The VRLH Constitution

The Constitution and Fundamental Principles

The Constitution and Fundamental Principles of the VRLH

As set out in the Constitution of the Grand Regular Lodge of Croatia, the fundamental principles are these:

  • The association of Freemasons is an association of free men of good repute who strive for spiritual and moral betterment, without regard to race, nationality, religion, social standing or party allegiance. It is dedicated to the education of its members in the spirit of humanism, and binds them to uphold freedom of conscience, of faith and of spirit towards everyone, within the Lodge and beyond it.
  • Freemasonry is one of the oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations in the world. It teaches self-knowledge through participation in the performance of ritual. Its members are expected to hold to high moral standards, and they are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry.
  • Mindful of these principles, the Freemasons whose Lodges are united in the Grand Regular Lodge of Croatia accept the Charges of a Free-Mason as laid down in the Constitutions of the Free-Masons of 1723.
  • Freemasonry strives for the advancement of education and enlightenment, the struggle against intolerance, the defence of human rights, and the founding and support of institutions of public benefit. The foundations of Freemasonry are brotherhood, active charity free of prejudice, love of truth and work upon oneself.
  • The Fraternity of Freemasons does not require its members to profess any particular faith.
    It respects every sincere conviction and condemns the persecution of those who think differently.
    It may not, however, admit to its ranks those whose views and manner of life show that they do not respect the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
  • A Freemason must respect the laws of his country. He undertakes, by word, in writing and by deed, to strive with all his might for the welfare of his country. Freemasonry excludes the taking of sides in political and religious questions.
  • A Freemason may not acquaint anyone who is not a Freemason with the rituals, signs and customs that serve for mutual recognition, nor may he disclose the members of, or candidates for, Freemasonry, nor indeed any of the internal affairs of the Lodges or of the Grand Lodge. The history, fundamental principles and purpose of Freemasonry are not secret.

Charter of Cooperation with the Grand Lodge of France – GLdF

In June 2022 the Grand Regular Lodge of Croatia (VRLH) signed a Charter of Cooperation and Recognition with the Grand Lodge of France (GLdF). Accordingly, in its work it accepts and applies the GLdF’s fundamental principles:

  • The invocation of the Great Architect of the Universe;
  • The presence of the Three Great Lights in the Lodge: the Sacred Book, displayed and open (in its Lodges, the Bible), the Square and the Compasses;
  • Exclusive jurisdiction over the symbolic Degrees, and independence from any other Masonic body,
  • Non-involvement in political or religious controversy,
  • The progressive and spiritual character of the initiatic path.
  • La Grande Loge de France works in accordance with the fundamental principles of traditional Freemasonry. Emphasising respect for the traditions of Freemasonry, La Grande Loge de France encourages its members to practise the Rite and its symbolism responsibly and seriously, as the means of access to the initiatic content of the Order. Reaffirming the importance of brotherhood, it asserts the primacy of the spiritual over the temporal. La Grande Loge de France brings together free men of every origin, nationality and faith. La Grande Loge de France has full jurisdiction over the three traditional symbolic Degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason. Its Constitution, General Regulations and Statutes define its organisation and its activity at both the Masonic and the civil level. Its motto coincides with that of the French Republic: Liberty – Equality – Fraternity.

The Grand Lodge of France / La Grande Loge de France

The Grand Lodge of France is the heir to the first Parisian Lodges of 1728 and to the Grand Lodge officially founded in 1738, and as such it is the foremost Masonic ritual Obedience in France practising the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. It is likewise the heir to the Scottish Lodges which, during the 19th century, were under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Council of France, founded in 1804. The Grand Lodge of France acquired its present structure in Paris on 7 November 1894, through the union of the various currents of so-called “Scottish” Freemasonry, with particular emphasis on a practice conducted almost exclusively in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, the most widespread Masonic Rite in the world.

As a reflection of the pure and authentic Masonic tradition which it intends to preserve, the Grand Lodge of France placed the text of the Ancient Charges, regarded as the fundamental law of universal Freemasonry, at the head of its Constitutions. The Grand Lodge of France is governed by a Federal Council of 33 members elected for a term of 3 years. The president of that body is the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of France, an office currently held by Thierry Zaveroni.

Today the Grand Lodge of France numbers 935 Lodges throughout the world, bringing together 31,000 Brethren. Its seat is at 8 rue Puteaux, 75017 Paris.

For more information on the GLdF, see Obédience maçonnique – Grande Loge de France (gldf.org)