July 2011

Thursday 28 July 2011

APMR (Masonic Press Agency of Romania): Humanitarian crisis in Horn of Africa in the attention of French Freemasons


APMR reported today that the Grand Orient of France expressed its concern yesterday about the humanitarian crisis in Horn of Africa. GOdF appealed to the international community and the European Union to move from declarations to action and help the Somalis, Kenyans, Ethiopians and Djiboutans unprecedented affected by the humanitarian crises.


Tuesday 26 July 2011

William S. Meijer (Grand Master - Grand Orient of the Netherlands) declaration on Oslo attacks


The Grand Master of the Grand Orient/East of the Netherlands, Most Worshipful Brother William S. Meijer stated in a declaration regarding Breivik's attacks in Oslo, Norway that:

"Freemasons are, like their fellow citizens, shocked by the violent events in and around Oslo on July 22nd (...) Now there must be particular attention to the victims of the terrible attacks in Norway and their families."

In his long statement, the Dutch Grand Master talks about the Universal Landmarks of Freemasonry and about the tolerance practiced in the Order. The document emitted by the Grand Orient/East of the Netherlandsis in Dutch.


Jean Michel Mascherpa (Grand Master of the Grand Lodge ALPINA) strongly reaffirm that Freemasonry is firmly opposed to any fundamentalist


Since Saturday, TV and newspapers around the world reported the tragic events that occurred in Norway, the murder committed by abject Anders Behring Breivik is beyond comprehension. He photographed himself wit Masonic Regalia and declared himself as a "Christian fundamentalist." It was unthinkable for the Masonic world that this man could one day be a part until its membership of the Grand Lodge of Norway has been confirmed.

The Brothers of the ALPINA Swiss Grand Lodge are addressing to all the families of the victims of this incomprehensible crime and are expressing their deepest sympathy. They shall also send their fraternal sympathy to all Brethren of the Grand Lodge of Norway knowing how they must feel, despair not have imagined the potential criminal the man they had received within its members.

The Swiss Freemasonry of the Grand Lodge Alpina, member of the fraternal universal chain is appalled by the horror of the act committed in the name of an extremist ideology will, and of a world view that is not ours.

We strongly reaffirm that Freemasonry is firmly opposed to any fundamentalist, religious or political, that strongly condemns the intellectual radicalism and all the inhumane and intolerant attitudes. Freemasonry promotes the contrary, the values ​​of the Enlightenment of the 18th century of tolerance and humanism. It engages in the world for the promotion of democracy, secularism, respect for individual beliefs and opinions, in the interests of the fraternal chain of universal love.


Jean Michel Mascherpa
Grand Master
ALPINA Grand Lodge of Switzerland


Gustavo Raffi (Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Italy) strongly condemned the massacre in Oslo, Norway


Deep sorrow for the young victims of the massacre of Utoya and firm condemnation of the killer who has unleashed hell in Norway: Anders Breivik Behring is a deranged exhibitionist criminal, a fundamentalist to be accountable for his violence and his crimes. His obsession does not ignite so exploitation and clichés, giving impromptu pulpit inquisitors: the explosion of the madness of a mass murderer can not criminalize the Christian fundamentalist or identify with Christianity, or throwing mud on Freemasonry for a photo with his skirt ostentatious posted on Facebook.

At times like these must cling to the families of the victims, expressing condemnation because such facts can not be repeated. You do not need scapegoats, and whatever necessary to eliminate the search for truth. Its time instead to revive a strong commitment throughout Europe because it is banned all forms of xenophobia, racism and the spirit of the Crusades.


Gustavo Raffi
Grand Master
Grand Orient of Italy


Masonic Press Agency of Romania saddened by the Oslo attacks



Official statement of APMR's Secretary-General
(emitted on July 24th, 2011)

Under the shock and sadness provoked by the Oslo bombing attacks, the Masonic Press Agency of Romania stands in pain and shoulder by shoulder with the Norwegian people and with all Brethren in Norway and in the world.

