Information
Can Brethren from foreign Grand Lodges, regardless of religious
belief, visit a Lodge in Sweden?
The Swedish Rite practiced in Sweden and the Swedish speaking parts of Finland
is based on Christian faith. The other Nordic countries; Denmark, Norway and
Iceland are also practicing The Swedish Rite
According to the General Law of the Grand Lodge of Sweden, 16.1, admission to the Order can only be granted to men
of Christian faith. His proposer and seconder will ensure this be forehand. Whether
he is Lutheran or Catholic, it is solely a question for his own conscience.
The
reason behind this requirement is that the Swedish Rite is an integrated system.
A Mason Brother belongs to the Grand Lodge from the first Degree to the highest
- passing through the Craft Lodge Degrees (I-III), the St. Andrew’s
Lodge Degrees (IV-VI) into the Priory Degrees (VII-X). The later (called Chapter
in the Swedish Rite) is, like most Priories in the Masonic world, based on
Christian legends and symbols. There is no requirement for a candidate to the
Grand Lodge of Sweden that he must formally be a member of the Swedish Church.
Brethren from foreign Grand Lodges, recognized by the Grand Lodge of Sweden
can, regardless of religious belief, visit a Swedish Lodge working the Degrees
I - III and IV - VI. A foreign Brother can only be member, for instance in
the case of affiliation, if he is of Christian faith.