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90-513: The organization maintains observer status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and comprises over 100 member obediences across multiple continents. CLIPSAS is distinguished by its recognition of masculine, feminine, and mixed-gender Masonic bodies, as well as its philosophical stance that religious belief should not be a prerequisite for Masonic membership. The formation of CLIPSAS emerged from growing tensions within

180-404: A democratic forum for member participation and decision-making. During this period, CLIPSAS developed comprehensive recognition protocols that would guide inter-obedience relations for decades to come. The creation of regional coordination structures enhanced operational efficiency and facilitated closer cooperation between geographically proximate members. The 1980s marked CLIPSAS's emergence as

270-521: A supernatural realm beyond the ordinarily observable world, personal growth , a quest for an ultimate or sacred meaning , religious experience , or an encounter with one's own "inner dimension". The term spirit means "animating or vital principle in man and animals". It is derived from the Old French espirit , which comes from the Latin word spiritus ( soul , ghost, courage, vigor, breath) and

360-750: A Supreme Being, CLIPSAS empowers each lodge and obedience to determine its own spiritual framework. This autonomy extends to the invocation of the Great Architect of the Universe , the use of sacred texts , and the interpretation of Masonic symbolism . Through this approach, CLIPSAS creates space for meaningful spiritual exploration while respecting individual conscience and belief systems. The organization's philosophy acknowledges that authentic Masonic light can emerge from various traditions and interpretations. This inclusive stance has enabled CLIPSAS to bridge divides between different Masonic traditions while maintaining

450-490: A bulwark against clandestine Masonry and fraudulent organizations. The organization maintains detailed documentation of legitimate Liberal Masonic bodies and facilitates constant information sharing among members about irregular activities. Member obediences work together to identify and respond to irregular Masonic bodies, while developing and sharing practices that maintain Masonic authenticity. This collaborative approach extends to

540-473: A deep understanding that universal brotherhood encompasses all humanity, challenging centuries of male-exclusive Masonic practice. The organization's commitment to gender equality manifests not only in recognition policies but in active support for feminine and mixed Masonic bodies worldwide. CLIPSAS has played a pivotal role in establishing and strengthening women's participation in Freemasonry , contributing to

630-589: A direct response to what Liberal Masonic bodies viewed as overly restrictive and dogmatic recognition policies of Anglo-Saxon Freemasonry, particularly those enforced by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE). While UGLE and affiliated Conservative Grand Lodges maintain strict requirements regarding belief in a Supreme Being and male-only membership, CLIPSAS established an alternative system of recognition based on freedom of conscience and gender inclusivity. The organization provides Liberal Masonic bodies with

720-689: A majority above 50%. This decision prompted the immediate withdrawal of several prominent obediences from the assembly, including the Grande Loge Féminine de France , Grande Loge Mixte de France , and the Grande Loge Symbolique Espagnole. Critics have highlighted systemic problems in CLIPSAS's governance structure, particularly the absence of a formal commission for validating presidential candidacies. The organization has also faced scrutiny over its financial transparency, notably regarding

810-724: A modern, globally influential organization. The achievement of UN ECOSOC observer status significantly enhanced its international standing and advocacy capabilities. Embracing technological advancement, CLIPSAS implemented comprehensive digital transformation initiatives to facilitate communication and cooperation among members. The organization intensified its focus on global humanitarian projects, coordinating substantial relief and development efforts across multiple continents. Geographic expansion continued, with new member obediences joining from previously unrepresented regions, particularly in Asia and Eastern Europe . The evolution of CLIPSAS's leadership

900-949: A more inclusive and representative Masonic community. This stance reflects both philosophical principle and practical commitment to equal opportunity in Masonic development. CLIPSAS envisions Freemasonry as a transformative force in society, actively engaging with contemporary challenges while upholding Masonic traditions. The organization's approach to social progress integrates Masonic wisdom with modern humanitarian concerns, creating innovative responses to global challenges. Through coordinated efforts among member obediences, CLIPSAS advances human rights initiatives, supports educational development, and promotes cross-cultural understanding. The organization's social engagement extends beyond traditional charitable works to encompass systematic approaches to social transformation. CLIPSAS members work within their communities to promote education, defend human rights, and foster cultural dialogue. These efforts reflect

990-432: A predominantly vegetarian lifestyle. Parasparopagraho jīvānām (the function of souls is to help one another) is the faith's motto and the Ṇamōkāra mantra is its most common and basic prayer. Jainism traces its spiritual ideas and history through a succession of twenty-four leaders or Tirthankaras , with the first in the current time cycle being Rishabhadeva , whom the tradition holds to have lived millions of years ago;