There is no way of talking about Breivik's membership to the Masonic Order. There is no Freemason in the world that could do something like that. Mr. Breivik is just an accident in the recent history of the Universal Masonic Order and our Craft will not forget this. The bad example of Mr. Breivik will remain in the living memory of our Craft as a negative, destructive and racist behavior of an extremist man.

The Masonic Order should take into account the possibility of analyzing twice the life of a possible future member. By this I want to underline the importance of a medical report based on a psychiatric evaluation.


King Michael I of Romania: "We were greatly shocked and deeply saddened at the news of the unimaginable horrors that took place in Norway"



Saturday, July 23rd, 2011, His Majesty King Michael I of Romania sent a message of sympathy and support to His Majesty King Harald V regarding the terrorist attacks in Norway.


"We were greatly shocked and deeply saddened at the news of the unimaginable horrors that took place in Norway. The tragedy is beyond any fantasies! The only consolation at this point is that, as you mentioned, your whole nation is united. Over the centuries, Norwegians have so much pride and dignity to defend their freedom and independence and I am sure they will stand, shoulder to shoulder in this tragedy. We were very moved by pictures of workers from the medical services and other emergency services who worked tirelessly to save lives, they were of all colors and races, which is a clear rejection of the message of hate that the killers wanted to give it. Our thoughts are with you in these difficult moments of trial."

The Masonic Press Agency of Romania stated that "There is no way of talking about Breivik's membership to the Masonic Order"



Inquired by Masonic Times, APMR's Secretary-General stated that the Masonic Press Agency of Romania (APMR) had not, does not and will not talk about Anders Behring Breivik's Masonic membership:

"There is no way of talking about Breivik's membership to the Masonic Order. There is no Freemason in the world that could do something like that. Mr. Breivik is just an accident in the recent history of the Universal Masonic Order and our Craft will not forget this. The bad example of Mr. Breivik will remain in the living memory of our Craft as a negative, destructive and racist behavior of an extremist man.


The Masonic Order should take into account the possibility of analyzing twice the life of a possible future member. By this I want to underline the importance of a medical report based on a psychiatric evaluation."

STATEMENT OF THE UNITED GRAND LODGES OF GERMANY REGARDING BREIVIK'S ATTACK


The German Freemasonry is deeply saddened by the terrible and apparently politically motivated mass murder of the Norwegian Anders Breivik Behring. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to the victims and their families.


What has happened in Norway concern us and is diametrically opposed to a Freemason. Freemasonry stands for tolerance, humanity, compassion, trust and understanding.

It is sad that more than one such step of distancing and condemnation for this horrific act is not possible. What remains are faint and grief.


Rüdiger Templin
Grand Master
United Grand Lodges of Germany



The Danish Order of Freemasons condemn terror


The Danish Order of Freemasons is appalled by the horrific terrorist attacks that occurred in Norway, on July 22nd. We condemn these horrific acts of terrorism.


It is therefore with dismay that we have learned that the person who is allegedly behind the shocking and dramatic terrorist attacks, is a member of the Norwegian Order of Freemasons.

We must emphasize that these odious and disgraceful acts are totally incompatible with the membership of Freemasonry.

The Danish Order of Freemasons talks about "The sad moment"


The sad moment

It is with great sadness that we in the Danish Order of Freemasons have received the terrible message about the killing of many innocent human in Oslo and on the island Utøya.

It is a sad moment in Norway, and we send our deepest sympathy and thoughts to our Norwegian brothers and the Norwegian people - especially to the many who have lost a loved one.

Glory to the bereaved memory.

Hans Martin Jepsen
Grand Master
Danish Masonic Order

The Grand Lodge of Spain condemns the attack and underlines that Freemasonry is "contrary to fundamentalism"


According to Europapress: The Grand Lodge of Spain condemned the "slaughter" registered in Norway on Friday and recalled, with the possible condition of Mason author of the attacks, "there is nothing more contrary to Freemasonry that fundamentalism in any form."

In the same statement GLE has expressed "complete solidarity" with the Norwegian people, "especially felt" with the families and friends of the victims. In addition, GLE recalled the efforts of Freemasons in the struggle against fundamentalism, with "high cost in lives and deprivation of liberty."



