The Grand Master of the Great Lusitano East (Gol), Fernando Lima
The Great Lusitanian East, the second oldest obedience of Freemasonry in Continental Europe, has not admitted to initiations of women in its stores so far.
The Great Lusitano East (Gol) will admit women, a decision approved today by the Masonic Parliament (great diet) for more than two thirds of the votes, the source of obedience told Lusa.
Or goal already recognized as Masons members of the great female women’s store, exclusively female, the great Iberian orient of the human right, both mixed, but no initiations admitted of women in their stores.
The decision of the Masonic Parliament now taken integrates “in a process of constitutional revision”And resulted from the initiative of the current Grand Master, FERNANDO CABECINHA“After hearing all the Gol’s stores and siblings during the last three years, allowing a great reflection and debate in all obedience.”
In an interview with Lusa in 2023, Fernando Cabecinha explained that the 103 stores that make up the oldest Masonic obedience in Portugal were heard about the initiation of women and Most approved their entry.
“I can say that at this moment There is a majority From the Masonic people in the sense that the goal is an obedience ”where they work“ male, female or mixed stores, ”he said, recognizing that the“ issue of women’s initiation to the great Lusitanian East is a very delicate process ”because it requires various procedures and can oblige the change of the Masonic Constitution.
This process has now ended with the decision of the great dietpresided by the former ACUTARCA DE COIMBRA Manuel Machadowhich approved “by a qualified majority of 2/3 of its members the admission of women in the great East Lusitano,” said the same source.
Or goal, second oldest obedience in continental Europeis the oldest and one of the main Masonic obedience of Portugal. Was founded in 1802, currently has 2,400 members and “integrates the branch of adogmatic and liberal Freemasonry, in the defense of a fairer and more fraternal society and human dignity.”
With roots in the ancient world, in the associations of artists of Egypt, and later in the masons of the Middle Ages, Freemasonry is an initiatic order Secret, Ritualist, fraternal and universal, which “aims at the spiritual and moral improvement of its members” – which have the “demanding mission of helping to build a just and egalitarian society” and contribute to the progress of humanity.
The Freemasons, a word that in French means bricklayerwere forced to Keep secret of your activities After being persecuted for opposing the absolutist regime, he recalls.
The members of the Freemasonry structure and meet in Autonomous cellscalled Workshops, Ateliers or Storesall equal in rights and honors, and independent of each other.
Historically with links to academic life and politicsMasonic stores served as Stage to many conspiracies And they have been accused of being an “elite organization.”
