Which authority is acknowledged in the obligation?

• A. The bylaws, rules and regulations of this or any other Master Mason lodge
• B. The decisions of the Grand Chapter only
• C. The constitution, resolutions and edicts of the Grande Lodge of Texas or any other grand lodge under whose jurisdiction I may be
• D. The guidance of peers

Answer: (C)

The obligation binds you to the governing authority of the Craft in your jurisdiction. That authority is the grand lodge, and what you promise to obey are its constitution, resolutions, and edicts. These documents establish the lawful framework that applies to every lodge and member within that jurisdiction, providing a single, overarching set of rules that follows you whether you’re at home or traveling to another grand lodge’s territory. While a lodge’s bylaws and rules govern local operations, they must align with and are subordinate to the grand lodge’s constitution. Decisions of other bodies, like Grand Chapter, concern different degrees or rites and aren’t the binding authority for the Master Mason obligation. Guidance from peers isn’t a binding legal authority in the obligation either. So the obligation acknowledges the constitution, resolutions, and edicts of the Grande Lodge of Texas or any other grand lodge under whose jurisdiction you may be.