Norwegian Order of Freemasons expel Breivik

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The following was posted Sunday on the Grand Lodge of Norway website from the Grand Master of Norwegian masons.

The Norwegian Order of Freemasons expressing compassion and care

– I am appalled by the horrible atrocity that was committed in the government district and at the Utøya island, says the Sovereign Grand Master of the Norwegian Order of Freemasons, Ivar A. Skar.

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 (expelled) – 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.

 

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Greg Stewart

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A devoted student of the Western Mystery Traditions, Greg is a firm believer in the Masonic connections to the Hermetic traditions of antiquity, its evolution through the ages and into its present configuration as the antecedent to all contemporary esoteric and occult traditions. He is a self-called searcher for that which was lost, a Hermetic Hermit and a believer in “that which is above is so too below.” Read more about Greg Stewart.

14 Comments

  2. Is Freemasonry different in Norway? As a Jewish Mason, I find it a little troubling that the Norwegian Grand Master specifically states their Masonic activities are built on Christian values…

  3. Mike, yes, Norwegian Freemasonry is based on the Swedish model, which requires members to be Christians. It is a ten degree system that comprises three craft degrees, along with Rectified Rite and Templar degrees. In addition, the royal family has a governing role in the grand lodge.

  5. I’m a Christian, and I was struck by the Christian values comment and agree with Pittsburgh Mike. There are certainly concordant and other Masonic bodies that encompass Christian values, but I think my Jewish and Muslim brothers may have an issue with that comment.

  6. Similar action should also be taken against the proposer and seconder for recommending such an unworthy candidate that has brought a bad name to Freemasonry which is already looked down upon with disfavour.

  8. dont know much about this====but=====every mason should have a true and fair masonic trial before he is expelled===if he so desires===i know for i was expelled from the grand lodge of arkansas with out a trial===they knew i was not guilty—but—politicks–is–politicks

  9. I would agree that all Masons should be affored due process, but in this case, I am confident that the accused will not have the opportunity to attend his Masonic trial.

  10. For those who cry for a trial for this maniac, you must be kidding? It’s rather obvious he’s guilty of Un-Masonic behaviors to say the least. So if you really believe he needs a trail, why not also punish him by the terms of his obligation? Probably much more justice in that, than what he will eventually face going through the legal system. I think a Masonic trial for him is uncalled for and totally unnecessary. Masons should wash their hands of him forever.

  12. Not sure of the Masonic Rules in Norway, but just as a Worshipful Master is supreme in the lodge, The Grand Master is supreme in its’ Jurisdiction. So, a good Grand Master would take the issue with a heavy heart and act upon the square. It is a good decision, in my view, the member can appeal, possibly, but it is hard to do from isolation.

    Remember too that a Grand Master can make a Master Mason at sight, so to taketh away might also be in his purview.

    David Erickson
    Past Master 1994
    From Florida – Never been to Norway, but it is on my list to do.

  13. In this case, it’s surely a moot point about whether or not he should have had a trial.
    He has acknowledged that he committed the crimes, although he has not pled guilty.
    What he has admitted goes against everything masonry stands for, so what else could the Norwegian Order have done

  14. Once a mason, always a mason. Isn’t that so? They can exclude him, but can’t take away his MM, he’s already been raised.

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