Establishing the Commission on International Cryptic Masonry
The Board of Trustees of the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International has conducted a review of the history and procedures involved in chartering the Cryptic Rite outside of the United States of America.
That review identified a need to strengthen the foundations upon which the Cryptic Rite is established and maintained in certain international jurisdictions, while promoting the best interests of the Rite, its member jurisdictions, and its partners in the continued expansion and preservation of the American York Rite.
Why the Commission Was Established
The Board determined that proper foundations had not always been established for the Cryptic Rite in several jurisdictions outside the United States.
Strengthening those foundations will help support the continued development of the Degrees and principles of the Cryptic Rite while protecting the integrity, recognition, and governance of jurisdictions operating within the General Grand Council family.
Consider policies and procedures relating to the institution and maintenance of the Cryptic Rite internationally.
Recommend appropriate conditions and requirements for chartering Councils and Grand Councils outside the United States.
Review Masonic and fraternal issues affecting existing Grand Councils and subordinate Councils in international jurisdictions.
Help ensure that the traditions, principles, and proper governance of the Cryptic Rite are preserved as the Rite expands internationally.
Commission on International Cryptic Masonry
Effective July 1, 2026, the Board of Trustees formally established the Commission on International Cryptic Masonry (CICM) to serve within the discretion and authority of the Board on matters arising from the chartering and maintenance of the Cryptic Rite outside the United States of America.
Charter Leadership
Charter Member & Co-Chairman
Charter Member & Co-Chairman
Further appointments to the Commission may be made by the General Grand Master with the advice and consent of the Board of Trustees.
Cooperation Across the York Rite
The Commission is authorized by the Board of Trustees to interact and confer, with the prior written consent of the General Grand Master, with appropriate international and foreign-relations bodies of the other York Rite organizations.
These include the General Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons International and its Bureau of International Masonic Affairs, as well as the Foreign Relations Committee of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America, or successor entities established for similar purposes.
Responsibilities of the Commission
- Review international charter applications and requests referred by the General Grand Master or Board of Trustees.
- Recommend conditions and requirements necessary for the proper institution and maintenance of the Cryptic Rite.
- Consider the traditional American York Rite model when evaluating international development.
- Consider appropriate adjustments where alternate recognized forms of Royal Arch Masonry or Masonic Templary are prevalent within the jurisdiction under review.
- Provide recommendations concerning Masonic and fraternal issues arising within existing Grand Councils or subordinate Councils outside the United States.
- Promote compliance with the principles and policies contained in the Preamble, Landmarks, and Maxims of the General Grand Council Constitution.
- Recommend measures intended to prevent abuse of the Cryptic Rite within a jurisdiction.
- Recommend measures protecting the Solomonic Rule of Three from derogation by any entity within a jurisdiction.
Protecting the Integrity of the Cryptic Rite
The Commission will provide recommendations to the Board of Trustees on matters referred to it by the General Grand Master or the Board.
Its work will focus upon establishing sound foundations for the Cryptic Rite, maintaining appropriate Masonic governance, and ensuring that international growth remains consistent with the principles and policies of the General Grand Council.
The creation of the Commission represents an important step in coordinating the responsible expansion of Cryptic Masonry while respecting the recognized Masonic structures and traditions of the jurisdictions in which the Rite is established.
Strengthening Cryptic Masonry Worldwide
Through thoughtful policy, cooperation, proper governance, and respect for recognized Masonic traditions, the Commission on International Cryptic Masonry will help strengthen and preserve the Cryptic Rite for Companions throughout the world.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