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1080-513: A quality platform for high-level engagement among member states and with international financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society on global trends, policies, and action. It resolved to hold biennial high-level Development Cooperation Forums at the national-leadership level, transforming the high-level segment of the Council to review trends in international development cooperation and promote greater coherence in development activities. At

1170-575: A significant crisis in CLIPSAS's history. The controversial election of Louis Daly as president, winning with only 32.06% of votes, led to immediate protests from multiple member obediences. The dispute centered on Article 14 of CLIPSAS's regulations, which states mandates are "three years non-renewable." Daly's eligibility was contested due to his previous tenure in the organization's leadership. The situation escalated when outgoing president Ivan Herrera Michel declared Daly's victory despite vocal opposition and without following traditional procedures requiring

1260-401: A social and psychological meaning. Socially it denoted the territory of the clergy: "the ecclesiastical against the temporary possessions, the ecclesiastical against the secular authority, the clerical class against the secular class". Psychologically, it denoted the realm of the inner life: "the purity of motives, affections, intentions, inner dispositions, the psychology of the spiritual life,

1350-558: A state admission to UNESCO , but now this is done by the members of UNESCO themselves. The following is a list of the specialized agencies reporting to the Council: In a report issued in early July 2011, the UN called for spending nearly US$ 2  trillion on green technologies to prevent what it termed "a major planetary catastrophe", warning that "It is rapidly expanding energy use, mainly driven by fossil fuels , that explains why humanity

1440-651: A structured framework for mutual recognition that challenges the traditional monopoly of Conservative Masonry over Masonic legitimacy. This system enables Liberal obediences to maintain their philosophical independence while benefiting from international recognition and support. CLIPSAS maintains rigorous standards for recognizing legitimate Liberal Masonic bodies, distinguishing them from both irregular organizations and Conservative Masonic bodies that may not acknowledge Liberal Masonic practices. The admission process requires thorough verification of Masonic lineage and constitutional establishment, alongside demonstrated commitment to

1530-464: A supernatural realm or afterlife, or to make sense of one's own "inner dimension". Bergomi detects "an enlightened form of non-religious spirituality" in late antiquity . Words translatable as "spirituality" first began to arise in the 5th century and only entered common use toward the end of the Middle Ages . In a Biblical context the term means being animated by God. The New Testament offers

1620-531: A truly global organization. Latin American obediences joined in significant numbers, bringing fresh perspectives and enriching the organization's cultural diversity. African membership grew substantially during this period, establishing CLIPSAS as a significant presence on the continent. The organization also began developing formal relationships with international bodies, laying groundwork for future diplomatic recognition. Recent decades have transformed CLIPSAS into

1710-561: Is a blend of humanistic psychology, mystical and esoteric traditions, and Eastern religions. In modern times the emphasis is on subjective experience and the "deepest values and meanings by which people live", incorporating personal growth or transformation, usually in a context separate from organized religious institutions. Spirituality can be defined generally as an individual's search for ultimate or sacred meaning, and purpose in life. Additionally it can mean to seek out or search for personal growth, religious experience , belief in

1800-531: Is a symbolic reminder that the economic and social work of the United Nations is never finished; there will always be something more that can be done to improve living conditions for the world's people. Spirituality Antiquity Medieval Early modern Modern Iran India East-Asia The meaning of spirituality has developed and expanded over time, and various meanings can be found alongside each other. Traditionally, spirituality

1890-523: Is also derived from Latin spiritualis . There is no single, widely agreed-upon definition of spirituality. Surveys of the definition of the term, as used in scholarly research, show a broad range of definitions with limited overlap. A survey of reviews by McCarroll, each dealing with the topic of spirituality, gave twenty-seven explicit definitions among which "there was little agreement". This causes some difficulty in trying to study spirituality systematically; i.e., it impedes both understanding and

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1980-571: Is an esoteric method, discipline and school of thought of Judaism. Kabbalah is a set of esoteric teachings meant to explain the relationship between an unchanging, eternal and mysterious Ein Sof (no end) and the mortal and finite universe (his creation). Interpretations of Kabbalistic spirituality are found within Hasidic Judaism , a branch of Orthodox Judaism founded in 18th-century Eastern Europe by Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov . Hasidism often emphasizes

2070-487: Is an important concept in Buddhist praxis ( Patipatti ). The word bhavana normally appears in conjunction with another word forming a compound phrase such as citta-bhavana (the development or cultivation of the heart/mind) or metta-bhavana (the development/cultivation of loving kindness). When used on its own bhavana signifies 'spiritual cultivation' generally. Various Buddhist paths to liberation developed throughout

