DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES
OF THE GRANDE LOGE DE FRANCE
(December 1953)
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 - I -

The Grande Loge de France works to the glory of the Grand Great Architect of the Universe.

 - II -

In accordance with the traditions of the Order, three Greater Lights are placed on the altar of the Lodges :
The Square, the Compass and the Volume of the Sacred Law. The Obligations of the Masons are sworn on these three Lights.

- III -

The Grande Loge de France proclaims its unswerving loyalty and total devotion to the Nation.

- IV -

The Grande Loge de France and its Lodges engage in no controversy involving political or confessional matters. For the instruction of its Brethren, talks on these issues, followed by an exchange of views, are authorised. However, debates on these subjects must never give rise to a vote, nor to the adoption of resolutions, these being liable to hamper the opinions or feelings of some Brethren.

- V -

Concerning principles other than those defined above, the Grande Loge de France refers to the Old Charges, in particular in the respect of the traditions of Freemasonry and in the scrupulous and serious practice of the Ritual and Symbolism as means of access to the initiatory content of the Order.

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Copyright GLDF

A few words of explanation.

- I -

On the Great Architect of the Universe: a  principle and a symbol.

The Grande Loge de France requires from its members no belief in “God and the revelation of his will”, unlike other obediences.

It does on the other hand refer to a principle of creator / organiser of the Universe, which in the language of the 18th century was called “Great Architect of the Universe”, and which has been conserved in this from out of respect  for the founding texts of traditional Masonry.

The principle.
This can be assimilated to what modern science would call a “physical principle ensuring the coherence and intelligibility of the Universe, expressed through the laws organising it”.

For the Freemasons of the Grande Loge de France, therefore, the Great Architect of the Universe is not an anthropomorphic, theological or religious definition, but a principle reference to which manifests their concern for a way of constructing meaning beyond the mere affirmation of intellectual or ethical values, thereby opening the way to a quest and a spiritual construction that are free, non-religious, non-dogmatic and non-authoritarian.

The symbol
In its permanent desire to respect freedom of conscience, the Grande Loge de France allows each Freemason of the Grande Loge de France to sublime this principle in a symbol of his choice and according to his sensitivity, by a freely interpretable definition within his innermost self: it may then become the transcendent or immanent symbol of his religion – but with no exclusivity – but he will abstain from any persuading of other members to incline to his own choice.

Freedom of conscience preserved.

This approach affirms once again the respect for freedom of conscience enjoyed by each member of the Grande Loge de France and the desire to invest it in a project contributing to the progressive and peaceful emancipation of human beings beyond any particular religion or ideology.

- II -

On the altar for obligations

The Square, the Compass and a Volume of the Sacred Laws make up what is called the Three Greater Lights of Traditional Masonry. They are placed on the altar of obligations and symbolically opened and closed at the beginning and end of the work to mark the necessary but temporary rupture with the profane world.

In the presence of these symbols, the swearing of the Masonic oath of the Freemasons of the Grande Loge de France is conducted within the three dimensions of rationality, spirituality and ethics that characterise the Rite practised in the Grande Loge de France.

This rite highlights the importance of the Masonic oath, with its intangible and inviolable character.

Through their dynamic association, the three Lights together also signify that this sacred dimension is not akin to the rite of any particular religion, for the Book is considered in its association with the square and the compass as the symbol of a Tradition and a culture, and not as a symbol having any theological reference.

The desire is again to preserve the freedom of conscience of each of those who commit themselves in the Grande Loge de France and to encourage them to develop tolerant and respectful relations with all the diversity of cultures and civilisations.

- III -

On the Nation.

Here, the Obedience clearly displays its attachment to the values of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity that are the foundation of the French Nation. in the name of which, during the course of history, Masons and non-Masons alike have sacrificed their lives.

Founded on the values of emancipation, this patriotism should never be confused with an aggressive nationalism that seeks to impose itself on other nations. Neither should it accept values that are not in accordance with its principles of freedom that others may seek in any way to impose on it.

- IV -

On political and / or religious controversy

The Grande Loge de France and its Lodges consider that if their desire to be a centre for union between men is to be upheld, political and religious controversy has no place in the meetings.

This being said, in the interests of learning, it does not forbid talks and debates on these issues, but refuses to conclude them with votes or by the adoption of standpoints that would hamper the religious conscience of Brethren or their conscience as a citizen.

Naturally, in the profane world, each Brother of the Grande Loge de France is free to participate actively in politics or to have a religious commitment – as do many – while respecting the fundamental principles of respect and freedom of human beings, excluding by definition political or religious extremism.

- V -

On the Tradition and the Old Charges

In this respect, the Grande Loge de France is centrally placed in the respect for the principles of traditional Freemasonry, which in no circumstances will allow itself to be reduced to a philosophical, ideological, scientific or religious dimension, but which wishes to provide an initiatory process with its own sphere of intelligence can be assimilated to no other cultural form.