Freemasonry is the friend of every religious faith but is not itself a religion. Essentially, it is the practical applications of a philosophy of life or way of living. Not being the product of any one race or system of government, or economics or philosophy or religion, Freemasonry welcomes men of every race and creed if they have sufficient integrity of character to become good Masons and if they believe in a Supreme Being. Instead of trying to be a religion, Freemasonry deliberately seeks to provide a common meeting place where men of every monotheistic religion can remain true to their own religions and yet, submerging their differences, can work together in harmony to manifest the finest fruits of all religions. The emphasis of religion is often on intercession for forgiveness of a person's shortcomings.
Masonic emphasis is on a more positive aspect.
It teaches a Mason to measure up to his obligations rather than to deal with theological doctrines of forgiveness. Similarly, Masonry stresses a person's duties rather than his rights. Just as Freemasonry exhorts each member to be a true and loyal citizen of whatever country is entitled to his allegiance, so, likewise, Freemasonry expects each of its members to be a true and loyal supporter of his chosen religion and of the church, synagogue, or other unit of its organizational worship. Freemasonry is a social organization only so far as it furnishes inducement and a setting for men to gather in numbers. Thus they can promote its primary work of education and charity.