2160-414: Is an individual experience, and referred to as ksaitrajña ( Sanskrit : क्षैत्रज्ञ ). It defines spiritual practice as one's journey towards moksha , awareness of self, the discovery of higher truths, Ultimate reality, and a consciousness that is liberated and content. Traditionally, Hinduism identifies three mārga (ways) of spiritual practice, namely Jñāna (ज्ञान), the way of knowledge; Bhakti ,

2250-459: Is not an option". The governance of the multilateral system has historically been complex and fragmented. This has limited the capacity of ECOSOC to influence international policies in trade, finance, and investment. Reform proposals aim to enhance the relevance and contribution of the council. A major reform was approved by the 2005 World Summit based on proposals submitted by secretary-general Kofi Annan . The Summit aimed to establish ECOSOC as

2340-486: Is on the verge of breaching planetary sustainability boundaries through global warming , biodiversity loss , and disturbance of the nitrogen-cycle balance and other measures of the sustainability of the earth 's ecosystem ". UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon added: "Rather than viewing growth and sustainability as competing goals on a collision course, we must see them as complementary and mutually supportive imperatives". The report concluded that "Business as usual

2430-517: Is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations , responsible for coordinating the economic and social fields of the organization, specifically in regards to the fifteen specialized agencies , the eight functional commissions, and the five regional commissions under its jurisdiction. ECOSOC serves as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues, and formulating policy recommendations addressed to member states and

2520-533: Is referred to a religious process of re-formation which "aims to recover the original shape of man", oriented at "the image of God " as exemplified by the founders and sacred texts of the religions of the world. The term was used within early Christianity to refer to a life oriented toward the Holy Spirit and broadened during the Late Middle Ages to include mental aspects of life. In modern times,

2610-595: Is related to spirare (to breathe). In the Vulgate , the Latin word spiritus is used to translate the Greek pneuma and Hebrew ruach . The term "spiritual", meaning "concerning the spirit", is derived from Old French spirituel (12c.), which is derived from Latin spiritualis , which comes by spiritus or "spirit". The term "spirituality" is derived from Middle French spiritualité , from Late Latin spiritualitatem (nominative spiritualitas ), which

2700-518: Is sometimes associated today with philosophical, social, or political movements such as liberalism , feminist theology , and green politics . Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) was a pioneer of the idea of spirituality as a distinct field. He was one of the major figures in Transcendentalism , an early 19th-century liberal Protestant movement, which was rooted in English and German Romanticism ,

2790-617: Is stressed by both Muslim and non-Muslim authors. Al-Khatib al-Baghdadi , an 11th-century Islamic scholar, referenced a statement by the companion of Muhammad , Jabir ibn Abd-Allah : The Prophet ... returned from one of his battles, and thereupon told us, 'You have arrived with an excellent arrival, you have come from the Lesser Jihad to the Greater Jihad ;– the striving of a servant (of Allah ) against his desires (holy war)." The best known form of Islamic mystic spirituality

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2880-441: Is studied and practiced are varied and range from ecstatic visions of the soul's mystical union with God to simple prayerful contemplation of Holy Scripture (i.e., Lectio Divina ). Progressive Christianity is a contemporary movement which seeks to remove the supernatural claims of the faith and replace them with a post-critical understanding of biblical spirituality based on historical and scientific research. It focuses on

2970-623: Is the Sufi tradition (famous through Rumi and Hafiz ) in which a Sheikh or pir transmits spiritual discipline to students. Sufism or taṣawwuf ( Arabic : تصوّف ) is defined by its adherents as the inner, mystical dimension of Islam . A practitioner of this tradition is generally known as a ṣūfī ( صُوفِيّ ). Sufis believe they are practicing ihsan (perfection of worship) as revealed by Gabriel to Muhammad , Worship and serve Allah as you are seeing Him and while you see Him not yet truly He sees you. Sufis consider themselves as

3060-943: Is the reparation of the heart and turning it away from all else but God". Alternatively, in the words of the Darqawi Sufi teacher Ahmad ibn Ajiba , "a science through which one can know how to travel into the presence of the Divine , purify one's inner self from filth, and beautify it with a variety of praiseworthy traits". Jainism , traditionally known as Jain Dharma, is an ancient Indian religion . The three main pillars of Jainism are ahiṃsā (non-violence), anekāntavāda (non-absolutism), and aparigraha (non-attachment). Jains take five main vows: ahiṃsā (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (not stealing), brahmacharya (sexual continence), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness). These principles have affected Jain culture in many ways, such as leading to

