Constitution of The High Council Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis

As amended through November 6, 2021 NOW, in consequence with the provisional Act of Constitution of April, 1880, and Affirmative Act of September 21, 1880, the Amendments passed subsequently, The High Council does hereby, in the exercise of its functions and its powers, ordain the following:

THE HIGH COUNCIL
Section 1. TITLE. The supreme governing body of the Society of Rosicrucians shall be styled “THE HIGH COUNCIL, SOCIETAS ROSICRUCIANA IN CIVITATIBUS FOEDERATIS,” and declares itself entirely independent, established on its own basis; and as a Society is in no way connected with any other institution, saving and excepting that its members shall be selected from Christian Master Masons in good and regular standing.

Section 2. CONVOCATIONS. The High Council shall hold Annual Convocations at such time and place as the Supreme Magus shall determine, and Special Convocations at his call.

 
Section 3. COMPOSITION OF THE HIGH COUNCIL. The High Council shall be composed of all members of the Third Order (VIII Grade and IX Grade only).

 
Section 4. OFFICERS. The elected officers of the High Council shall be the Supreme Magus, Senior Deputy Supreme Magus, Junior Deputy Supreme Magus, Treasurer General, and Secretary General. The following officers shall be appointed by the three “Ruling Magi” (i.e., the Supreme Magus, Senior Deputy Supreme Magus, and Junior Deputy Supreme Magus):

1. First Ancient 16. Third Herald
2. Second Ancient 17. First Acolyte
3. Third Ancient 18. Second Acolyte
4. Fourth Ancient 19. Third Acolyte
5. Fifth Ancient 20. High Prelate
6. Sixth Ancient 21. Editor
7. Seventh Ancient 22. Webmaster
8. Preceptor 23. Director of Foreign Relations
9. Conductor of Novices 24. Legal Counsel
10. Director of Ceremonies 25. Fiscal Consultant
11. Torch Bearer 26. Minister of Music
12. Medalist 27. Planning Director
13. Guardian of the Caverns 28. Deputy Treasurer General
14. First Herald 29. Deputy Secretary General
15. Second Herald

Section 5. ELECTIONS. The Supreme Magus, Senior Deputy Supreme Magus, Junior Deputy Supreme Magus, Treasurer General, and Secretary General shall be elected triennially.

 Section 6. ELIGIBILITY TO OFFICE. Any member who has attained the Eighth Grade is eligible to hold office in the High Council.

Section 7. VOTE AND VOICE. All members of the High Council shall have one (1) vote only and voice in elections and questions brought before it: Provided, however, that the Ritual and matters pertaining there to shall be solely and exclusively within the purview and under the control of the three Ruling Magi.

Section 8. QUORUM. Five (5) members of the High Council, including at least one (1) of the three Ruling Magi, shall constitute a Quorum of the High Council.

Section 9. TITLES. Members of the Society are known as Fratres and are recognized by the
following titles:
Most Worthy: The Supreme Magus and all Supreme Magi Emeriti;
Right Worthy: All Fratres of the Third Order;
Very Worthy: All Fratres of the Second Order; and
Worthy: All Fratres of the First Order

Section 10. NINTH GRADE. The Supreme Magus, Senior Deputy Supreme Magus, Junior Deputy Supreme Magus, Treasurer General, Secretary General, and Chief Adept of a College shall be elevated to the Grade of Magus (IX°) by virtue of the offices held by them. All Grades shall be ad vitam, and therefore shall not cease should an office incumbent cease to hold office.

Section 11. POWER TO VISIT. Any of the three Ruling Magi shall have the right and power to visit, inspect and preside over all Colleges. Every Third Order Member shall have the right to visit all Colleges and, with pre-approval by the Chief Adept or Celebrant of the College to be visited, any Frater may visit any College.

Section 12. VACANCIES IN OFFICE. Should vacancies occur due to death, resignation, removal from the jurisdiction, or other cause for an incumbent not to serve or complete his elected term, the Supreme Magus shall fill such vacancy by appointment for the remainder of the term of the office vacated. Such appointment(s) shall be subject to confirmation by a majority vote of the High Council at its first Convocation thereafter, Annual or otherwise. The preceding sentence notwithstanding, in case of a vacancy in the office of Supreme Magus, the Senior Deputy Supreme Magus, by virtue of his office and rank,shall immediately succeed to the office of Supreme Magus, with all the rights, powers, and privileges
there unto belonging: and in like manner the Junior Deputy Supreme Magus shall thereupon succeed as Senior Deputy Supreme Magus. A Supreme Magus thus created shall complete the triennial term of his predecessor, and may be elected to a triennial term of his own. He shall serve until his successor is elected and installed in office.

Section 13. EMERITUS MEMBERS. Emeritus Membership may be granted when a member is no longer able to attend due to no fault of his own. Emeritus membership shall not exceed ten (10) per College, unless specifically approved by the Supreme Magus. Emeritus Members shall not be counted against the membership limitation but they are subject to per capita dues and assessments and shall be included in the Annual Report to the High Council. Emeritus Members shall have all rights of full membership including the right to vote, but will not hold office in a College. The retiring Supreme Magus at the end of his term will immediately assume the title Supreme Magus Emeritus.

Section 14. HONORARY MEMBERS. Honorary Membership may be conferred by the High Council or by the Supreme Magus upon distinguished Fratres of other Rosicrucian Societies recognized by the High Council.

Section 15. GRADE DESIGNATIONS. Full membership in any Grade shall be designated by Roman Numerals following the name. Honorary membership shall be designated by an Arabic numeral following the name. Such numerals shall be followed by the “degree” symbol (°).

Section 16. EXPENDITURES. No contract to bind the High Council for the payment of funds of the High Council shall be entered into unless approved by the Supreme Magus or by the affirmative vote of the High Council. The Treasurer General shall pay all bills approved by the Supreme Magus or, when the contract is approved by the High Council, by the Secretary General.

Section 17. SEE AND OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS. The See of the Society shall be at the city of residence of the Supreme Magus and all printed official documents shall originate from said city: Provided, however, that the Supreme Magus may, in his discretion, issue Edicts, Decrees, and other documents from other than his place of residence