Interview with : Christophe Ravel, Most Respectable Grand Master of th

Christophe Ravel

Most Respectable Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Switzerland (GOS)

When were you initiated? What has been your journey in Freemasonry?

I was initiated on February 26, 2009, within the Respectable Lodge Le Labyrinthe in the Orient of the Genevois (www.le-labyrinthe.ch), one of the Geneva Lodges of the Grand Orient of Switzerland (www.g-o-s.org). I then followed the traditional path of every Freemason. I became a Fellow Craft and then a Master Mason when my Brethren considered it was time. During this time, I held several offices within my Lodge, eventually becoming Worshipful Master of my Lodge in 6018 until the beginning of 6022.
My tenure as Worshipful Master lasted a little longer than usual, mainly due to the COVID period. In hindsight, it was a very interesting period; it forced us to rethink and fully commit to a dynamic path. Afterward, I submitted my candidacy and was elected by my Brethren of the GOS as Most Respectable Grand Master at the end of 6022.

What inspired you to join Freemasonry?

I believe we never come to Freemasonry entirely by chance, at least not if we truly share its values. We owe this to our parents and the society in which we grew up. The concepts of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity have always resonated with me. I've always viewed otherness, especially during my travels, as an incredible source of enrichment. I believe the ground was fertile when I first came into contact with Freemasonry. Without knowing it, I was already in contact with several Freemasons until one day, one of them opened up to me. That was when my Masonic journey began.
Many people pass by this initiatory path without realizing it, even though they share the necessary values. We need to better communicate that Freemasonry is open to everyone, regardless of the candidate’s background.

What do you take away from your Masonic journey so far?

A wealth of discovery, fraternity, and personal reflection. The first steps in Freemasonry are always amazing. There are so many new things that we are generally filled with wonder.
If I had to highlight one thing in hindsight, it’s the importance of the work of transmission. This work has been carried out continuously for centuries. As we progress, we realize that the work is not focused solely on oneself but also on others. We are both the tool and the material.
I’ll give you a personal example that illustrates this idea:
As a young Fellow Craft, my mentor Daniel invited me to make my own staff. I liked the idea and went to cut a branch from his garden. After letting it dry and working on it for several months, I finished by carving a beautiful owl at its top. After over a hundred hours of work, I had my own staff!
Some time later, my mentor used this as an opportunity to teach me about transmission by encouraging me to pass my staff to the next Fellow Craft.
Transmission is about giving a part of yourself, something you care for, for the benefit and pleasure of another. It's not about giving away something we no longer need. It wasn't easy, and I had to reflect on the importance of that symbolic act. Once I had done the inner work, I willingly passed on the staff, hoping the new Fellow Craft would one day do the same.
The work is never truly finished.

What does Freemasonry personally mean to you? And what impact has it had on your personal life?

Tolerance and Fraternity. To me, these are the essence of Freemasonry and of being a true Freemason.
The impact is significant since I am involved in several projects at once. Between Masonic and professional life, I am quite hyperactive—perhaps too much, but it’s a choice I embrace.
Freemasonry taught me the importance of commitment—doing your best in both substance and form. It’s a commitment to others, but above all, to oneself.
I try to stick to this principle, never settling for the minimum when I can do better. If you add the Swiss mindset to that, it's a demanding task, but I take it on willingly.

Can you introduce the Grand Orient of Switzerland in a few words?

The Grand Orient of Switzerland is a liberal and adogmatic Obedience founded in 1959. It stands out for its broad autonomy granted to its Lodges. It recognizes all Freemasons, regardless of their Obedience.
Lodges within the GOS are free to work or not to the Glory of the Grand Architect of the Universe. They impose no belief system and are not required to display the Bible or any other so-called “sacred” book.
We have Lodges in the different linguistic regions of Switzerland and even some in France, notably in Lyon.
The Grand Orient of Switzerland, a male Obedience, maintains constant relations with male, mixed, and female Obediences. Each Lodge is free to welcome visiting Sisters.
As a liberal Obedience, the GOS is based on absolute freedom of conscience and is a founding member of two international organizations: CLIPSAS (founded in 1961, bringing together around 100 Obediences worldwide) and the European Masonic Alliance (founded in 2004 with 35 European Obediences).
The GOS is a fully established Masonic Obedience with its unique Swiss characteristics.

What rites are predominantly practiced within the Grand Orient of Switzerland?

The Grand Orient of Switzerland is a "multi-rite" Obedience. Currently, five rites are practiced:

French Rite
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite
Rectified Scottish Rite
Ruchon Rite
Schröder Rite
In the German-speaking part of Switzerland, the Schröder Rite is predominant. In the French-speaking areas and Ticino, Lodges mostly work the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Rectified Scottish Rite, French Rite, and the Ruchon Rite (a variant of the AASR).

How many Brethren does the Grand Orient of Switzerland currently have?

It’s a great institution with a limited number of members—around 350.
This relatively low number, compared to other Grand Orients, is, in my view, the result of a conservatism that prevailed for quite a while.
Today, the mindset has evolved significantly, and the GOS is undergoing its own revolution.
We’ve decided to better communicate about our activities and develop effective communication tools.
It’s a beautiful Obedience, rich in its diversity, and one that deserves to be better known.
I am confident about the GOS’s future membership growth.

