{txt1png}Declaration of principles{/txt1png}
{txt1png}of the Grand Lodge of France{/txt1png}
{txt1png}(exclusively working the Ancient and Accepted Rite){/txt1png}

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The Grand Lodge of France works to the Glory of the Great architect of the Universe.

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In accordance with the traditions of the Order, three Greater Lights are set on the Altar: the Square, the Compass and a Book of the Sacred Law. The Obligations of the Masons are taken upon these three Lights.

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The Grand Lodge of France proclaims its indefectible fidelity and its total devotion to the Nation.

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The grand Lodge of France and its Lodges are not involved in any controversy concerning political or denominational questions. For the instruction of the Brethren, lectures on these subjects, followed by exchanges of views, are authorized. However, debates on these topics should never give place to a vote, nor to the adoption of resolutions, that would be likely to force the opinions or the feelings of some Brethren.

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With regard to the principles other than those above definite, the Grand Lodge of France refers to the Old Charges, in particular as for the respect of the traditions of Freemasonry and as for the scrupulous and serious practice of the Ritual and Symbolism as means of access to the initiatic contents of the Order.

- I -

About the Great architect of the Universe: a principle and a symbol.

The Grand Lodge of France does not require from its members the belief in “God and his revealed will” as some other Obediences do.

However, it refers to a creative/organizing principle of the universe, which the language of the 18th century called “Great Architect of the Universe”, and that has been preserved under this form to respect the founding texts of traditional masonry.

The principle

Therefore the Great architect of the Universe is not for the Freemasons of the Grand Lodge of France an anthropomorphic, theological or religious definition, but a principle whose reference expresses their interest for a construction step of direction, apart from the assertion of the only intellectual or ethical values, thus opening the way to a research and a free spiritual construction non religious, non dogmatic and non dictatorial.

The symbol

In the permanent concern of the respect of the freedom of conscience, the Grand Lodge of France leaves the possibility to each Freemason of the Grand Lodge of France to sublimate this principle in a symbol of its choice and its sensitivity, by freely interpretable definition in himself: it can become the transcending or immanent symbol of his religion - and this without exclusive - while avoiding however to force the conscience of the other members to yield with his own choice.

 
- II –

On the obligation altar

Square, Compass and a Volume of the Sacred Law consist what one calls the Three Greater Lights of the Masonry of Tradition. They are placed on the oaths altar and are symbolically opened and closed at the beginning and the end of the  works to mark the necessary  but provisional rupture with the profane world.
These symbols set from the start the obligation of the Freemasons of the Grand Lodge of France into the triple dimension of the rationality, the spirituality and the ethics which characterize the Rite practiced in the Grand Lodge of France.

This sacrality underlines the masonic importance of the obligations, their intangible and inviolable nature.

They also mean, by their dynamic association, (three at the same time) that this sacred dimension is not to be confused with the sacrality of a particular religion, for this Volume is to be considered in its association with the square and the compass, as the symbol of a Tradition and a culture and not as the one of a theological reference.

It is once again a question of preserving in this field, the freedom of conscience of each one of those which commit themselves in the Grand Lodge of France and to encourag them to build tolerant and respectful human relations of the diversity of the cultures and civilizations.

- III -

About the Nation

The Obedience expresses here clearly its attachment with the values of Freedom, Equality, Brotherhood that are the bases of the French Nation, whose concepts are such that in their name  during  history, some - Masons and non Masons - made the sacrifice of their life.
Based on values of emancipation this patriotism must not be confused with an aggressive nationalism which would impose itself over other nations. Not more than under no circumstances would it accept values, not-in conformity with these principles of liberty, and than one would like to impose to him in one way or another .

- IV -

About political and/or denominational controversies

The Grand Lodge of France and its Lodges consider that the political or religious controversies do not have their place in symbolic meetings in order to preserve the will of the institution to be a center of union between men.
For as much, and with an educational aim, they do not prohibit the lectures and debates on these questions, refusing on the other hand to conclude them by votes or wishes which would constrain the religious or citizenship conscience of the Brethren.

It goes without saying that  in the profane world each Brother of the Grand Lodge of France is free to take an active part in the political life or to assume a religious engagement - and many make it - respecting the basic principles of respect and freedom of the human beings, thus excluding by definition  political or religious extremisms.

- V -

About Tradition and Old Charges

This reference well locates the Grand Lodge of France in the respect of the principles of the traditional Freemasonry which wants by no means to be reduced to a philosophical, ideological, scientific or religious dimension,  but as an initiatory step having its specific perimeter of intelligence, non assimilable by any other cultural form.