"If something is the essence of a Freemason, if anything unites all Freemasons, whatever our language, our ideology or our religion is tolerance towards all human beings different from us," stated the Grand Lodge of Spain, sole Grand Lodges recognized as regular in pain by the United Grand Lodge of England.

Spanish Symbolic Grand Lodge: energetically condemns the terrible crimes committed by an individual in Norway



The Spanish Symbolic Grand Lodge energetically condemns the terrible crimes committed by an individual in Norway and disturbed bigot, whose madness has caused nearly a hundred victims.

GLSE deeply regrets that such a subject has been initiated by Freemasons at some point in their lives, and argues that the universal Freemasonry, whose principles are freedom, equality and fraternity, neither has nor can have nothing to do with ideas or the activities of this criminal, but someone made ​​the mistake of allowing entry into our Brotherhood of free and tolerant.


Spanish Symbolic Grand Lodge

Norwegian Order of Freemasons


The Norwegian Order of Freemasons (Den Norske Frimurerorden) is the Masonic Grand Lodge in Norway. The first lodge (St. Olai Lodge - later Lodge St. Olaus to the white Leopard) was opened in 1749 and is still working. The Grand Lodge has followed the Swedish Rite since 1818, which requires its members to adhere to Christianity. During the union of Sweden-Norway, the Swedish-Norwegian king was Grand Master of the Order. The sovereign Grand Lodge of Norway was consecrated in 1891. As of 2009, the Order has almost 20,000 members.



The Order consists of 63 lodges of St. John (Iº – IIIº), 19 lodges of St. Andrew (IVº – VIº), three Steward lodges of 2. order (VII º), four Steward lodges of 1. order (VIIº – VIIIº), three Provincial lodges (VIIº – Xº), the Grand lodge (VIIº – XIIº) and one research lodge. The order is headquartered in Oslo, with a large building next to the Norwegian Parliament.

On its foundations in 1749, St Olaus was a pure lodge of St. John, a «blue lodge» practising the Craft degrees. In 1752 the lodge also gradually began to practise the high degrees of Rite of Strict Observance. The establishment of the rites was finished in 1762 and was practised in cooperation with the Copenhagen-lodges until 1782.

The rectified rite was introduced in Denmark and Norway in 1782. It was influenced by French Freemasonry and was less concerned with Christian institutions. Among other things, it removed the legend about the Knights Templars from the teachings. In 1818, St. Olaus became directed from the Swedish Grand lodge, and in 1819 it was transformed into a «blue lodge» of St. John practising the three Craft degrees since then.


Declaration of the Grand Master of the Masonic Norwegian Order regarding Breivik's acts


I am appalled by the horrible atrocity that was committed in the government district and at the Utøya island. We are filled with mourning and compassion for those who have been affected and their relatives. It has appeared in the media that the accused has been a member of the Norwegian Order of Freemasons.

He has now been excluded - the exclusion immediately effective. The exclusion reflects that the acts he is accused of having carried out, and the values that appear to have motivated them, are completely incompatible with what we stand for as an Order.

We build our activity on Christian and humanistic values and want our members to contribute to the promotion of charity, peace and goodness among all people. The police will of course get all the help and information we can give to contribute to the investigation.


Ivar Anstein Skar
Sovereign Grand Master
Norwegian Order of Freemasons


Anders Behring Breivik. The Freemason that shocked the world and the Craft


After seeing at the end of the week the cruelty of a man in Norway, Masonic Times decided that starting with today to post a synthesis of the international news and to publish the official statements of all Grand Lodges on Breivik's case.


Who is Anders Behring Breivik?

According to Wikipedia, Breivik is a Norwegian citizen and the self-admitted perpetrator of the 2011 Norway attacks, in which he killed at least 76 people. Police and local media reports describe him as a nationalist and right-wing extremist. Breivik's militantly far-right ideology is outlined in an online 1,518-page manifesto 2083 – A European Declaration of Independence, posted on the day of the attacks under the anglicized pseudonym of Andrew Berwick. He also posted a resume of that declaration of independence.