3150-526: Is the spiritual practice of living out a personal faith. Pope Francis offers several ways in which the calling of Christian spirituality can be considered: The terminology of the Catholic Church refers to an act of faith ( fides qua creditur ) following the acceptance of faith ( fides quae creditur ). Although all Catholics are expected to pray together at Mass , there are many different forms of spirituality and private prayer which have developed over

3240-532: The Immanent Divine presence and focuses on emotion, fervour , and the figure of the Tzadik . This movement included an elite ideal of nullification to paradoxical Divine Panentheism . The Musar movement is a Jewish spiritual movement that has focused on developing character traits such as faith , humility , and love . The Musar movement, first founded in the 19th century by Israel Salanter and developed in

3330-680: The United Nations Charter was originally signed, the Economic and Social Council consisted of 18 seats. The formal concept of the United Nations Regional Groups did not yet exist, and unlike the Security Council , there was no "gentlemen's agreement" between the superpowers to assign ECOSOC seats. Regardless, with 4 exceptions out of 102 elections ( see list ), a relatively stable pattern emerged and held until 1960: As

3420-562: The United Nations Conference Building was a gift from Sweden . It was conceived by Swedish architect Sven Markelius , one of the 11 architects in the international team that designed the UN headquarters. Wood from Swedish pine trees was used in the delegates' area for the railings and doors. The pipes and ducts in the ceiling above the public gallery were deliberately left exposed; the architect believed that anything useful could be left uncovered. The "unfinished" ceiling

3510-407: The United Nations Regional Groups to ensure equal representation. His Excellency Bob Rae was elected the eightieth President of the Economic and Social Council for the 2025 Session on 25 July 2024. Paula Narváez , Representative of Chile, was elected as the seventy-ninth president of the Council on 27 July 2023. She succeeded Lachezara Stoeva , who was elected as the seventy-eighth president of

3600-669: The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Additionally, the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), which reviews the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development , is convened under the auspices of the Council every July. The members of ECOSOC are responsible for electing the executive board of UNICEF , the council of the United Nations Development Programme ,

3690-504: The spiritual science of Martinus was an influence, especially in Scandinavia. The influence of Asian traditions on Western modern spirituality was also furthered by the perennial philosophy , whose main proponent Aldous Huxley was deeply influenced by Swami Vivekananda's Neo-Vedanta and universalism , and the spread of social welfare, education and mass travel after World War II . An important influence on western spirituality

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3780-486: The 2024 controversies, over fifteen member obediences withdrew from assembly proceedings. This unprecedented protest has raised questions about CLIPSAS's future effectiveness as an international coordinating body for Liberal Freemasonry. Some member obediences have called for comprehensive reforms of the organization's governance structure and electoral procedures. United Nations Economic and Social Council The United Nations Economic and Social Council ( ECOSOC )

3870-445: The 21st century by Alan Morinis and Ira F. Stone , has encouraged spiritual practices of Jewish meditation, Jewish prayer, Jewish ethics , tzedakah , teshuvah, and the study of musar (ethical) literature . Reform Judaism and Conservative Judaism have often emphasized the spirituality of Jewish ethics and tikkun olam , feminist spirituality , Jewish prayer, Torah study, ritual, and musar. Christian spirituality

3960-483: The Biblical criticism of Johann Gottfried Herder and Friedrich Schleiermacher , the skepticism of Hume , and Neoplatonism . The Transcendentalists emphasized an intuitive, experiential approach to religion. Following Schleiermacher, an individual's intuition of truth was taken as the criterion for truth. In the late 18th and early 19th century, the first translations of Hindu texts appeared, which were also read by

4050-1040: The Chain of Union broken by regrettable exclusions contrary to the principles of Anderson's Constitutions of 1723, and that it is important to this effect to research in common, taking into account all traditions, all rites, all symbols, all beliefs and in respect of absolute freedom of conscience, the conditions which determine the quality of Freemason. The Appeal established several revolutionary principles for its time: Following its establishment in 1961, CLIPSAS formally registered as an association under French law (1901), establishing its headquarters in Paris . The organization's foundational years were marked by deliberate efforts to create robust institutional structures while expanding its influence beyond European borders. The first decade of CLIPSAS operations witnessed steady growth in membership, with particular emphasis on European obediences. The organization instituted regular General Assemblies, creating

4140-599: The Charter was amended again to increase the size of ECOSOC to 54 seats. The seat distribution became: Participation on a continuing basis: Participation on an ad hoc basis: The following are the active functional commission of the Council: The following commissions were disbanded by the Council and replaced by other bodies: The following are the active regional commissions of the Council: The following are some of

