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In order to respect the various cultures and beliefs of its members, several rites are practiced within the GLFF. As a reminder of its origins, the GLFF has preserved the Rite of Adoption, practiced by one Lodge, Cosmos, to keep the tradition alive. |
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| The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite |
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The AASR is the most widely practiced rite in the world; it comprises 33 degrees. Having integrated the tradition of stone builders, it was enriched by other traditional orders, among which chivalric orders. It was progressively organized in the 18th century, mostly under the influence of French Masons. Its definitive structure was officially consecrated in Charleston in 1801.
"Ordo ab chao", its motto, means that a principle of order organizes the original chaos. The AASR is related to the Judeo-Christian tradition, from which it borrows its epics and most of its symbols. However, it reconciles the existence of a creating principle with the respect of liberty of conscience and rejects dogmatic terminology. It aims at uniting men and women from all traditions. |
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The AASR is the founding rite of the GLFF, where its first three degrees are practiced. Its two main characteristics are that it is: |
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Initiatory, gradually setting its members on a path to spiritual fulfillment thanks to inner and collective quest achieved with the help of symbols and rituals. |
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Traditional, referring to all initiatory ancestral and universal sources, whose myths and symbols keep alive the initiatory chain sustaining our progression towards knowledge. |
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In 1875 the Convent of Lausanne, which gathered senior officers of the Order from all over the world, proclaimed the major principles of the AASR, still in effect at the GLFF today (...)
"Freemasonry proclaims as it has proclaimed since its origins, the existence of a creating principle under the name of the Grand Architect of the Universe.
It sets no limits to the quest for truth, and to secure the liberty of that quest, it demands toleration from all its members. Therefore Freemasonry is open to all nationalities, all races, and all beliefs.
It prohibits its Lodges from discussing political and religious issues. Anyone can be initiated regardless of his political and religious creeds, provided he be free and of good morals.
Freemasonry aims at fighting ignorance in all its forms, it is a mutual education professing to abide to the laws of one's country, to live as a man of honor, to act with justice, to love one's fellowmen, to contribute relentlessly to the happiness of mankind and to pursue progressive and peaceful emancipation." |
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