Ethan Walker
Shriners International, formerly known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, is a fraternal organization with a strong focus on family and community service. Despite its Arabic theme, the Shriners are not a religious organization, although spiritual belief is a fundamental principle. Shriners are Freemasons, and membership is open to men who have been initiated as Master Masons in a Masonic rite. While the Shriners are known for their charitable work, particularly in children's healthcare, their connection to Freemasonry raises concerns for many Christians, and the Catholic Church has stated that Catholics may not become Shriners under pain of excommunication.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| A fraternity of men | Philanthropy |
| Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth | Leadership and service to the community |
| Social organization with a strong focus on family | Self-improvement |
| Not a religious organization | Spiritual belief |
| Global fraternity | Fun and fellowship |
| No connection with Islam | Brotherhood |
| Headquarters of local chapters are called "Temples" or "Mosques" |
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What You'll Learn
Shriners International's origins and history
Shriners International, formerly known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (AAONMS), is an American Masonic society founded in 1872 in New York City. It is a global fraternity based on fun, fellowship, and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth.
The organization was established by 13 Master Masons, including Walter Fleming and actor William J. Florence, who formed a social club with a mysterious Near Eastern theme. The popularity of the club soared, and by 1880, there were 7,200 members and 48 temples. By 1900, membership had grown to 55,000 with 82 temples. In 1922, the Shriners founded their own philanthropy, Shriners Hospitals for Children, now commonly known as Shriners Children's, which has become one of the largest pediatric specialty healthcare systems in the world.
The Shriners are known for their distinctive red fezzes as their official headgear, with each fez personalized for the wearer, including information on their chapter and any positions held. The fraternity is also recognized for its Middle Eastern-inspired iconography, ceremonies, and motifs, with fraternal regalia featuring camels, pyramids, the Sphinx, and other ancient Egyptian and Arabian symbols. The headquarters of local chapters, formally known as Shrine Centers, are sometimes called "Temples" or "Mosques" and have names like Egypt, Sahara, Morocco, and Oasis.
In 2010, the organization adopted the name Shriners International to reflect its increasingly global membership, with chapters now in several countries outside of North America. Shriners International has no connection with the Near East or with Islam. While the organization has removed much of the Middle Eastern theming in recent years, it continues to welcome members from diverse backgrounds and cultures, encouraging members to customize their involvement to reflect their personalities and hobbies.
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The Shriners' relationship with Freemasonry
Shriners International, previously known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S.), is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship, and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. It was founded in 1872 by Dr. Walter Fleming and Billy Florence, a prominent physician and famous actor, respectively.
While not all Masons are Shriners, all Shriners are Masons. A man must become a Master Mason before becoming a Shriner. Shriners International is an appendant body within Freemasonry, and membership is open to men who have been initiated as Master Masons in a Masonic rite. The fraternity is governed by the "Imperial Divan", composed of 12 "Imperial Officers" who serve as a board of directors.
Shriners International has a strong focus on family, and their Shrine Centers host events that include spouses, children, grandchildren, and community members. They are committed to making a difference in the world through brotherhood, family, fun, and philanthropy. In 1922, Shriners founded their own philanthropy, Shriners Hospitals for Children, now commonly known as Shriners Children's, which has become one of the largest pediatric specialty healthcare systems in the world.
The organization's imagery, attire, activities, and naming conventions are influenced by the Near East and Middle Eastern themes. Shriners wear distinctive red fezzes as their official headgear, while fraternal regalia often features camels, pyramids, the Sphinx, and other ancient Egyptian and Arabian symbols. The headquarters of local chapters, formally known as Shrine Centers, are sometimes called "Temples" or "Mosques" and have names like Egypt, Sahara, Morocco, and Oasis.
In recent years, Shriners International has removed much of the Middle Eastern theming in response to the events of September 11, 2001, and subsequent military conflicts. Despite these changes, the organization continues to be based on the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth, and membership remains open to those initiated as Master Masons.
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The Catholic Church's stance on Shriners
The Shriners International, formerly known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, is a fraternal organization that grew out of the Masonic movement in the United States in the 19th century. Shriners are Freemasons who must profess a belief in a supreme being and make use of Bibles in their rituals. They are easily recognized by their distinctive red fezzes and often participate in various social and community activities, including parades and fundraising events.