4230-512: The Council on 25 July 2022, succeeding Collen Vixen Kelapile of Botswana. The Council consists of 54 Member States, which are elected yearly by the General Assembly for overlapping three-year terms. Seats on the Council are allocated ensuring equitable geographic rotation among the United Nations regional groups. Outgoing members are eligible for immediate re-election, and some seats are held by de facto permanent members. In 1945 when

4320-537: The Craft, advocating for a more inclusive and progressive interpretation of Masonic tradition. Through its structured approach to recognition and legitimacy, CLIPSAS provides a counterbalance to Conservative Masonic influence while protecting the integrity of Liberal Masonic practice worldwide. As of 2024, CLIPSAS includes over 100 member obediences. Below is a comprehensive, current list organized by region: Notable obediences joining since 2022: Through its observer status at

4410-734: The High-Level Panel Report on System-Wide Coherence in November 2006 aimed to establish a forum within the ECOSOC as a counter-model to the exclusive clubs of the G8 and G20 . The Forum was to comprise 27 heads of state (L27, corresponding to half of ECOSOC's membership) to meet annually and provide international leadership in the development area. This proposal however, was not approved by the General Assembly. The Economic and Social Council Chamber in

4500-483: The League of Nations and were integrated by its successor, while others were created by the United Nations itself to meet emerging needs. Each agency must negotiate with the Council as to what their relationship will look and work like. This leads to a system where different organizations maintain different types of relationships with the Council. For example, in the 1950s the members of ECOSOC were responsible for granting

4590-535: The Second World War, spirituality and theistic religion became increasingly disconnected, and spirituality became more oriented on subjective experience, instead of "attempts to place the self within a broader ontological context". A new discourse developed, in which (humanistic) psychology, mystical and esoteric traditions and eastern religions are being blended, to reach the true self by self-disclosure , free expression, and meditation. The distinction between

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4680-611: The Strasbourg Appeal, a foundational document that would reshape the landscape of Liberal Freemasonry. The original signatories were: The Strasbourg Appeal of 1961 represents a watershed moment in Masonic history. Its text, carefully crafted to address fundamental issues within Freemasonry, declared: The Sovereign Masonic Powers meeting in Strasbourg on January 22, 1961, considering that it is imperative to restore among all Freemasons

4770-542: The Summit it was also decided to hold annual ministerial-level substantive reviews to assess progress in achieving internationally agreed on development goals (particularly the Millennium Development Goals ). These "Annual Ministerial Reviews" will be replaced by the High-Level Political Forum from 2016 onwards after the new post-MDG/post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals are agreed upon. Subsequent proposals by

4860-688: The Transcendentalists, and influenced their thinking. They also endorsed universalist and Unitarianist ideas, leading to Unitarian Universalism , the idea that there must be truth in other religions as well since a loving God would redeem all living beings, not just Christians. A major influence on modern spirituality was the Theosophical Society , which searched for 'secret teachings' in Asian religions. It has been influential on modernist streams in several Asian religions, notably Neo-Vedanta ,

4950-833: The United Nations Economic and Social Council, CLIPSAS maintains a significant presence in international advocacy work. The organization regularly participates in ECOSOC sessions, where it contributes meaningful perspectives to discussions on human rights and civil society development. This platform enables CLIPSAS to advocate for freedom of association at the highest international levels while promoting cultural dialogue between diverse communities. The organization's representatives frequently engage with other NGOs and UN bodies, leveraging these relationships to advance their humanitarian and social justice objectives. CLIPSAS coordinates an extensive network of humanitarian projects through its member obediences worldwide. In developing nations,

5040-569: The United Nations System. It has 54 members. In addition to a rotating membership of 54 UN member states, over 1,600 nongovernmental organizations have consultative status with the Council to participate in the work of the United Nations. ECOSOC holds one four-week session each year in July, and since 1998 has also held an annual meeting in April with finance ministers of heading key committees of

5130-591: The ages. Best-known is the Noble Eightfold Path , but others include the Bodhisattva Path and Lamrim . Hinduism has no traditional ecclesiastical order, no centralized religious authorities, no governing body, no prophets nor any binding holy book; Hindus can choose to be polytheistic, henotheistic, pantheistic, monotheistic, or atheistic. Within this diffuse and open structure, spirituality in Hindu philosophy

5220-623: The analysis of the feelings". In the 17th and 18th centuries, a distinction was made between higher and lower forms of spirituality: "A spiritual man is one who is Christian 'more abundantly and deeper than others'." The word was also associated with mysticism and quietism , and acquired a negative meaning. Modern notions of spirituality developed throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, mixing Christian ideas with Western esoteric traditions and elements of Asian, especially Indian, religions. Spirituality became increasingly disconnected from traditional religious organizations and institutions. It

