United Grand Lodges of Germany and from other 8 European countries have recognized GLNF

Monday, 9 February 2015

Paris, France. The Grand Lodges of Sweden, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Austria, Belgium, Estonia and Germany re-recognized the French National Grand Lodge (GLNF). The decisions of the Scandinavian Grand Lodges came in the context of the decision taken by the United Grand Lodge of England, an action supporting GLNF's reality.

Less expected were the decisions of the United Grand Lodges of Germany, Grand Lodge of Austria and the Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium. These Grand Lodges, together with the Grand Lodges of Switzerland (Alpine) and Luxembourg, were the signatories of the Declarations of Basel, Brussels and Berlin, documents which encouraged the Grand Lodge of France (GLdF) to hope for international recognition.

The decision of the Senate of the United Grand Lodges of Germany (31 January 2015) comes amid the failure of GLdF and that of Grand Master Marc Henry to promote, vote and promulgate the fundamental constitutional changes necessary to start the process of international recognition and also  on the background changes made within GLNF, realized with great success under the mandate of Grand Master Jean Pierre Servel. The decision of the Senate was unanimously passed.

Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite: England suspends recognition for France

London, United Kingdom. A month ago (8 January 2015), the Supreme Council for England and Wales announced the suspension of recognition for the Supreme Council for France (SCplF). The decision of the Supreme Council in London has immediate effect and stipulates, among other, that the members of the Scottish Order in England should not to visit the Lodges/Chapters under the jurisdiction of the AASR of SCplF. Also, members SCplF's members must not visit the Lodges/Chapters within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Council for England and Wales.

Given the position adopted by the current leader of SCplF (Jean-Luc Fauque, President of the Confederation of European Supreme Councils) regarding the French National Grand Lodge and taking into account the decision of the United Grand Lodge of England, it is understandable why the English Jurisdiction of the AASR decided to suspend relations with the Supreme Council for France.

Equally important was the lack of representatives from Northern and Southern Jurisdictions of the AASR for the United States at SCplF's Annual Communication in December 2014. It is important to observe which will be the international reactions following the decision in London and how and if Fauque will be received at the biennial of the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America (Washington D.C.).

Chancellor Helmut Schmidt was awarded by German Freemasonry

Tuesday, 3 February 2015

Hamburg, Germany. German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt was awarded with the Stresemann Prize by one of the 5 Grand Lodges composing the United Grand Lodges of Germany. The ceremony took place on January 26, 2015 at the headquarters of the Grand Lodge in Hamburg.

Annual Grand Festival of the Supreme Council for India

Hyderabad, India. On 7 February 2015, the Supreme Council for India will hold its Annual Grand Festival. The event will take place in the morning and in evening. Sovereign Grand Commander Stephen John Hindes 33° will confer the 30° Degree to some Brethren in the morning and during the evening will be receiving foreign delegations, after which there will be a banquet.

Freemasons killed in terrorist attacks in Paris

Paris, France. Following the attacks that took place in Paris in January, almost all Masonic organizations in France have issued press releases condemning the actions of terrorists. Freemasons from around the world expressed their condolences and support to French Freemasons, messages being received from: Malta, Slovenia, Peru, Turkey, Ukraine, Haiti, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Romania, Greece, Croatia, China, Azerbaijan, Togo, Italy, Latin America etc.

Over 1,000 French Freemasons marched through the streets of Paris and other cities to show their support and to protest against extremism and terrorism. Among the murdered journalists were counted two Freemasons: Bernard Maris and Michel Renaud.

After the attacks, the Grand Orient of France organized a conference which was also attended by Hassen Chalghoumi, President of the Conference of the Imams of France.