International Masonic Union


CATENA


About CATENA:

History
Basic Principles
Organisation
Membership

History

CATENA was founded in July 1961 by three Grand Lodges from Germany, the Netherlands and Austria which adhere to the basic principle of the equal standing of men and women in Freemasonry.

These Grand Lodges were:

  • "HUMANITAS" Freimaurergrossloge für Frauen und Männer in Deutschland
  • Nederlandse Grootloge der Gemengde Vrijmetselarij NGGV
  • Österreichischer Universaler Freimaurerorden "HUMANITAS".
CATENA is an international association of Grand Lodges and independent Lodges, with all true Masonic traditions being respected without any one member lodge claiming a dominant position.

The official name of this Association is International Masonic Union CATENA .



Basic Principles

CATENA has laid down in its Constitution the following Basic Principles which must be approved in writing by all Masonic groups (Grand Lodges, Obediences, independent Lodges) which apply for membership in CATENA:

  • The foundation of Universal Freemasonry is the acknowledgement of a Supreme Reality in which we live and move and have our being.
  • The First Grand Principle derived from this primal truth is the fundamental unity and equality of all human beings, expressed in Freemasonry as Brotherly Love, which springs from recognition of our spiritual kinship.
  • The Second Grand Principle, derived from the first, is Relief of Suffering; firstly as far as possible to harm no living being, and secondly to give aid to those who are in distress.
  • The Third Grand Principle is Truth, which is to have a free mind and to see things as they truly are without bias. This Principle especially relates to self-knowledge as unveiled to a Mason.




Organisation

CATENA is entered in the Official Register of Associations at the city of Mainz, situated in Rheinland-Pfalz, Federal Republic of Germany. The Constitution and the General Standing Orders comprise the Rules for the cooperation of the members of CATENA.

The legislative power is in the hands of the Curatorium.

Delegates of member organisations of CATENA constitute the Curatorium.

Each obedience (Grand Lodge) comprising three or more Lodges has three delegates, each member organisation having less that three lodges has only one delegate.

Each delegate has one vote, with the exception of the President, who is not a delegate. In the event of a tied vote in business matters the President has the casting vote and additionally he has the right to postpone the voting on this subject matter.

The delegates to the Curatorium are nominated by each member organisation according to its own tradition and customs, for three years. The Curatorium elects from its own body the President, the members of the Executive Committee and their substitutes.

The General Standing Orders comprise rules of administrative details and the finances of CATENA.

The official language of CATENA is English. As far as possible, translations are provided during meetings and discussions.



Membership and Authority

Every Masonic organisation which accepts the Basic Principles and acknowledges CATENA´S Constitution and General Standing Orders, may become a member of CATENA by completing the written application. This application must receive a majority vote by the Curatorium. The reason for any rejection of this application should not be made known to the applying organisation.

The Constitution distinguishes between acceptance as a full member or as associate member. Only full members may nominate delegates having voting rights; furthermore, they pay the full annual subscription fee.

The delegates of the associate members have the status of observer in the Curatorium, but they may be invited by the President to take part in the discussions. Additionally, as an associate member may apply to pay a reduced annual subscription fee.

Authority

CATENA has no authority over the member organisations who are independent Masonic groups. However, decisions of the Curatorium as regards matters of CATENA are binding for all members.