The Shriners Creed

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.

February 2000