and happiness of Mankind.

Benevolent – believing that the good of others is of primary concern.

Communal – it promotes ethical conduct and responsible attitudes amongst its members, and attitudes of heart and mind which will help them to practice charity and goodwill to all.

Educational – its authorised ceremonials teach a system of morality and brotherhood based upon Universal Truth.

Reverent – it acknowledges a Supreme Being, Creator of the Universe whom all men should revere. The Volume of the Sacred Law is open whenever a Lodge is in session and is a constant reminder of that fundamental duty.

Social – it encourages the meeting together of men for the purposes of fellowship, instruction and charity.

To these several ends

It teaches – and stands for reverence before the Supreme Being; truth and justice; brotherhood and practical benevolence; an open-minded attitude and the liberty of the individual, civil, religious and intellectual.

It charges – each member to be true and loyal to the government of the country to which he owes allegiance and to obey the laws of any State in which he may be.

It believes –

That these objectives are best accomplished by recognising a broad-base upon which men of every race, country, sect and opinion may unite.

The adoption of a restrictive platform other than one based on true human worth is unacceptable to Freemasonry.

Holding these beliefs, and in the knowledge that the true Freemason will act in civil life according to his individual judgement and the dictates of his conscience.

This Grand Lodge Affirms

Its continued adherence – to that ancient and approved rule of Freemasonry which forbids the discussion in Masonic meetings of creeds, politics or other topics likely to excite personal animosities.

Its dedication – to those basic Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth; and by their consistent practice, the lessening of the aggregate of human suffering and the promotion of the true and lasting happiness of Mankind.

Its conviction – that it is not only contrary to the fundamental principles of Freemasonry, but dangerous to its unity, strength, usefulness and welfare, for Masonic bodies to take action or attempt to exercise pressure or influence for or against any legislation, or in any way to attempt to procure the election or appointment of government officials, or to influence them, whether or not members of the Fraternity, in the performance of their official duties.