However, the Church has not formally pronounced a stance on financially supporting Shriners hospitals. While some Catholics may be hesitant to support an organization with ties to Freemasonry, others may argue that they are only supporting the care of disabled children, which is a good cause. The Church's teaching on the principle of double effect comes into play here. While Catholics cannot choose evil that good may come from it (CCC 1756), they can consider whether their financial support is necessary to treat seriously disabled children in their area. If there are good Catholic hospitals that provide such care, Catholics should direct their funds there. However, if a Shriners hospital is the only means of serving seriously disabled children in a particular area, then it may be justifiable for a Catholic to give money specifically for that purpose.
In conclusion, while the Catholic Church prohibits Catholics from becoming members of the Shriners organization due to its Masonic ties, the decision to financially support Shriners hospitals is left to the individual Catholic's discernment, keeping in mind the principles of double effect and the availability of alternative Catholic options.
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Shriners Hospitals and their charitable work
Shriners Hospitals, commonly known as Shriners Children's, is a network of non-profit children's hospitals and other paediatric medical facilities across North America. The organisation was founded in 1872 as a Masonic fraternity and is now known as Shriners International. Shriners Hospitals provide specialised care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. The hospitals are committed to providing family-centred care regardless of the patient's ability to pay.
Shriners Hospitals have a long history of charitable work and are ranked as one of the most popular charities in America. The organisation was founded on the principles of brotherhood, family, fun, and philanthropy, with a desire to make a difference in the world. Shriners Hospitals work closely with military commands and government departments to arrange medical visas and transportation for patients from around the world. They also provide free transportation for patients and their families to and from the hospitals.
The hospitals are owned and operated by Shriners International, a Freemasonry-related organisation. While the Catholic Church has not formally pronounced on financially supporting Shriners Hospitals, there is some debate among Catholics due to the organisation's Masonic ties. Shriners International has a strong focus on community and encourages members to customise their involvement to reflect their interests and hobbies. Members and their families engage in significant fundraising efforts, hosting various events and generously donating their time to support the hospitals and the children they serve.
Shriners Hospitals have faced financial challenges, with their endowment declining significantly in 2009. However, the organisation remains committed to providing care for children in need and has adapted to changing healthcare trends. The hospitals have a reputation for excellence in paediatric care, with compassionate doctors and care teams devoted to patients' overall well-being. Shriners Children's also conducts research to improve medical treatments and enhance the worldwide body of medical and scientific knowledge.
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Membership and requirements to join
Shriners International, formerly known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, is a Masonic fraternity founded in 1872. It is a social organization with a strong focus on family, and local Shrine Centers host events that include spouses, children, grandchildren, and community members. Shriners International has nearly 200 chapters spanning four continents in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.
To become a Shriner, one must first become a Master Mason. Shriners International describes itself as a global fraternity "based on fun, fellowship, and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth". Shriners are required to uphold the fraternity's mission and values, which include self-improvement, service and leadership in the community, and active involvement in social and philanthropic causes.
The first step to becoming a Shriner is to identify a Masonic Lodge close to you. Once you have located a Masonic Lodge, you can begin the process of becoming a Master Mason. If you are already a Master Mason, you can immediately apply for membership as a Shriner. All prospective new members will be required to pay a requisite fee (determined by the chapter leadership) and provide proof of current Masonic membership.
Once the local chapter leaders have reviewed and approved all information and materials contained in your application packet, the chapter's Shriners will vote on the petition. Once the ballot has cleared, your status will change to "Candidate". You will then be instructed to attend the Ceremonial (or obligation) ceremony to become a Shriner.
It is important to note that the Catholic Church has stated that Catholics may not become Shriners or members of Masonic societies, under pain of excommunication.
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Frequently asked questions
Shriners International, formerly known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, is a fraternal organization that grew out of the Masonic movement in the United States in the late 19th century. It is dedicated to fun, fellowship, philanthropy, brotherly love, peace, and strong family values.
No, the Shriners are not a religious organization. In fact, the Catholic Church has stated that Catholics may not become Shriners or members of Masonic societies, under pain of excommunication. The Shriners are a fraternal organization with beliefs that are incompatible with Christianity.
The Shriners are a philanthropic organization known for their charitable work, particularly in providing medical care for children through their network of hospitals. They also participate in local parades and fundraising events. The only religious requirement for Shriners is a belief in a supreme being, and they use Bibles in their rituals.
While the Catholic Church has not formally pronounced on this question, some Catholics may choose to financially support Shriners Hospitals as they care for disabled children, regardless of their religious affiliation. However, if there are good Catholic hospitals that provide similar care in the area, Catholics should direct their funds there to support the Church's mission.
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