Bro S.K. Char emphasizes the profound responsibility of Freemasons to embody the organization's philosophy and teachings, thereby enhancing their Masonic identity. He asserts that members must demonstrate their commitment through actions that reflect the values of Freemasonry, particularly in light of declining membership in many lodges. Char advocates for proactive engagement to reverse this trend, highlighting that Freemasonry can promote harmony in a world rife with division. He stresses that the goal is not merely to increase membership but to showcase the positive impact of Masonic teachings on both members and the broader community. By fostering a sense of brotherhood and mutual support, Freemasons contribute to a more compassionate society. The document underscores the importance of living out Masonic principles, which align with the fundamental teachings of all religions, promoting unity and collective responsibility among all humanity.
S.K. Char - India
December 17th, 2025
February 27th, 2026
manual
administration and_governance
Paper 31/2007 Title The Responsibility of Being a Freemason Author Bro S.K. Char - India Those of us who have been members of this organization bear a great responsibility, to ourselves and to the organization. To ourselves, by imbibing the philosophy and teachings so that we are worthy of the organization we belong to. As it has been said elsewhere, we must cultivate ‘our Masonic identity’ that should show in our words and actions, by which those outside the organization can see and feel the advantages of the organization. Today we see membership falling in many lodges; whatever may be the reasons for this, our responsibility in reversing this trend is paramount, as looking around, this is the only organization that can bring some sense to the bitterness and hatred being spread all round the world. Just talking about the philosophy and the benefits of being a Freemason is not enough, as our experience has shown; what is important is to demonstrate by our words and actions of being a Freemason. I say this from my personal experience as the reason for my joining this organization was my meeting with a freemason who deeply impressed me. I have also seen on the internet many masons expressing the same reasons for joining the organization. They have all seen what Freemasonry can do to men joining them. Our responsibility to the organization arises from the fact that by increasing the membership and making it an organization, which by the actions of its members shows the rest of the world how beautiful life can be, we could be doing our bit in bringing some sense to the world around us. By becoming Freemasons we have voluntarily taken on the responsibility to do our bit not only to our organization but also to spread its influence to those around us for the good of all. When you look deeply into the teachings of our organization you will find this is the aim of Freemasonry – not only to make its members good but also those around us. It is not that we want to make our organization strong by getting more and more members; what we want is to show that what freemasonry teaches is good not only to its members but also to those outside it. We are not preaching new ideas ; we are only trying to draw attention to the common basic teachings of all religions and that whatever religion we may belong to, we are all brothers and that we should help and look after each other, rather than try to assert ourselves trying to show that we are better than others. We are all members of one family; we have only one world and one home and one family.