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  • Unveiling the Legacy of Freemasonry in Prussia: A Historical Journey

    Unveiling the Legacy of Freemasonry in Prussia: A Historical Journey. In the 18th century, Freemasonry spread rapidly throughout the German region, with Prussia becoming the center of this movement. In Berlin, three grand lodges were established: the Grand National Mother Lodge "Zu den drei Weltkugeln" (founded in 1740), the Grand Lodge "Royal York zur Freundschaft" (founded in 1752), and the Grand State Lodge of Freemasons of Germany (founded in 1770). The significant establishment of the so-called "Royal Art" in the largest German state was largely attributed to its greatest supporter: the monarch himself, Frederick II, also known as "the Great" (1712-1786). The story of how he became involved with Freemasonry is well-documented: during a conversation in 1738, his father, King William I, expressed disdain for the Masonic lodges. From King Frederick II to Blücher and Scharnhorst: The Impact of Patriot Masons. Count Albrecht Wolfgang zu Schaumburg-Lippe, who was present at the gathering, disagreed and revealed himself as a Freemason. He passionately described a brotherhood of selected men working for the betterment of humanity, seeking moral elevation for themselves and others. The Crown Prince, who was present during the discussion and maintained a correspondence with the Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire, felt strengthened in his views and was so impressed that he expressed his desire to become a Brother to the Count. In the same year, Frederick was symbolically initiated into the Lodge "d'Hambourg." The "International Masonic Lexicon" describes the philosopher on the throne as follows: "Frederick the Great brought Freemasonry to Berlin and held lodge meetings in his own palace, Charlottenburg Castle. In the first ceremony, he admitted his brother Wilhelm, and later, his brother-in-law, the Margrave Frederick of Brandenburg-Bayreuth. Frederick repeatedly influenced the further development of Freemasonry in Prussia." Upon hearing that the Austrian Empress Maria Theresa, his opponent in the Silesian Wars (1740-1745), rejected Masonry, he is said to have remarked, "The Empress is absolutely right, for since she cannot know what transpires within the lodges, she is not guilty for not tolerating them. However, I, who know, not only tolerate them, but also must protect and uphold them." Blücher, Scharnhorst, Gneisenau: Patriot Masons Contrary to occasional claims, the "Old Fritz" never distanced himself from Freemasonry in his later years. However, he opposed tendencies that he perceived as deviations, such as the "Templar practices of the Strict Observance." In 1777, the king sent the following lines to the Grand Lodge "Royal York zur Freundschaft": "A society that strives to cultivate all virtues in a fruitful manner within my realms can always count on my protection. This is an honorable task for any good ruler, and I will never cease to fulfill it." In this spirit, other famous German Freemasons, who were also patriots, exerted their influence: Prussian generals Blücher, Scharnhorst, and Gneisenau, reformers Stein and Hardenberg, Emperor Wilhelm I, as well as advocates of liberty like Carl Schurz, Eduard Lasker, Hermann Schulze-Delitzsch, and Gustav Stresemann, to name just a few. #FreemasonryHistory #PrussianLegacy #PatriotMasons #Enlightenment #FrederickTheGreat #Blücher #Scharnhorst #MasonicLodges #HistoricalJourney

  • Breaking Boundaries: Grand Orient Lusitanien's Progressive Mixed Masonic Practices

    Within Freemasonry, the Grand Orient Lusitanien (GOL) stands out with its mixed Masonic practices, which incorporate both men and women into its rituals. This unique approach reflects GOL's commitment to gender equality within the Masonic society. Unlike many traditional orders, GOL actively practices gender inclusivity in its lodges. Men and women work together during their meetings and rituals, which contrasts with established norms in other branches of Freemasonry. This practice has led GOL to be recognized as a mixed Masonic order. GOL has deviated from conventional practices regarding symbols and traditional rituals. For instance, the Bible, which often holds a central role in Masonic rituals, has been replaced with the Constitution of the Grand Orient Lusitanien. This change reflects GOL's unconventional and progressive approach towards Masonry and its traditions. By bringing together men and women in a spirit of equality, the Grand Orient Lusitanien highlights its commitment to diversity and the evolution of Freemasonry. This unconventional practice may spark debates and controversies, but it also illustrates the open-mindedness and desire for transformation that drive this order. The mixed Freemasonry of the Grand Orient Lusitanien defines new paths for Freemasonry at large, challenging established norms and promoting gender equality in a field traditionally dominated by men. This evolution underscores the importance of adaptability and openness within modern Freemasonry. The signing of a Treaty of Friendship between the Lodges illustrates the shared commitment to mixed Freemasonry and gender equality within the Grand Orient Lusitanien and the Grande Loge Simbolique Espagnole. #MixedFreemasonry #TreatyofFriendship #GOLandGLSE #GenderEquality #MasonicUnity #RitualisticTraditions #MasonicLodges #MasonicBrotherhood #MasonicSisterhood #FreemasonryInnovation #MasonicTraditions #MasonicEquality