His xenophobic Christian nationalist manifesto contains an array of political concepts including support for varying degrees of cultural conservatism, right-wing populism, anti-Islamization and "far-right Zionism"; and argues for the violent annihilation of Islam, Marxism, and multiculturalism from Europe.


Police initially believed Breivik acted alone but did not rule out the possibility of an accomplice. During interrogation, he claimed that there were two cells of extremists who had aided him. The court held a closed-to-the-public arraignment hearing on 25 July denying Breivik the opportunity to use the hearing as a platform for his views. He was charged with acts of terrorism under the criminal law and ordered held for eight weeks—the first four in solitary confinement—pending further court proceedings.


The fanatic attack!

On 22 July 2011, Breivik went to Utøya island, the site of a Labour Party youth camp, posing as a police officer and then opened fire on the adolescents present, reportedly killing at least 68. He has also been linked with the bomb blasts which had taken place approximately two hours earlier in Oslo, killing at least 8. He was arrested on Utøya and is currently in police custody. Following his apprehension, Breivik was characterized by officials as being a right-wing extremist. The acting police chief, Sveinung Sponheim, said the suspect’s Internet postings "suggest that he has some political traits directed toward the right, and anti-Muslim views, but if that was a motivation for the actual act remains to be seen." Six hours before the attacks, Breivik posted a YouTube video urging conservatives to "embrace martyrdom" and showing himself wearing a compression garment and pointing an assault rifle.


Freemason and Templar?

He is/was a member of the Norwegian Masonic Order, the Grand Lodge admitted by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) as sole Regular Grand Lodge in Norway.

During interrogation, Breivik claimed membership in an "international Christian military order" that "fights" against "Islamic suppression". This order allegedly is called the "Knights Templar" and, according to his manifesto, has between fifteen and eighty "ordinated knights" besides an unknown number of "civilian members".



The order, whose full name is the "Pauperes commilitones Christi Templique Solomonici" or PCCTS, is said to have been established in London in April, 2002, as a "re-founding" of the twelfth-century crusading order. The new organisation supposedly was established to take political and military control of Western Europe, with its members being armed as an "anti-Jihad crusader-organisation".

It reportedly was established by nine men: two Englishmen, a Frenchman, a German, a Dutchman, a Greek, a Russian, a Norwegian, and a Serb. The main initiator apparently was the Serb, whom Breivik claims to have visited in Liberia and whom he referred to as a "war hero". Breivik said that his own code name was "Sigurd Jorsalfar" (recalling the twelfth-century Crusader, King Sigurd I of Norway) and that his "mentor" was "Richard Lionheart". Breivik asserted that Norway had "4,848 traitors" who had to die.


The trial

According to a recent news of Wall-Street the Norwegian Government wants to chage him with "crimes against humanity". Even though Breivik wanted to have the press during his trial, the Norwegian authorities dined him that. For the moment he remains in arrest for eight weeks and during his temporary detention he will be judged by Oslo's courts. If he will be sentenced to jail, and he will be, Breivik will receive a maximum of 21 years sentence in jail.


Monday 25 July 2011

Regional Masonic Integration - A Bridge for Integrating People


The Masonic Press Agency of Romania (APMR) announces that in August 2010 will take place the V Regional Meeting of the Conosur Border Lodges. This event is a forum for discussion and a networking tool for the integration of the border Lodges. The event will be attended by the Grand Orient of Brazil (GOB), Grand Orient of Rio Grande do Sul (GORGS), Grand Lodge of Rio Grande do Sul, Grand Lodge of Argentina and by the Symbolic Grand Lodge of Paraguay (organizer of the event). More about the event you can read here.



Friday 22 July 2011

The United Grand Lodge of England no longer recognizes the French National Grand Lodge


The Masonic Press Agency of Romania (APMR) informs about the fact that the United Grand Lodge of England (Mother Grand Lodge of the World) no longer recognizes the French National Grand Lodge. Also the Grand Lodge of Scotland adopted the same measure and it seems that the Grand Lodge of Ireland adopted UGLE's official position. Therefore in the Republic of France we have now Terra Nuda.


