"History of Freemasonry in Almeria" Days

Wednesday, 16 January 2013

Almeria, Spain. Añaza 1895 Association, in partnership with the University of Almeria will organize during 25 to 27 February 2013 an event titled "History of Freemasonry in Almeria" Days. One of the speakers is Brother Marino de Armas, Past Master of the Añaza Lodge #33 (Grand Lodge of Spain).

Reactions after the Masonic press conference in Paris: Grand Orient of France announced a Masonic meeting to be held on January 23

Paris, France. As expected, the first reaction occurred after yesterday's press conference in Paris was that of the Grand Orient of France which has already announced that on January 23, 2013 will hold a luncheon to mark a social, societal, humanist and liable year.

This event will be attended by GOdF, Women's Grand Lodge of France, Droit Humain, Women's Grand Lodge of Memphis-Misraim, Mixed Grand Lodge of France and Universal Mixed Grand Lodge. As can be seen, the common factor of the meetings of January 23 (GOdF) and April 6 (GLdF) is the Women's Grand Lodge of France.

A perspective on yesterday's press conference, organized by the five French Grand Lodges

Paris, France. Yesterday was held a press conference in Paris attended by the five Grand Masters whishing the foundation of a new Masonic Confederation. It should be noted at the outset that this event was organized at the initiative of the GLdF, GLTSO and LNF.

Marc Herny reiterated that this project would not have been possible without the support of the Grand Lodges of Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Austria. Also, it could be observed that GL-AMF's leader and GLdF's leader disagree when it comes to visiting Lodges by members of other Grand Lodges that are not part of the future confederation.

According to a press release issued by the Grand Lodge of France yesterday, on April 6, 2013 will be organized a "great European public colloquium" entitled "L'Europe, et demain?". The event will take place at Brongniart Palace and will be presided by France's Minister for European Affairs, Bernard Cazeneuve. What is interesting is that this seminar is not organized by the Grand Lodges wishing to form the new confederation, but by GLdF, GLTSO and Women's Grand Lodge of France. Among the guests at this colloquium we may also find the Vice President of the European Parliament.

Following yesterday's press conference and subsequent release reactions, it may be that GL-AMF and GLIF, which total approximately nearly 13,000 members, are still waiting for a possible recognition from the United Grand Lodge of England.

A Saudi sheikh says that football is a Masonic game

Monday, 14 January 2013

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. APMR's Secretariat General informs that according to the Special Dispatch No.5129, dated 10 January 2013 and issued by MEMRI, Sheikh Suleiman Al-'Alwan said that footballers are infidels because football is a Masonic game in itself.

He issued a fatwa (religious opinion concerning Islamic law topics) in which he declared footballers as infidels. "Soccer is a Masonic game meant to distance Muslims from their religion and faith, and most of the public that follows [soccer games] is loyal to the infidels," said the Saudi sheikh.

GLdF's Grand Master will talk tomorrow about the future of French Freemasonry

Paris, France. The Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of France, Marc Henry, will hold a press conference tomorrow during which he will present the project of the new Masonic Confederation in France and he will speak about 2013 perspectives regarding French Freemasonry. Alongside him will attend the other Grand Masters wishing the establishment of the new Masonic Confederation.

Last week was marked by three important events for French Freemasonry: GLTSO's Grand Master announced that the confederation will be not founded to obtain the recognition of the United Grand Lodge of England, GLNF's Grand Master decided to establish a National Commission for Reconciliation and Reintegration to fix Stifani's mistakes, and Saturday took place GLIF's consecration ceremony.