  • Revolutionizing Freemasonry Communication: Michelle Worvell's Innovative Approach

    Michelle Worvell: Transforming Freemasonry Communication and Outreach. Michelle Worvell's innovative approach to communication and marketing is opening up Freemasonry to a wider audience in the UK. Michelle Worvell, the Director of Communications and Marketing at the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), has an approach of looking inwards, meaning that she is not afraid to push boundaries when it comes to opening up Freemasonry to a wider audience. She has been working to change negative perceptions of the organisation, spread positive stories, and improve communication between members. When she oversaw an Open House event at Freemasons’ Hall in September 2019, she took a practical approach to make the event more family-friendly and attracted more visitors. She wants to cement positive perceptions of Freemasonry, even among younger people. Michelle's background is in the insurance and financial industries, and she was intrigued by the opportunity to work at UGLE, knowing little about Freemasonry. She saw an opportunity to convey positive messages proactively and recognised that there was little coverage in the press. She rebuilt her team, promoted internally, and recruited externally to expand the department's capabilities. Michelle has used several assets, including the work of the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), the Freemasonry Today magazine, the Museum of Freemasonry, and the relationships some of the Provinces have established with local newspapers, to successfully leverage the connections with the local communities. She has also organised forums to share best practices with communication officers from other Provinces. #FreemasonryCommunication #InnovativeApproach #PositiveMessaging #UGLE #MichelleWorvell

  • Alarming Trend: Disturbing Surge in Child Violence in England

    Rising Child Violence: Addressing the Complex Situations and Challenges. Situations increasingly difficult to 'repair Disturbing Surge in Child Violence: An Alarming Trend in England. Fernanda Almeida is the regional technical team coordinator for the Northern region of the National Commission for the Promotion of the Rights and Protection of Children and Young People (CNPDPCJ), and while she cannot provide an exact number of cases as there are 'no overall data' yet, she stated that 'what is perceived through the follow-up with the CPCCJ is that the situations are more complex, in addition to an increase in them'. 'The current moment we live in, post-pandemic and a war, has brought great complexity to families in meeting basic needs and meeting the needs of the children themselves, which often leads to situations of neglect and lack of supervision. There is also a more complicated mistreatment and situations that are more difficult to address and repair,' clarified the coordinator of the team that monitors the CPCCJ in the five districts of the North: Bragança, Vila Real, Porto, Viana do Castelo, and Braga. Saying that 'there is an idea that mistreatment is only when there is physical or emotional abuse,' Fernanda Almeida mentioned that there are various types of mistreatment, including school absenteeism, neglect, sexual abuse, among others. The problem is that 'the problems are much more complex.' Therefore, the factors associated with mistreatment are also more 'complicated,' and there is 'difficulty' in attending to such 'essential' things as having time to play with children. In a world where parents need to earn money to survive, Fernanda Almeida also lamented that 'children are in school full-time,' which ends up hindering their growth. 'Even the support network for parents is no longer the same as it used to be. In my generation, my grandparents were the support network for my parents, and my parents were my support network. But that network is dissolving because people have to work more and more, even at advanced ages,' she explained, stating that the lack of time that children have to be children 'generates a lot of stress in families and a lot of difficulty in meeting needs, and certainly, in some situations, children become more vulnerable. #childviolence #abusecases #childprotection #familychallenges #childwellbeing #violenceprevention #socialintervention #England #Mistreatment #PostPandemicChallenges #FamilyStress #VulnerableChildren

