1. Introduction

The continuation of the Parisian Lodges of 1728, formalised in 1738, the Grande Loge de France is the most important French obedience in the practice of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. Moreover, it has inherited the Scottish Lodges set up in the 19th century under the authority of the Supreme Council of France founded in 1804.

The Grande Loge of France, structured in its present form in Paris on 7 November 1894 by the reunification of these branches, is the home of this symbolic Masonic tradition: Apprentice (or Entered Apprentice), Fellow Craft and Master.

The Grande Loge of France, an independent and sovereign Masonic power, has the same motto as the Republic: Liberty – Equality – Fraternity.

The Grande Loge de France is a Traditional and Universal initiatory order respecting the ancient traditional obligations of Universal Freemasonry: working to the Glory of the Great Architect of the Universe, in the presence of the three Great Lights of Freemasonry, the Square, the Compass and the Volume of the Sacred Laws (which, in our Lodges, is the Bible).

In accordance with the “Old Charges” of the cathedral builders of the Middle Ages, the Grande Loge de France has the principle aim of the perfecting of Humanity. It requires tolerance from all members and engages in no controversy involving political or religious issues.

It is an alliance of free men of all origins, all nationalities and all beliefs.

It is the initiation that allows each member to become transformed and to attain his own inner life, to what is his freedom, his knowledge and his love.