On 5 May 2025, French president Emmanuel Macron gave a landmark speech at the office of the Grande Loge de France in Paris, becoming the first acting president to visit this Masonic ceremony. This event took place in the context of the upcoming 120. the anniversary of the adoption of the 1905 Law, establishing a chapter of the Church from the State in France.
In his speech, Macro stressed the importance of secularism as the foundation of the Republic and called on the Masons to defend these principles. He stated that “masonry has always been the mark for conspiracy theorists and dark spreaders”, highlighting the challenges facing secularism in today's society. He encouraged the Masons to act as “magbasadors of secularity”, stressing that the 1905 Act is “not a bill of exclusion but a union”.
Macron warned against interpretations of the 1905 Act based on identities that could lead to its distortion. He pointed out that secularism should not be utilized as a tool to attack religion, especially Islam, which is crucial in the context of current political and social debates.
The President's speech besides raised the subject of euthanasia, in connection with the planned bill on “right to assisted dying”. Macron stressed that the debate on this subject could not be brought to the simple question “for or against life”, pointing to the request for a more nuanced discussion.
In his speech, Macro paid tribute to 2 crucial masonry characters: Hubert Germain, the last surviving bachelor of the Order of Liberation, and Arnaud Beltrame, who was initiated in the Jérôme-Bonaparte Lodge. Through these references, the president stressed the historical contribution of the Masons to the construction of the Republic and their function in defending its values.
Macron's visit to the large Lodge of France besides had a symbolic dimension, pointing to the request for cooperation between the state and social organizations in defending the principles of secularism. The president pointed out that “the only word that fits secularity is freedom”, stressing that secularity should service as a foundation for the peaceful coexistence of different beliefs and creeds.
Macron's speech met with different reactions. any commentators, like Arthur Chevalier of “Le Point”, noted that the president's appeal to the Masons to defend secularism could be seen as a mention to the tradition of state supremacy in all matters. Others stressed the importance of specified a motion in the context of increasing tensions about identity and spiritual issues in France .
In the context of the upcoming presidential elections and the increasing political polarization, Macron's speech can be interpreted as an effort to unite society around the common values of the Republic. Through his appeal to the Masons to defend secularism, the president seeks to strengthen the foundations of the secular state and advance an inclusive approach to spiritual and cultural diversity.
In conclusion, Emmanuel Macron's speech at the large Lodge of France was an crucial minute in the debate on secularism in France. The president called on Masons to play an active function in defending the principles of the separation of the Church from the state, stressing that secularism is simply a key component of freedom and unity in society. Faced with contemporary challenges specified as rising identity tensions and debates around spiritual freedom, Macron's appeal can be seen as an effort to strengthen the values of the Republic and advance dialog between different social groups.