  • The Meaning and Significance of the Grand Stewards' Crimson Apron

    The Meaning and Significance of the Grand Stewards' Crimson Apron. Grand Lodge Investiture: New Board of Grand Stewards Announced The Grand Lodge Investiture held today saw the announcement of the new board of Grand Stewards. This prestigious position is reserved for members of the qualifying lodges who have shown exceptional dedication and service to the fraternity. The crimson (AKA Red) Apron of Grand Steward is a symbol of honour and prestige, and is only bestowed upon members of the qualifying lodges who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the principles of the order. Each of the 19 qualifying lodges has a special history associated with it, and today's Investiture paid homage to this rich heritage. The new board of Grand Stewards will be responsible for upholding the traditions and values of the fraternity, and will work tirelessly to ensure that the principles of brotherhood, charity, and truth are upheld by all members. With their dedication and commitment, the future of the fraternity is in good hands. The Investiture was attended by members of the fraternity from around the world, and was a celebration of the values and principles that unite them. The event was a reminder of the rich history and heritage of the fraternity, and of the important role that it plays in promoting brotherhood and unity around the world. #Freemasonry #GrandStewards #Investiture #CrimsonApron #MasonicTradition #GrandStewards #CrimsonApron #Symbolism #Fraternity #Dedication #Heritage #Unity

  • Unveiling the Magnificence: The Storied Legacy of Washington, D.C.'s Masonic Temple

    Unveiling the Magnificence: The Storied Legacy of Washington, D.C.'s Masonic Temple The Masonic Temple at 9th and F Streets in Washington, D.C., holds significant historical importance as the first major private building constructed after the Civil War. It was successfully protected under the District's Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act of 1978. President Andrew Johnson, a master mason, participated in the cornerstone-laying ceremony in May 1868. The renowned architect Adolf Cluss, originally from Germany, designed the building, which showcased stunning features in the French Renaissance style. These included decorative elements like lion heads, angel faces, swords, shields, and other captivating embellishments. The grand hall on the second floor could accommodate up to 1,000 guests, making it the largest public gathering space in the city upon its completion in 1869. Throughout its history, the temple has housed various tenants. It served as a significant location for early advocates of the temperance movement, in addition to its role as a Masonic center. The ground level housed businesses such as the Temple Cafe. Later, it became home to the Strayer College Business School, which moved into the temple in 1909. In 1921, the Julius Lansburgh Furniture Company made significant interior modifications after acquiring the building in 1926. They occupied the temple until 1970 when it remained vacant for four years before being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At one point, a developer intended to demolish the building and replace it with a parking lot. However, due to the protection provided by the Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act, the temple was spared. This act came into effect in March 1979. By 1992, sufficient funds had been accumulated to restore the building. Subsequently, a plan was implemented to construct a new, modern office building adjacent to the original temple. As of 2000, the 40,000-square-foot temple is connected to an eight-story building through a glass atrium and several bridges. It is worth noting that the Grand Lodge of Masons in Washington, D.C. was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 8, 1974. Know Before You Go: The Grand Lodge of Masons in Washington, D.C. is listed on the National Register of Historic Places since May 8, 1974. #MasonicTemple #WashingtonDC #HistoricLandmark #FrenchRenaissance #ArchitecturalBeauty #PostCivilWar #HistoricalPreservation #GrandLodgeOfMasons #ArchitecturalGrandeur #Preservation #NationalRegister

  • Step Back in Time at the 1920s-Inspired Lawn Party: Commemorating President W. G. Harding's Visit

    Step back in time at the 1920s-Inspired Lawn Party Temple Lodge No. 9 A.F. & A.M. in conjunction with Evergreen Forest No. 49 is organizing a 1920s-inspired Lawn Party on Saturday, June 10th, from 12 to 4, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of President Warren G. Harding's visit to Milford. During his visit, President Harding was initiated into the Tall Cedars of Lebanon at the residence of Dr. Frank L. Grier. "Several Milfordians, including business owners and Masons, joined the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, an independent branch of Freemasonry," stated Chris Fitzgerald, a Freemason and event organizer. "Membership in Freemasonry was a prerequisite for joining this club, and their motto is 'friendship, frolic, and fellowship.' Their primary objective is to raise funds and awareness for muscular dystrophy research. They joined this organization 100 years ago, traveled to Washington, D.C., and had an audience with the President, inviting him to Delaware. Knowing that he was a Mason, they hoped to discuss ways to further their mission. Surprisingly, he accepted their invitation." On June 9, 1923, President Harding arrived in Delaware, delivering a speech to the Young Men's Republican Club in Wilmington, followed by visits to Newark and Dover, before driving south to Milford. The town was adorned with American flags as residents lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the motorcade. "He arrived in Milford, attended a baseball game, visited the Grier home, and was initiated as a Tall Cedar on the spot," Fitzgerald explained. "They then proceeded to Lewes, continued the celebration, and eventually boarded his presidential yacht, returning to D.C. What we are doing now is commemorating President Harding's visit to Milford and his initiation into our group, the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, under the auspices of Freemasonry. We are celebrating our connection to U.S. history and the presidential association with Masonry." The event will take place at the former Grier home, currently Rogers Funeral Home, located at 301 Lakeview Avenue in Milford. It will commence with a small parade starting at the Masonic Lodge, situated across from the post office on Lakeview Avenue, featuring the Tall Cedars of Lebanon officer team. The program will include a series of speeches, followed by a cocktail party and live band. Guests are encouraged to dress formally in 1920s attire. The event is open to the public, and tickets are priced at $40 per person. Each ticket includes a selection of heavy hors d'oeuvres and one complimentary drink. "We will have actors portraying President Harding and his wife," added Fitzgerald. "They will be on the second-floor balcony, where he will deliver a speech reminiscent of the past. The event will proceed rain or shine, but if the weather is inclement, we have been granted permission to move indoors. The Milford Museum will host a small room showcasing artifacts collected over the years related to the visit, as well as information about the Tall Cedars of Lebanon." President Harding remains the sole U.S. President to have visited Milford. To purchase tickets for the June 10th event, please call WB Jim Bennett at 302-228-1228. #1920sParty #PresidentHarding #MilfordCelebration #LawnParty #HistoricEvent #1920sLawnParty #MilfordCentennial #Freemasonry #HistoricalEvent #LiveMusic #1920sAttire

