A dispute during the Lausanne Congress of Supreme Councils of 1875 prompted the Grand Orient de France to commission a report by a Protestant pastor which concluded that, as Freemasonry was not a religion, it should not require a religious belief. The new constitutions read, "Its principles are absolute liberty of conscience and human solidarity", the existence of God and the immortality of the soul being struck out. It is possible that the immediate objections of the United Grand Lodge of England were at least partly motivated by the political tension between France and Britain at the time. The result was the withdrawal of recognition of the Grand Orient of France by the United Grand Lodge of England, a situation that continues today. COUNT 9
QSN1 Why did the Grand Orient de France conclude that Freemasonry shouldn't require religious belief? ANS1 Freemasonry was not a religion QSN2 What was removed from the Freemasonry constitution? ANS2 existence of God and the immortality of the soul QSN3 Who withdrew recognition from the Grand Orient de France? ANS3 United Grand Lodge of England QSN4 What was a possible condition that made the United Grand Lodge of England withdraw it's recognition of the Grand Orient de France? ANS4 political tension between France and Britain QSN5 How was the belief of the existance of God and the immortal soul replaced in the constitution? ANS5 Its principles are absolute liberty of conscience and human solidarity QSN6 What year was it ruled that Freemasonry was not a religion? ANS6 1875 QSN7 What Grand Lodge had a withdrawal of recognition by the United Grand Lodge of England? ANS7 Grand Orient of France QSN8 What was a motivation of the Grand Lodge of England's objection? ANS8 political tension between France and Britain QSN9 Who disputed the Lausanne Congress of Supreme Councils? ANS9 Grand Orient de France