How does the GOS interact with other Obediences or organizations?

We have regular contact with many Obediences.
There are the famous Convents where we mutually invite one another. We maintain many treaties of friendship, foster exchanges and visits, and participate in international Masonic organizations such as CLIPSAS and the European Masonic Alliance.
On a national level, we’ve created the FMLS (Swiss Liberal Freemasonry), which includes the GOS, the Grande Loge Féminine de Suisse, and the Swiss Federation of Le Droit Humain.
Every two years, the FMLS organizes a mixed, interobediential conference on a societal theme.
In 6023, I proposed several topics, and we chose conspiracy theories. We spent an entire day working on it and published a report.
We also host conferences open to all Brethren and Sisters, regardless of their Obedience.
I am working on a project provisionally called the "Summer University of Universal Freemasonry," aiming to gather all Obediences for a conference cycle in Geneva.
It’s an ambitious project, but I will do my best to make it happen next year.

What are the most important principles and values of Freemasonry for you?

I often say that a good Mason is someone with their heart in the right place.
I am personally very sensitive to issues related to discrimination.
I’m proud that the principle of non-discrimination is enshrined in our fundamental texts.
Even though we are not political, we cannot accept any form of discrimination—it would go against our core values.

In what year did you become Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Switzerland?

I became Grand Master in November 6022.
As I write these notes, I’ve just completed my first year.
A Grand Master at the GOS typically serves a three-year term, but every year, members must vote whether to continue with the current Grand Master or change leadership.
At our last Convent in Zurich on November 11, my Brethren voted to renew my mandate for another year.

How has your experience as Grand Master been so far?

I’m a little frustrated by not being able to do more—my professional commitments limit me somewhat.
But I do my best with the resources I have.
Fortunately, I have a solid team with me.
Being Grand Master, like being Worshipful Master, requires listening and providing direction.
In my Lodge, there are several former Grand Masters, so I benefit from their advice.
I frequently consult and seek the Council of the Order’s input on important decisions.
The goal isn’t to ask for permission, but to ensure we all move in the same direction.
We are a decentralized Obedience, and the voice of the Lodges is sovereign.
It’s participatory democracy: I take into account all suggestions and act in what I believe is in the best interest of the GOS.

What initiatives would you like to implement during your mandate?

I have a few focus areas.
The first year was inward-looking—ensuring cohesion among members and equipping our Obedience with modern communication tools.
Year two will focus more on external engagement, like the journey of a Fellow Craft.

Which objectives are you pursuing? Any particular topic close to your heart?

Our predecessors have established solid ideals.
We aim to continue their work while increasing concrete actions and ensuring the sustainability of existing initiatives.
We are launching communication tools that must now be used consistently.
We’re also tackling contemporary issues: conspiracy theories, information warfare, and soon, geopolitics with a conference featuring Alain Bauer (https://my.weezevent.com/GOS).
We’ll also address the restitution of looted colonial art and discrimination issues.
We leave no subject untouched—it’s a sign of good health and progress.

gos conference alain bauer

How has the internet and digital tools impacted your work?

We are an ancient society adapting to modern times.
We are upgrading the GOS’s digital tools.
I invite you to visit our new website: www.g-o-s.org and sign up for our newsletter.
We’ve set up a "helpdesk" to assist Brothers with modern tools.
Next, we’ll relaunch a blog (Les Cahiers Bleus) and help Lodges develop their websites.
We aim to establish a clear communication framework to minimize misunderstandings and misinformation.
Our ideals are noble—it’s important to explain them and dispel myths.

Is there a topic you think is insufficiently addressed in Lodge reflections?

There are no taboos with us.
Our Lodges work together on study topics, and the Worshipful Masters play a vital role in ensuring members feel a sense of belonging.
We will soon consult Lodges on key projects to secure the GOS’s bright future.

How is Freemasonry evolving to adapt to today’s world?

We are still too discreet in a world facing daily challenges.
Today’s shifting geopolitical landscape impacts our universalist values.
A liberal and adogmatic Obedience like ours must engage with the world and defend its values.

What is your outlook on the future of Freemasonry?

As Saint-Exupéry said, "The future must be invented."
It will reflect our commitment and dynamism.
The choices made by Worshipful Masters, the Council of the Order, and the Grand Master are decisive.

How does someone join a Lodge?

“Knock at the Temple door,” as we say.
In today’s world, if you don’t personally know a Freemason, just apply online via our website:
👉 https://grand-orient-suisse.org/devenir-franc-macon/
And the adventure begins!

What would you tell someone interested in joining Freemasonry today?

It’s a beautiful but demanding adventure.
Always listen to your heart—it’s your best guide.

Final words?

Thank you for your questions and for giving us the opportunity to present the Grand Orient of Switzerland.
If your readers have questions about our Obedience, they can contact us directly via our website.

Lausanne, November 13, 6023

Christophe Ravel
Most Respectable Grand Master
Grand Orient of Switzerland