Constitution of The High Council Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis

This is a summary of the Constitution of The High Council Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis, detailing its governance, structure, and operational procedures.

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Governing Structure

  • The supreme governing body is known as “THE HIGH COUNCIL, SOCIETAS ROSICRUCIANA IN CIVITATIBUS FOEDERATIS,” independent and composed solely of Christian Master Masons in good standing.
  • The High Council holds Annual and Special Convocations, determined by the Supreme Magus.
    Membership consists of all members of the Third Order (Grades VIII and IX).
  • Elected officers include the Supreme Magus, Senior Deputy Supreme Magus, Junior Deputy Supreme Magus, Treasurer General, and Secretary General, with additional appointed officers by the Ruling Magi.

Elections and Eligibility

  • Officers are elected triennially, with eligibility for office requiring attainment of the Eighth Grade.
  • Each member has one vote in elections, while matters related to Ritual are controlled by the Ruling Magi.
  • A quorum consists of five members, including at least one Ruling Magus.

Membership Titles and Grades

  • Members are referred to as Fratres, with titles based on their rank: Most Worthy (Supreme Magus and Emeriti), Right Worthy (Third Order), Very Worthy (Second Order), and Worthy (First Order).
  • The Supreme Magus and other key officers automatically attain the IX° grade by virtue of their positions, with all grades being permanent.

Powers and Duties of Officers

  • The Supreme Magus oversees the Society, presides over Convocations, and has the authority to issue Dispensations and confer Grades.
  • The Senior and Junior Deputy Supreme Magi assist the Supreme Magus and assume duties in his absence.
  • The Treasurer General manages finances, while the Secretary General maintains records and correspondence.

Colleges and Membership Regulations

  • Subordinate organizations are termed “Colleges,” with a maximum of one per state or territory without prior consent.
  • A College requires at least three Fratres of the Seventh Grade to petition for a Charter.
  • Membership is limited to 72 active members, with specific criteria for candidates, including being a Master Mason and of the Christian Faith.

Advancement and Fees

  • Colleges may confer Grades of the First and Second Orders, while the Third Order Grades are conferred exclusively by the High Council.
  • Fees for conferring Grades must meet a minimum of $100, with the possibility of higher fees upon approval.
  • Candidates must meet specific requirements for advancement, which are determined by the Chief Adept.

Emeritus and Honorary Membership

  • Emeritus Membership is granted to members unable to attend due to circumstances beyond their control, limited to ten per College.
  • Honorary Membership may be conferred upon distinguished Fratres from recognized Rosicrucian Societies.

Committees and Financial Oversight

  • The Supreme Magus appoints standing committees, including Finance and Jurisprudence, to oversee budget preparation and legal advice.
  • The Finance Committee reviews financial records, while the Jurisprudence Committee ensures compliance with the Constitution.

Discipline and Appeals

  • All Fratres are subject to discipline within their Colleges, with the right to appeal to the High Council within six months.
  • Jurisdiction over candidates is strictly defined, requiring consent for applications across College boundaries.

Amendments and Governance

  • Amendments to the Constitution must be proposed in writing and approved by a majority of the High Council.
  • Proposed amendments undergo scrutiny by the Jurisprudence Committee before being presented to the Ruling Magi.

Jewelry and Insignia Regulations

  • Specific designs for the jewels of office are outlined, with distinct insignia for various ranks and positions within the Society.
  • The Supreme Magus’s jewel features a Black Calvary cross, while other officers have variations without the crown.

Final Provisions

  • The Constitution emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity and philosophy of the Society, with provisions for the dissolution of Colleges and the handling of their assets.
  • Colleges may adopt their own ordinances and regulations, provided they align with the overarching Constitution and are approved by the High Council.

This summary encapsulates the essential elements of the Constitution, highlighting the governance structure, membership regulations, officer duties, and procedural guidelines while maintaining clarity and conciseness.