38. What are the principles on which the Co-Masonic Order operates?
    The International Constitution of the Order begins with a Declaration of Principles. The official version is in French, but the following is an unofficial paraphrase:

Article 1.— The Order of International Co-Freemasonry, Le Droit Humain, affirms the equality of all men and women. By its name “Le Droit Humain,” the Order proclaims its desire that men and women throughout the world should enjoy social justice equally as human beings organized into free and fraternal societies.

 

Article 2.— Composed as it is of Freemasons of both sexes, fraternally united without distinction of race, religion, or philosophy, the Order prescribes, with this end in view, a method of working which is both ceremonial and symbolic, by means of which its members raise their Temple to the perfection and glory of humanity.

 

Article 3.— While its members respect all beliefs concerning the eternity or non-eternity of spiritual life, it seeks above all to realize on earth the greatest degree of moral, intellectual, and spiritual development for all human beings, this being the pre-requisite for all happiness that each individual can attain in a fraternally organized Humanity.

 

Article 4.— The order is composed of Masons of both sexes who have sworn obedience to the International Constitution of Le Droit Humain and who meet in lodges or bodies of all degrees that have been granted warrants by the Supreme Council of International Co-Freemasonry.

 

Article 5.— The Order of International Co-Freemasonry professes no dogma. Its purpose is the search for Truth. Thus in Lodges discussions and debates on social or religious questions cannot, in any case, have any purpose other than that of enlightening its members and making it possible for them, through a fuller understanding, to fulfill their duties as Freemasons.

 

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Article 8.— Lodges of the Order of International Co-Freemasonry, Le Droit Humain, work “To the perfection of Humanity” and/or “To the Glory of the Great Architect of the Universe.”