  • An Unforgettable Journey of Love, Fun, and Inspiration with Michel Douglas and Family

    A Memorable Celebration of Love, Fun, and Inspiration with Michel Douglas and Family A Love, Fun, and Inspiration Party with Michel Douglas, Wife, and Daughter. By watching Michel Douglas' YouTube video, you will be transported to a world of love, fun, and inspiration. The connection between Michel and his daughter is genuine and touching, reminding us of the importance of family bonds and the power of unconditional love. #MichelDouglas #FamilyLove #Inspiration #HeartwarmingVideo #UnconditionalLove #FamilyBonds

  • Unveiling the Mind of Álvaro Carva: Insights into Freemasonry - Perspectives (1996)

    A Glimpse into the Mind of Álvaro Carva: Unveiling Freemasonry - Perspectives (1996). A Glimpse into the Mind of Álvaro Carva: Unveiling Freemasonry. In a recent discourse, Álvaro Carva shared profound insights into the essence and endeavors of the Grande Loja Nacional Portuguesa (GLNP). Delving into the intricacies of Freemasonry, Carva perspective provides an enlightening perspective on the timeless principles upheld by this ancient fraternal order. This exclusive conversation offers a unique opportunity to peer into the thoughts of Álvaro Carva as he sheds light on the core values and philosophy that define Freemasonry. Unveiling the Essence and Mission of the Grande Loja Nacional Portuguesa (GLNP). The decision to embark on this journey of unveiling the core values and endeavors of the Grande Loja Nacional Portuguesa (GLNP) stems from the profound belief that shedding light on this subject with our audience will cultivate a precise understanding of Freemasonry's essence. The Purpose of Freemasonry: A Vision for a Just and Fraternal Society. The essence of Freemasonry revolves around the pursuit of a fairer and more fraternal society, achieved by enhancing the character of its individual members. This cornerstone principle seeks to foster a more compassionate and harmonious world, uniting humanity in a shared endeavor for growth. Demystifying Secrecy: The Evolution of Misconceptions. The culture of secrecy associated with Freemasonry was instigated by dictatorial and communist regimes. Freemasonry, in its traditional form, was often averse to such regimes that opposed the humanism and humanitarian values inherent to its philosophy. This historical context has sometimes led to misconceptions about Freemasonry, a complexity that requires a deeper exploration. The Grand Architect of the Universe: Symbolism and Interpretation. Within Freemasonry, the concept of the Grand Architect of the Universe resonates as a symbol representing universal concepts of Beauty, Strength, and Wisdom. While GLNP, as a regular and traditional Masonic order, embraces the individual's freedom to interpret this concept, it refrains from dogmatic definitions. The symbol signifies different aspects to different individuals, from guiding principles to representation of atheism. Naming the Divine: A Personal Journey. The decision to attribute a name to the Supreme Being within Freemasonry is a personal and introspective one. In traditional Masonry, the naming process is ritualized, allowing each brother to ascribe a name to the Divine. This name may align with the God of Catholics, Jews, or Muslims. It's essential to note that Freemasonry is not a religion, but a symbolic institution. Harmonizing Faiths: Freemasonry's Perception Among Religions. Freemasonry garners admiration from various Christian denominations, including Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Anglicanism, and Protestantism. Clergy members from different religious backgrounds have been initiated into Freemasonry. While the past saw instances of lodges formed exclusively by Catholic priests, the intent was not to question their faith but to highlight the alignment of values. Navigating Historical Frictions: Church and Masonry. Frictions between the Church and Freemasonry have existed historically. Yet, the creation of pivotal works such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Rights of the Child by Freemasons showcases the organization's commitment to fundamental values. Despite past differences, many ideas that sparked conflicts then