Swedish Rite Freemasonry
The Swedish Rite is a variation of Freemasonry that is worked in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. A slight variation is common in parts of Germany under the Große Landesloge der Freimaurer von Deutschland. Also other craft masonic bodies are working in the nordic countries (see further under freemasonry in Sweden and freemasonry in Denmark). However only one Grand Lodge in each country is working the Swedish Rite, each of which governs its own jurisdiction.
The Rite is divided into three divisions: St. John’s (Craft) degrees (I–III), St. Andrew’s (Scottish) degrees (IV–VI) and the Chapter degrees (VII–X). In addition one may attain the XIth degree, although only a very few gain this. Progression from one degree to the next is not automatic. A brother not only has to be in regular attendance, but also has to show that he has a certain proficiency and knowledge of Freemasonry. The Swedish Rite demands members be Christian and not just that they believe in a supreme being. Like other regular Masonic organisations, only men are allowed membership.
Since 7 November 2006 all laws of the Swedish Order of Freemasons are publicly available on the Internet.Among others, the laws prohibit any member to gain advantages outside the lodge by using the lodge as an instrument. The laws also stress the charity works of the members and the observance of the Golden Rule.
Charles XII of Sweden
Degrees
St. John’s degrees
I Apprentice
II Fellow Craft
III Master Mason
St. Andrew’s degrees
IV/V Apprentice and Companion of St. Andrew (one degree)
VI Master of St. Andrew
Chapter degrees
VII Very Illustrious Brother, Knight of the East
VIII Most Illustrious Brother, Knight of the West
IX Enlightened Brother of St. John’s Lodge
X Very Enlightened Brother of St. Andrew’s Lodge
Grand Council honorary degree
XI Most Enlightened Brother, Knight Commander of the Red Cross
Grand Lodges using the rite
The Swedish Rite is used by:
The Swedish Order of Freemasons (Svenska Frimurare Orden), with lodges in Sweden and Finland.
The Norwegian Order of Freemasons (Den Norske Frimurerorden)
The Danish Order of Freemasons (Den Danske Frimurerorden)
The Icelandic Order of Freemasons (Frímúrarareglan á Íslandi)
An earlier version of the rite, the Zinnendorf Rite, is used by:
Große Landesloge der Freimaurer von Deutschland