Brotherhood and Tolerance.

Freemasonry in all its forms constantly refers to Brotherhood. The term is used in all kinds of contexts, so it might be useful to clarify its meaning.

To Regular Freemasons, Brotherhood first and foremost implies that all men are brothers and as such have a right to our respect and aid. Seen in this way, however, Brotherhood is no different to any other broad concept, like brotherhood in arms or the ‘universal brotherhood’ of the French Revolution. For Freemasons in general, Brotherhood refers above all to the privileged tie that unites and binds them; but Regular Freemasons consider Masonic Brotherhood as something essentially arising from initiation rather than from shared opinions or interests, still less from some social convention whereby members should try to behave better towards each other than towards those outside it. Brotherhood arises from the fact that initiation commits us to a common path of searching and spiritual progress, so each Mason is bound to his Brethren by the experience of living through a shared symbolism and a common desire to create an initiatory community. In this way, these Freemasons progress towards the Light along often different ways; this is their common aspiration. It will come as no surprise that as a result strong personal ties of friendship spring up and flourish; but Masonic Brotherhood arises from initiation and not merely as the result of a common desire for friendship.

So what might tolerance mean?  This too stems from initiation: the initiate knows that his Brethren have committed to and chosen the same path to the Light, despite any ideological differences and divergent opinions. They have learned to respect a Brother in all his various aspects: even if not always agreeing with his views, he is no less dear to them. This is not just some questionable tolerance often only based on blandly accepting what we cannot or are unwilling to prevent or fight against, but a constructive attitude based on respect and understanding, and which simply stems from the brotherhood of initiation.