Freemasonry in Sweden

[zouzoum]

I was looking about the swedish rite and I found out that only Christians are admitted in swedish lodges. The grand lodge of sweden is recognised by UGLE, the tenents of freemasonry are based on non religion discrimination, how do u account for that ?

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[Brother JC]

The GL of Sweden is recognized by the majority of US Grand Lodges, as well. There has been a lot of discussion about their requirement, and opinions swing to both extremes.
Master Masons from other jurisdictions may visit these lodges (in the first three degrees) without any issue, regardless of religion.

 

[dfreybur]

Religious diversity has increased over the centuries. I take it Sweden was recognized extremely long ago in an era when diversity was lower. They are grandfathered in.

 

[Mike Martin]

Actually, the only religious requirement from the UGLE when recognising foreign Grand Lodges is that Atheists are not made Masons and that the VSL is present and open during Lodge meetings. Choosing to only admit Christians does not contravene these requirements in any way, any more than only admitting Muslims or Jews.

 

[chrmc]

What Dfreybur said. But it should also be noted that most of the nordic countries has "traditional" blue lodges working the degrees in one form as known in the UK. These allow non-Christians to be accepted. Moving on past the 3rd degree then becomes a discussion if you are not Christian. Much as you'll see with the York rite higher degrees in the US.

 

[zouzoum]

Actually, the only religious requirement from the UGLE when recognising foreign Grand Lodges is that Atheists are not made Masons and that the VSL is present and open during Lodge meetings. Choosing to only admit Christians does not contravene these requirements in any way, any more than only admitting Muslims or Jews.

Is not against " all men are equal " ?

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[Mike Martin]

Is not against " all men are equal " ?

There is no landmark stating that all men are equal but all Freemasons meet on the square.