5310-692: The capacity to communicate findings in a meaningful fashion. According to Kees Waaijman, the traditional meaning of spirituality is a process of re-formation that "aims to recover the original shape of man, the image of God. To accomplish this, the re-formation is oriented at a mold, which represents the original shape: in Judaism the Torah , in Christianity there is Christ , for Buddhism , Buddha , and in Islam , Muhammad ." Houtman and Aupers suggest that modern spirituality

5400-647: The centuries. Each of the major religious orders of the Catholic Church and other lay groupings have their own unique spirituality – its own way of approaching God in prayer and in living out the Gospel . Christian mysticism refers to the development of mystical practices and theory within Christianity . It has often been connected to mystical theology , especially in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. The attributes and means by which Christian mysticism

5490-411: The committee of UNHCR , and various commissions and other bodies under its jurisdiction. ECOSOC is also responsible for tasks such as reviewing and updating the UN list of least developed countries . The president of the Council is elected for a one-year term and chosen from the small or medium sized states represented on the Council at the beginning of each new session. The presidency rotates among

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5580-414: The concept of being driven by the Holy Spirit , as opposed to living a life in which one rejects this influence. In the 11th century, this meaning of "Spirituality" changed. Instead, the word began to denote the mental aspect of life, as opposed to the material and sensual aspects of life, "the ecclesiastical sphere of light against the dark world of matter". In the 13th century "spirituality" acquired

5670-523: The depth and significance of Masonic ritual and symbolism. Members engage with Masonic spirituality through their own authentic lens, creating rich dialogues between different interpretations and approaches. CLIPSAS's interpretation of universal brotherhood transcends traditional gender boundaries, recognizing that Masonic light knows no gender. The organization actively supports and recognizes masculine, feminine, and mixed obediences as equally legitimate expressions of Masonic tradition. This position stems from

5760-494: The essence of Liberal Masonic thought. Through ongoing philosophical dialogue among its diverse membership, CLIPSAS develops new insights into perennial Masonic questions while addressing emerging challenges. The organization's philosophical work demonstrates how traditional Masonic wisdom can illuminate contemporary issues while adapting to modern social realities. This balance between tradition and innovation characterizes CLIPSAS's unique contribution to Masonic thought and practice in

5850-737: The global Liberal Masonic community. These multi-day events transcend simple administrative meetings, evolving into comprehensive forums for intellectual and cultural exchange. The administrative sessions address organizational governance and strategic planning, while academic colloquia provide platforms for scholarly discussion of Masonic philosophy, history, and contemporary social issues . Cultural exchange programs during these conventions foster deeper understanding between member obediences from different regions and traditions. Strategic planning meetings focus on developing long-term initiatives and responding to emerging global challenges. These conventions often result in joint declarations or initiatives that shape

5940-651: The growth of secularism in the western world have given rise to this broader view of spirituality. The term "spiritual" is now frequently used in contexts in which the term "religious" was formerly employed. Both theists and atheists have criticized this development. Spirituality in Judaism ( Hebrew : רוחניות , romanized :  ruhniyut ) may involve practices of Jewish ethics , Jewish prayer , Jewish meditation , Shabbat and holiday observance, Torah study , dietary laws , teshuvah , and other practices. It may involve practices ordained by halakhah or other practices. Kabbalah (literally "receiving")

6030-510: The heart of CLIPSAS lies an unwavering commitment to absolute freedom of conscience, marking a profound departure from traditional Masonic requirements. This foundational principle has redefined Liberal Freemasonry's approach to spirituality, gender equality, and social progress in the modern world. CLIPSAS champions a revolutionary approach to Masonic spirituality , embracing diverse paths to philosophical and spiritual development. Unlike traditional Anglo-Saxon Freemasonry, which mandates belief in

6120-574: The international Masonic community during the mid-20th century. Conservative Anglo-Saxon Freemasonry, represented primarily by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), maintained strict requirements regarding belief in a Supreme Being and male-only membership. These restrictions created significant divisions within the Masonic world, particularly affecting Liberal Freemasonry. On January 22, 1961, eleven sovereign Masonic obediences convened in Strasbourg to address these challenges. The meeting resulted in

6210-538: The lived experience of spirituality over historical dogmatic claims, and accepts that the faith is both true and a human construction, and that spiritual experiences are psychologically and neurally real and useful. An inner spiritual struggle and an outer physical struggle are two commonly accepted meanings of the Arabic word jihad : The "greater jihad" is the inner struggle by a believer to fulfill his religious duties and fight against one's ego . This non-violent meaning