Sunday 17 July 2011

Masonic Press Agency of Romania


On July 14th, 2011, after two years of waiting, the Secretariat General has decided to launch APMR's English version. Starting today, the Masonic news will be published in Romanian (APMR's official language used in documents), Spanish and English (APMR's official languages used in foreign affairs). Also, starting today APMR will change the format of the news, trying to use a proper language for all those not being part of the Masonic Order.


Wednesday 6 July 2011

Grand Master Guy Arcizet (Grand Orient of France) visited Armenia and the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial for the Victims of Armenian Genocide



According to APMR (Masonic Press Agency of Romania) and the press release of the Les Fils d’Ararat Lodge (under the GOdF), Guy Arcizet, Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Orient officially visited Armenia on July 4th, 2011.

His official stay in Armenia ends today, July 6th, 2011, after he payed tribute to the Armenian genocide victims at the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial for the Victims of Armenian Genocide. Arcizet will complete his visit to Armenia with a news conference, which will take place today at 18:00, in Golden Palace Hotel.


Also according to APMR, during July 1st to 11th, 2011, takes place in Yerevan an international reunion of Freemasons of Armenian origin, including members of the Grand Lodge of Armenia, sole Grand Lodge in the Armenian republic.


Tuesday 5 July 2011

Vanderlei Valente will coordinate the Symbolic Freemasonry of Brazil



The Masonic Press Agency of Romania (APMR) informs that Brother Vanderlei Valente Freitas was elected Secretary-General of the Confederation of Symbolic Masonry of Brazil (CMSB). The election was held yesterday during the General Assembly. Brother Valente received 18 votes in favor of his election.


Valente Freitas won the electoral race with the Past Grand Master of Espirito Santo, Brother Sérgio Gianórdoli, and he will be installed during the last day of the General Assembly. "It is one of the biggest challenges of my life. I want to thank the Masonic community of Acre to its contribution to this moment of glory for the State of Acre," stated the new Secretary-General. This function that he will handle is the most important function in the Brazilian Freemasonry. Valente Freitas will be the organizer of the Masonic movement in Brazil and the guarantor of the unity of the institution.

"I had to overcome many obstacles. One of these was the distrust of people who did not believe in our ability to manage things well. We have full confidence that we are prepared to fulfill this mission entrusted to us." Before being elected head of the Confederation of Symbolic Masonry of Brazil, Vanderlei Valente Freitas was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Acre, already having four years experience as Deputy Secretary General of CMSB.

He has a mandate of two years and may be reelected for another term of two years. Together with the Grand Master of Acre, Brother Pedro Longo, Valente Freitas will have to organize the next General Assembly of the CMSB, an event to be held in Rio Branco. "We will organize an event to perform to all expectations. I am certain that our Grand Master will help us to achieve this wonderful meeting."


Saturday 2 July 2011

Sergipe will receive over 1,500 Freemasons from Brazil and some from South American countries



From July 2nd to 7th, Sergipe will receive over 1,500 Freemasons from Brazil and some from South American countries, Fellows of the Craft attending the XL Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of Symbolic Masonry of Brazil. Considered the largest and most important Masonic event in Brazil, the meeting will take place at the Radisson Hotel.


The reunion program is vast. Includes conferences dedicated to profanes, Freemasons and visits to tourist attractions in the city. The Official opening will take place in the Theater Tobias Barreto, at 20:00. The official cocktail will be held in Convention Center, immediately after the official opening.

The participants will be able to listen to the Rector of of the University of Tiradentes Joubert Uchôa de Mendonça, on the third day of the meeting starting at 9:00. Governor Marcelo Deda will also be one of the lecturers during the annual meeting of CMSB. The last conference will be supported by the Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Santa Catarina (former Secretary General of the CMSB), Brother Wilson Filomeno. There will be representations of folk, the guests will taste the traditional cuisine in order to illustrate the cultural diversity of Sergipe. The Masonic Press Agency of Romania (APMR) and the Masonic Grand Lodge of the State of Goias (GLEG) will promote worldwide the Brazilian Masonic event for the third time in the history of the Confederation.