Shriners believe in God and that He created man to serve His purposes, among
which is
service to others in His name.
We believe that care for the less fortunate, especially children who suffer from
burns
and crippling diseases, is our institutional calling.
We are patriots, each willing to serve his country with fidelity and courage. We
cherish
independence under law and freedom with responsibility.
We honor family. We respect our parents, wives and children. We should instill
in our
children the tenets of this creed, and the heritage from which it emanates.
As individuals we pledge ourselves to integrity, virtue and nobility of
character. Our
intentions will be honorable, our relations will be trustworthy and our spirits
forgiving of
each other.
As brothers we offer each other fraternal affection and respect. Together we
will
support each other in adherence to this creed, so that we and our communities
will be
the better because of our fraternity and its principles.
As Shriners we look beyond ourselves to serve the needs of others, especially
children
who cannot help themselves. We believe Shriners Hospitals to be the world's
greatest
philanthropy, and we covenant with each other to support its "temples of mercy"
with
spirit, time, talent and means.