From G∴S∴L∴C∴ Constitution
Article 1.
(1) Initiatory, laic (secularist), philosophical and progressive Institution by excellence, Freemasonry has as purpose the search of the truth, the study of morality and the practice of solidarity.
(2) Desiring to build a just and better world, Freemasonry works to the Progress of Mankind, contributing to the material, moral, intellectual and social improvement of Humanity.
(3) In order to reach its goals, Freemasonry solemnly pledges to cultivate and practice tolerance, charity and humanism, by the personal example of its members, manifested within its Lodges’ Works as well as in the every day’s life of its members.
(4) Its fundamental principles are the truth, mutual tolerance, self-respect and respect of the others, free will, absolute freedom of conscience of thought and expression and the inviolability of Human Rights. Considering metaphysical principles as belonging to the exclusive appreciation of its members’ personal opinion, Freemasonry refuses any dogmatic constraint.
(5) The Motto of Freemasonry is: “Liberty– Equality– Fraternity!”
ABOUT THE FREEMASONIC LODGE
Lodge is a basic unit of freemasonry. To be constituted, it is necessary to have at least seven freemasons, out of which at least five must be Masters. There is no defined maximum number of members, although membership count ranging from fifteen to fifty members usually ensures stability and proper functioning of lodges and workshops. Every lodge is free and sovereign and has vast authority over controlling and decision making regarding its own affairs and ways of work. In order to be integrated or coordinated into higher structures and considered as, so called, accepted lodges, they must abide by fundamental rules and regulations and they must ensure that all their members are freemasons.
This freedom illustrates broad diversity of aspects and different ideas that can be found in freemasonry, always within common ideals of liberty, equality and brotherhood. It is expressed mostly through encouraging free thinking within its members, tolerance, advocacy of democracy and secularism, discarding of all dogmas and firm defense of human rights.
Although freemasonry is universal, lodges are grouped by countries they work within and abide by the laws of those countries. These grouped lodges, federations, are called Grand Lodges or Obediences. They meet once per year in a General Convent where representatives/delegates elect their executive and legislative bodies, approve projects and adopt rules and regulations for more efficient execution of collective tasks and projects for all lodges of the Obedience.
CODE OF CONDUCT OF THE GRAND SYMBOLIC LODGE OF CROATIA
The philosophy of the Grand Symbolic Lodge of Croatia is based on the Anderson Constitution of 1723 and the Constitution of the Grand Symbolic Lodge of Croatia.
It complies with Freemasonry objectives, which can be summarized as follows:
1. Internal work, carried out in the lodges and aimed at improving people, whose purpose is:
- Full realization and protection of human values such as freedom, equality, fraternity, tolerance, respect for others and solidarity,
- Rejection of any discrimination,
- Development of listening and dialogic skills in accordance to the slogan: “Understand others as you would like others to understand you”,
- Search for the truth, via methodical doubts,
- Deepening of the Initiation Ritual, featuring Masonic methods consisting of: criticism of dogmatism, dynamic development of listening and dialogic skills that is silence and speech, constantly practicing how to tolerate other people and their reasoning.
2. Outside work, carried out in the social community, that aims at facilitating the work of the lodge and act in society through:
- Promotion of culture,
- Promotion of internal and external solidarity,
- Promotion of Freemasonry values,
- Protection of Freemasonry and opposition to ignorance and prejudice.
Any person, with no gender, political or religious beliefs restriction can submit an entry application for the GSLC.
Rites:
CSLC recognizes various rituals. Participation in a particular ceremony does not imply any special privilege. Each brother or sister can engage and be part of two or more rituals.