Ripcord22A
Site Benefactor
Hence y i didnt respond to him
You indicate you are a York Rite Mason, but not a member of KT?I am not a Christian, and yet still a York Rite and Scottish Rite Mason. The Christian Faith is not required, just Faith in a Supreme Being. There are Orders in Belgium, where the Christian Faith is required - the Red Cross of Constantine, the Royal Order of Scotland - and the Knight Templar might too.
I've been taught that Freemasonry is universal, that Good men of (mostly) any faith may be accepted. My opinion on Orders that require a specific Faith from its candidates, is that those Orders should reconsider the requirement and Oath of that order, if it recruiting candidates from Blue Lodges. It's one thing to ask to defend Christian values, it is an entirely other thing to require to believe in the Trinity.
Imagine if there was a Regular Masonic Order where they only allowed Muslim Brethren to join.
Imagine if there was a Regular Masonic Order where they only allowed Muslim Brethren to join.
In dealing with American Masons, claiming you are a York Rite Mason might well cause confusion. Many will think you are a member of Royal Arch, Cryptic and possibly KT. I think your point is that your symbolic lodge uses a Preston Webb ritual.Right - I am not a member of KT, but I am a Mark Mason, a member of the Royal Arch Mariners (this is the District of Belgium for England) -and a Royal Arch Mason (Belgium has its own Grand Chapter and only does one degree). None of these degrees require the Christian Faith. The KT is not practiced in Belgium (there are chapters in the Netherlands and France, some just accross the border which are attended by Belgian Brethren). We have something equivalent - the Scottish Rectified Rite - which is Chivalrous and Christian themed. The SRR requires its candidates to defend Christian values - values which I find difficult not to defend.
We are in amity with Sweden and Denmark - although Denmark has created a sub/provincial Grand Lodge where non-Christians may apply. There is the other issue of practicing degrees other than the first three - they go up to twelve, and all this is regulated by the same Grand Master. This violates one of the criteria for Regularity set forth by the United Grand Lodge of England - but they recognize Sweden and Denmark nevertheless. The Royal families of Sweden and Denmark have ties with the Royal family of Great Britain.
Personally, I don't feel this is right - but there are historical and political explanations. It might also be something that is very difficult to change - due to the very nature of our organization.
In dealing with American Masons, claiming you are a York Rite Mason might well cause confusion.
yup...More like degrees that YR is derived from.
I'm actually giving a lecture next week explaining just how confusing the York Rite is in Europe ! It can mean different things depending on the jurisdiction, but I blame the French for this most
Always acceptable to blame the FrenchI'm actually giving a lecture next week explaining just how confusing the York Rite is in Europe ! It can mean different things depending on the jurisdiction, but I blame the French for this most