are now embraced by modern societies. Harmony Between Masonry and Religion. Freemasonry does not offer religious rituals or sacraments and respects the individual's choice of religious affiliation. It remains a philosophical and mutually tolerant initiatic society, facilitating insightful reflections on life's deepest questions. Understanding the Church's Standpoint. The Catholic Church has, at times, condemned Freemasonry, cautioning its faithful against involvement. However, in 1983, Pope John Paul II clarified that the Church condemns those who conspire against it, rather than every Mason or Masonic organization. It's important to recognize that potential conflicts are not limited to Freemasonry but can also exist within the Church itself. In unveiling the complexities and nuances of Freemasonry, the aim is to provide a broader understanding of its essence, values, and relationship with religious institutions. This exploration serves as a testament to the continuous evolution of both Freemasonry and the perspectives surrounding it. A Shift in Perspective: A Different Approach to Past Condemnations. Intriguingly, the Catholic Church has evolved and adapted to the changing world. As early as 1917, the Catholic Church refrained from explicitly condemning or even mentioning Freemasonry. However, despite its official stance, the Church accommodates individuals within its ranks who find legitimacy in their personal interpretations—interpretations that, in my view, may clash with the Church's official doctrine. Nevertheless, this no longer constitutes an issue for Freemasonry. Harmony Between Faiths: Can a Catholic Be a Good Mason? When pondering whether a Catholic can also be a virtuous Mason, Álvaro Carva explains that a man who embodies qualities of integrity and freedom is, indeed, a Mason. Such virtues transcend religious labels; they encompass good Jews, Muslims, and people of various faiths. Initiated Masons practice the art of construction, guided by the laws that govern balance and harmony. This process aids in constructing not only the Order but also the societies within which we thrive. Carva suggests that a Christian who embraces Freemasonry attains a more profound and vivid understanding. Exploring the Complexity of Structure, Grades, and Rituals. As Álvaro Carva delves deeper into the conversation, he tackles the intricate structure of Freemasonry. He articulates that the complexity, degrees, and rituals serve a purpose—they unite individuals of diverse cultures, religions, races, and perspectives under the umbrella of heart, thought, and action harmony. This complex structure acts as an initiatory school, offering various levels of evolution and forms of education, as chosen by each Mason and Lodge. Unraveling the Essence of Masonic Secrecy. The discourse now pivots to the enigmatic veil of Masonic secrecy. Álvaro Carva navigates through its layers, elucidating that the foremost rule is not revealing a brother's name—a rule that encompasses administrative matters and session content. He draws parallels to the confidentiality of doctors, priests, and lawyers. The second rule delves into the secrecy of rituals and access to their content, ensuring the sanctity of each Mason's journey. The third rule shields affiliation, safeguarding Masons from political and religious persecutions that have marred history and might persist in the future. Unveiling More Layers of Secrecy. Álvaro Carva proceeds to unveil additional facets of Masonic secrecy. He discusses the subjective secrecy—unique to each individual Mason's journey—as they traverse through the various degrees. This type of secrecy, invisible to the profane world, remains a constant companion as Masons refine their spiritual growth. As the discourse deepens, the multifaceted nature of Freemasonry and its intricate relationship with the evolving world unfolds, offering a broader understanding of the organization's purpose and values. Álvaro Carva reflections serve as a testament to the fluidity of both Freemasonry and the perceptions that surround it. #FreemasonryInsights #ÁlvaroCarva #AncientTradition #Perspectives1996 #EnlighteningDiscourse

  • Silent Suffering in Portugal: When Justice Falters in the Face of Domestic Violence