6300-565: The number of United Nations members grew with decolonization , the pattern began to break down starting in 1961, with nations in Africa winning elections to seats formerly held by Western Europe and the Republic of China (Taiwan) . In 1965, the Charter was amended to increase the size of ECOSOC to 27 seats, and the Regional Groups were formally introduced. The seat distribution became: In 1973,

6390-1557: The organization facilitates coordination between legitimate Liberal obediences. This includes establishing standardized protocols for inter-visitation, developing mutual recognition agreements, and maintaining shared documentation systems that verify the legitimacy of member organizations. In response to contemporary challenges, CLIPSAS has developed sophisticated approaches to maintaining Liberal Masonic legitimacy. The organization has implemented digital verification systems for Masonic credentials while establishing comprehensive guidelines for online Masonic presence. These efforts include creating resources for identifying fraudulent organizations and coordinating responses to digital Masonic scams. This modernization ensures that Liberal Masonry maintains its integrity in an increasingly digital world. While CLIPSAS maintains cooperative relationships where possible, it fundamentally exists as an alternative to Conservative Masonic recognition systems. The organization empowers Liberal Masonic bodies to assert their legitimacy independently of Conservative recognition while maintaining philosophical and practical autonomy . This independence allows member obediences to develop alternative approaches to Masonic tradition and challenge exclusionary practices in mainstream Freemasonry. This position has sometimes led to tensions with Conservative Masonic bodies, particularly regarding recognition of feminine and mixed obediences. However, CLIPSAS maintains that diversity in Masonic practice strengthens rather than weakens

6480-711: The organization supports comprehensive educational programs that range from basic literacy initiatives to advanced professional training. Its healthcare initiatives span multiple continents, focusing on both immediate medical assistance and long-term healthcare infrastructure development. When natural disasters strike, CLIPSAS mobilizes its international network for coordinated relief efforts, providing both immediate aid and long-term recovery support. The organization also maintains several cultural preservation projects, working to protect historical sites and traditional practices while promoting cross-cultural understanding. The CLIPSAS annual conventions serve as crucial gathering points for

6570-692: The organization's crucial early decades, allowing for steady development of its institutional framework and expansion of its international influence. The transition away from exclusively Belgian leadership in 1990 marked a new era of broader international representation, reflecting CLIPSAS's evolution into a truly global organization. This shift enabled diverse perspectives to shape the organization's direction while maintaining continuity with its founding principles. Each subsequent presidency has contributed unique insights and priorities, enriching CLIPSAS's approach to advancing Liberal Freemasonry worldwide and establishing mutual recognition between Liberal Grand Lodges. At

6660-557: The organization's direction and impact on international Masonic relations. The conventions frequently rotate between different host countries, allowing member obediences to showcase their unique Masonic traditions and cultural heritage while strengthening the bonds of universal brotherhood . These gatherings have become instrumental in maintaining the organization's cohesion and advancing its mission of promoting Liberal Freemasonry worldwide. The 2024 General Assembly in Durrës, Albania , marked

6750-537: The organization's understanding that Masonic principles must find practical expression in addressing societal needs and promoting human advancement. CLIPSAS's philosophical framework continues to evolve while maintaining fidelity to its founding principles. The organization engages with contemporary philosophical and social questions through a distinctively Masonic lens, contributing fresh perspectives to both Masonic tradition and modern social discourse. This dynamic approach enables CLIPSAS to remain relevant while preserving

6840-562: The original true proponents of this pure original form of Islam. They are strong adherents to the principal of tolerance, peace and against any form of violence. The Sufi have suffered severe persecution by more rigid and fundamentalist groups such as the Wahhabi and Salafi movement . In 1843 the Senussi Sufi were forced to flee Mecca and Medina and head to Sudan and Libya. Classical Sufi scholars have defined Sufism as "a science whose objective

6930-420: The other bodies that the Council oversees in some capacity: The specialized agencies of the United Nations are autonomous organizations working within the United Nations System, meaning that while they report their activities to the Economic and Social Council, they are mostly free to their own devices. Some were created before the United Nations existed and were integrated into the system, others were created by

7020-442: The principles of the Strasbourg Appeal. Each prospective member must prove their adherence to democratic governance structures and financial transparency while maintaining regular initiatic practices. Central to admission is an unwavering commitment to absolute freedom of conscience, setting CLIPSAS members apart from more traditional Masonic bodies. Beyond providing an alternative to Conservative Masonic recognition, CLIPSAS serves as

