| Annual Message | | Print | |
From the beginning of the new year 2010 we are called to become conscious of the new realities in Europe which arise from the recent strong position of the Lisbon Treaty. We deem that another significant step has been attained in accomplishing the cohesion of the European Union, that geographical area of 27 countries which progress together over recent years. We appreciate that it will help with the excesses of society, with moral standards and with the economic crisis which most of these countries are going through. We Masons welcome this development because our principles are rooted in the cultivation of humanity's freedom of conscience and the forming of responsible citizens as much in Europe as in the whole world. Simultaneously, we support the traditions and the cultural history of communities and nations; we comprehend the need for each to retain a separate identity while being part of a larger whole. The acceptance of the differences in peoples and nations, the right to free choice of religion and political conviction, and the strong expression of opinions by the citizens in each society show our elementary duties. Freemasonry historically advocates Human Rights and proclaims the Freedom of the citizen within the bounds of law and order, it promotes Equality with mutual respect and it furthers universal Brotherhood and solidarity. For the new year of 2010 we send out the following message: Let us accept the differences in the peoples and cultures of nations, let us nurture the idea of their right to free choice of religion and political persuasion and let us all see ourselves as active responsible citizens, reciprocating to the new outlook of the European Union with the aim of the well-being and happiness of all its citizens and, in extension, of all the world. |