    Joining the ranks of thousands like Alexandra, whose luck spared her from becoming a statistic, they bear the same scars. They carry fears and apprehensions beyond imagination, and possess more courage than meets the eye. They are direct victims of violence. "My father never hit me, but he certainly hurt me. He's also my aggressor," emphasizes Alexandra. The lives of Alexandra, Inês, and Cláudia all take a turn from the day they witnessed the first sign of abuse. "Why do some manage to escape while others don't? There's no determinism. What used to be normalcy is lost. It will depend a lot on what comes next, on how they will go through the mourning process, on personal characteristics. They always need support," highlights Elisabete Brasil, in charge of the Observatory of Murdered Women at UMAR. A recently unveiled doctoral research indicates that the children of domestic violence victims fail in school five times more than other children. Miguel Rodrigues, commissioner and head of the Loures precinct, analyzed academic years from 2003/2004 to 2014/2015 and found that these children and youth experience a retention rate of 56.3%, almost four times higher than other students (10.5%). The majority of these academic setbacks (87%) occurred after an episode of domestic violence. #JusticeDenied #DomesticViolence #Tragedy #AbuseSurvivors #SilentSuffering #LaxJustice #ChildrenOfVictims #EducationImpact #Portugal

  • Join the Creative Community at MyFraternity!

    Create on MyFraternity! If you're a Blogger, MyFraternity is the place to be. If you're a Podcaster, MyFraternity is the place to be. If you're a Journalist, MyFraternity is the place to be. If you're a Writer, MyFraternity is the place to be. If you're a Memer, MyFraternity the place to be. If you're an Influencer, MyFraternity is the place to be. If you're a Photographer, MyFraternity is the place to be. If you're an Artist, MyFraternity is the place to be. If you're a Shitposter, MyFraternity is the place to be. If you're a Gamer, MyFraternity is the place to be. If you're a Video Creator, MyFraternity is the place to be. MyFraternity is the place to be when it comes to being a creator. You can make a living off it. The goal of MyFraternity is to maximize creator prosperity. #MyFraternity #CreativeCommunity #CreatorsUnite #EmpowerCreators #InnovationHub

  • Incongruity Between UGLE and RGLP (GLLP) Practices on Masonic Transparency

    Grand Master of Freemasonry Opposes Identification of Masons in Public Offices Regular Grand Lodge of Portugal (RGLP/RGRP) "urges the common sense of the entities governing our Nation." The Grand Master of Regular Portuguese Freemasonry, Armindo Azevedo, voiced his opposition today to parliamentary proposals that would require MPs and holders of public offices to declare whether they are Freemasons or belong to other "discreet" organizations. Despite identifying itself as a regular Freemasonry with Anglo-Saxon inspiration, it raises questions as to why the Regular Grand Lodge of Portugal (RGLP/RGRP) does not align with the transparency practices of this tradition. Freemasons in this tradition are known for their openness and do not shy away from public acknowledgment. In a statement sent to Lusa, the Regular Grand Lodge of Portugal (RGLP/RGRP) "calls upon the common sense of the entities governing our Nation to defend the rights and principles established by the Portuguese Constitution." The statement also appeals "to the understanding of the ethical and moral implications of passing a law that compels a free man, elected to serve a function, to necessarily confess the philosophical and spiritual convictions guiding the principles of his life." #MasonicTransparency #PublicOffice #GLLP #ArmindoAzevedo #Portugal

  • Alain Graesel Inspires at GLDF Conference in Lyon

    Alain Graesel Delivers Captivating Lecture to Grande Loge de France in Lyon On Thursday, the brothers of the 22 lodges of the Grande Loge de France (GLDF) in the Lyon region hosted a public conference featuring Alain Graesel, former Grand Master and President of the International Confederation of United Grand Lodges, which unites around thirty obediences worldwide. With over 250 attendees, including many young people, the grand temple of the obedience in Villeurbanne was filled to capacity. Alain Graesel began by recounting the history of Freemasonry in Europe and France, tracing its roots from the early lodges of builders in Scotland, Ireland, and England, through the first Grande Loge de France established in 1728, and into the 18th and 19th centuries, leading up to modern and contemporary Freemasonry. Graesel emphasized that the Freemasonry of the GLDF, which includes both believers and non-believers, is neither a political party, an ideology, nor a religion. He then outlined the values of the GLDF, a universal traditional initiatory obedience founded on fraternity, offering its members a dual focus on reflection and action. This approach is humanistic in its values and spiritual in its quest, rejecting the purely materialistic view of contemporary society that reduces human beings to merely economic or political dimensions. The lecture sparked numerous questions from the audience, which Graesel answered with precision and often with humor, underscoring that the approach of the GLDF is one of serious research coupled with convivial fraternity. #Freemasonry #GLDF #AlainGraesel #Lyon #Villeurbanne #MasonicHistory #MasonicValues #FreemasonConference

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