7110-551: The requirement for cash-only payments at official events, as evidenced during the 2024 assembly where participation fees of €250 were mandated in cash. In 2024, CLIPSAS leadership attempted to pursue legal action against Masonic media outlets reporting on internal controversies, raising concerns about the organization's commitment to press freedom . This action particularly targeted coverage of electoral processes and organizational transparency issues. The 2024 General Assembly highlighted significant operational deficiencies: Following

7200-511: The revival of Theravada Buddhism , and Buddhist modernism , which have taken over modern western notions of personal experience and universalism and integrated them in their religious concepts. A second, related influence was Anthroposophy , whose founder, Rudolf Steiner , was particularly interested in developing a genuine Western spirituality, and in the ways that such a spirituality could transform practical institutions such as education , agriculture , and medicine . More independently,

7290-619: The spiritual and the religious became more common in the popular mind during the late 20th century with the rise of secularism and the advent of the New Age movement. Authors such as Chris Griscom and Shirley MacLaine explored it in numerous ways in their books. Paul Heelas noted the development within New Age circles of what he called "seminar spirituality": structured offerings complementing consumer choice with spiritual options. Among other factors, declining membership of organized religions and

7380-455: The spiritual practice often includes chanting, singing and music – such as in kirtans – in front of idols, or images of one or more deity, or a devotional symbol of the holy. Karma marga is the path of one's work, where diligent practical work or vartta ( Sanskrit : वार्त्ता , profession) becomes in itself a spiritual practice, and work in daily life is perfected as a form of spiritual liberation and not for its material rewards. Rāja marga

7470-405: The term both spread to other religious traditions and broadened to refer to a wider range of experiences, including a range of esoteric and religious traditions. Modern usages tend to refer to a subjective experience of a sacred dimension , and the "deepest values and meanings by which people live", often in a context separate from organized religious institutions . This may involve belief in

7560-545: The twenty-first century. Building upon the Strasbourg Appeal's foundation, CLIPSAS issued the Lisbon Appeal, addressing contemporary challenges. This document emphasizes: That all Earth's inhabitants unite in actions promoting true human solidarity, that they rise against all forms of fundamentalism, against all aggression, against all exclusion, that they work towards the harmonious development of all human beings in freedom of conscience and mutual respect. CLIPSAS emerged as

7650-429: The twenty-third tirthankara Parshvanatha , whom historians date to 9th century BCE; and the twenty-fourth tirthankara, Mahavira around 600 BCE. Jainism is considered to be an eternal dharma with the tirthankaras guiding every time cycle of the cosmology . Buddhist practices are known as Bhavana , which literally means "development" or "cultivating" or "producing" in the sense of "calling into existence". It

7740-533: The verification of visiting members' credentials and the coordination of responses to various forms of Masonic fraud. CLIPSAS's international structure strengthens the position of Liberal Masonry globally . Its observer status at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) provides additional institutional legitimacy, particularly important when Conservative Masonic bodies challenge the regularity of Liberal practices. Through annual assemblies and regional meetings,

7830-409: The way of devotion; and Karma yoga , the way of selfless action. In the 19th century Vivekananda , in his neo-Vedanta synthesis of Hinduism, added Rāja yoga , the way of contemplation and meditation, as a fourth way, calling all of them "yoga". Jñāna marga is a path often assisted by a guru (teacher) in one's spiritual practice. Bhakti marga is a path of faith and devotion to deity or deities;

7920-450: The western world and Asia, which also influenced western religiosity. Unitarianism, and the idea of Universalism, was brought to India by missionaries, and had a major influence on neo-Hinduism via Ram Mohan Roy 's Brahmo Samaj and Brahmoism . Roy attempted to modernise and reform Hinduism, from the idea of Universalism. This universalism was further popularised, and brought back to the west as neo-Vedanta, by Swami Vivekananda . After

8010-424: Was Neo-Vedanta , also called neo-Hinduism and Hindu Universalism , a modern interpretation of Hinduism which developed in response to western colonialism and orientalism . It aims to present Hinduism as a "homogenized ideal of Hinduism" with Advaita Vedanta as its central doctrine. Due to the colonisation of Asia by the western world, since the 19th century an exchange of ideas has been taking place between

8100-502: Was in line with its commitment to international representation and diversity. The formative period from 1961 to 1990 saw the presidency held exclusively by representatives of the Grand Orient of Belgium , beginning with Georges Beernaerts. Under Belgian leadership, CLIPSAS established strong organizational foundations and developed the protocols that would guide its future growth. This period of consistent leadership provided stability during

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