The Universal Grand Lodge
Three centuries of Masonic tradition
Founded in 1728, Grande Loge Universelle is the oldest universal Masonic obedience. It brings together men of all conditions, united by the same quest for meaning and personal improvement, in absolute respect for freedom of conscience.
Year of foundation
Active lodges
Brothers worldwide
Degrees of the Scottish Rite
A living heritage
Three centuries at the service of Freemasonry
The Universal Grand Lodge finds its origins in the first Masonic lodges that appeared in the world at the beginning of the 18th century. In 1728, lodges federated to form what would become the oldest universal obedience.
Throughout the centuries, the GLU has gone through the great moments of world history: the Enlightenment, revolutions, world conflicts. In each era, it has been able to adapt its tradition to contemporary challenges while preserving the essence of its initiatory message.
18th century
Foundation and expansion of the Enlightenment
19th century
Structuring and development
20th century
Resilience and reconstruction
21st century
Renewal and modernity
The pillars of our action
The Universal Grand Lodge fulfills several essential missions at the service of its members and society.
Transmission
Transmit an initiatory and symbolic heritage to new generations of Freemasons.
The GLU ensures the continuity of a three-century-old tradition, preserving the rituals, symbols and teachings that base Masonic practice.
Fraternity
Create and maintain fraternal bonds between members, in mutual respect and solidarity.
Reflection
Encourager la réflexion sur les grandes questions philosophiques, éthiques et sociétales de notre temps.
Contribute to the progress of society through the civic engagement of its members.
Without interfering in partisan political debates, the GLU invites its members to exercise their civic responsibility and to contribute, each at their own level, to the improvement of society.
Engagement
A democratic structure
The Universal Grand Lodge functions according to democratic principles, with elected bodies and a collegial operation.
The Grand Master
Elected for three years, he embodies the moral authority of the obedience and presides over the bodies.
The Council of the Order
Executive body composed of elected officers, it ensures the daily operation of the obedience.
The Convent
Annual assembly of lodge representatives, it votes on orientations and elects bodies.
A universal and international presence
The Universal Grand Lodge is present all over the planet, with lodges in most major international cities.
Beyond borders, it maintains fraternal relations with many regular obediences around the world, respecting the traditions and sovereignty of each.
Universal presence: Lodges worldwide
International relations: Regular obediences in the world
The mission of the Universal Grand Lodge is to maintain and transmit the principles of traditional Freemasonry, in respect of absolute freedom of conscience and mutual tolerance.
— GLU Constitutions
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