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	The Bonn Manifesto: Principles for Universal Freemasonry (compared to the "Basic Principles" of the U.G.L.o.E.)

Preamble

The universal Freemasonry unites human beings, who independently of all religions, all philosophies and all political opinions engage themselves in favour of principles of humanism and tolerance. The idea of an universal chain uniting Brethren and Sisters is founded on the principle of the profound respect for the individuality of the human and is based on the equality of human rights of men and women whatever their origin.

 

Fundamental Principles of Freemasonry Forum R.E.F.O.R.M. Bonn 10.04.1999	Basic Principles of the U.G.L.o.E. 1989
For Freemasonry to be universal, it has to fulfill the following conditions:	BP1: To be recognized as regular by the United Grand Lodge of England, a Grand Lodge must meet the following standards:
§ 1 Constitution of a Grand Lodge A Grand Lodge is founded by another, already existing, Grand Lodge or by at least three just and perfect Lodges. A Lodge is legitimate if it fulfils the conditions mentioned in the Preamble above and in the following fundamental principles below.	BP2: It must have been lawfully established by a regular Grand Lodge or by three or more private Lodges, each warranted by a regular Grand Lodge.
§ 2 Sovereignty The Grand Lodge is sovereign, in the sense that it exercises the unlimited jurisdiction upon the three Masonic degrees (Apprentice, Fellow and Master) and that it legitimates its administration by democratic elections. Each Grand Lodge has the right to maintain its proper Masonic tradition and has a duty of tolerance vs. the Masonic usages of other Grand Lodges. Each individual Lodge is sovereign and autonomous if its statutes and regulations correspond to the norms of these fundamental principles. A Lodge is constituted by at least seven Masters. It works in the three Masonic degrees (Apprentice, Fellow and Master) following the tradition of its own Grand Lodge.	BP3: It must be truly independent and self-governing, with undisputed authority over Craft - or basic - Freemasonry (i. e. the symbolic degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason) within its jurisdiction, and not subject in any other way to or sharing power with any other Masonic body.
§ 3 Affiliation Men and women, without distinction, have access to Freemasonry. The regulations of each Grand Lodge have to be according and harmonized with Human Rights.	BP5: Freemasons under its jurisdiction must be men, and it and its Lodges must have no Masonic contact with Lodges which admit women to membership.
§ 4 Religion and Beliefs Freemasonry does not constitute a religious community. It is ruled by the principle of ethics. Belief and the liberty of conscience of each individual are intangible and inviolable.	BP4: Freemasons under its jurisdiction must believe in a Supreme Being.
§ 5 Oath The members engage themselves according to the usages of his Grand Lodge and in harmony with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.	BP6: All Freemasons under its jurisdiction must take their Obligations on or in full view of the Volume of the Sacred Law (i. e. the Bible) or the Book held sacred by the man concerned.
§ 6 Symbolism Masonic thoughts and actions are reflected in Masonic symbols, which each Grand Lodge defines and uses autonomously.	BP7: The three Great Lights of Freemasonry (i. e. the Volume of the Sacred Law, the Square and the Compass) must be on display when the Grand Lodge or its Subordinate Lodges are open.
§ 7 Pluralism The right to liberty of conscience and expression includes the will of the members for tolerance and cooperation.	BP7: The discussion of religion and politics within its Lodges must be prohibited.
	BP9: lt must adhere to the established principles and tenets (the "Antient Landmarks") and customs of the Craft, and insist on their being observed within its Lodges.