Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council, 33 °, of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in the Southern Jurisdiction, United States of America (Mother Council of the World), His Almighty and Illustrious Brother James Cole, 33a in the spring of 2020 he reminded the whole world of the existence of guidelines for the recognition of a Supreme Council. Not to mention the translation of this circular letter below.
April 25, 2020
TO: ALL SUPREME COUNCILS IN FRIENDSHIP
RE: Fraternal Recognition of the Supreme Council of Romania
Illustrious Brothers:
Given the recent actions that have taken place in Romania, it becomes necessary to specify the policy of this Supreme Council regarding fraternal recognition.
Of course, from its very name, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry recognizes as its undeniable foundation the Grand Lodges of the Jurisdictions in which we operate. Although our Supreme Council recognizes the right of every Grand Master to rule and govern in his jurisdiction, the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry is obliged to function in accordance with the Great Constitutions of 1762 and 1786. Our interpretations of these Constitutions, our own Statute and the guidelines of fraternal recognition generally exclude the recognition of any new Supreme Council established directly by a Grand Lodge.
Specifically, our fraternal recognition guidelines include the following elements for any Supreme Council to be, upon request, recognized by our Supreme Council:
• His letter must have been received from a recognized Supreme Council.
• It must receive its members from lodges operating under the governance of a large recognized lodge.
• It must adhere to the principles outlined in the Great Constitutions of 1762 and 1786.
• It must work in a stable way
• It must be free from any interference with other Masonic bodies.
After a careful and detailed analysis of events in Romania, our Supreme Council reaffirms the following: The Supreme Council, 33 °, of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in the Southern Jurisdiction, United States of America (Mother Council of the World) declares at this time that the state of FRIENDSHIP and FRATERNAL RECOGNITION will continue with the 33rd and Last Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Romania, whose Sovereign Grand Commander is Stelian Nistor, 33°.
Each Scottish Rite Mason is first and foremost a Master Mason and, as such, bound by his obligations to the corresponding Grand Lodge. For this reason, we strongly encourage a renewed effort on the part of all Supreme Councils to strengthen their relations with the Grand Lodges in their countries. The most effective way to make sure we meet our obligations is to communicate in the most Masonic way possible. We are encouraged by all our Masonic teachings to be patient, caring, and reassuring in our dealings with one another. After all, the whole concept of fraternal recognition, formulated differently, means to be recognized as fraternal.
On behalf of our Supreme Council, I extend to you and through you to each of your members the warmest Fraternal greetings and good wishes.
With sincere brotherhood,
James Cole, 330
