Foreign Relations
Freemasonry, being a global fraternal organization, engages in foreign relations primarily through the concept of mutual recognition and amity between Grand Lodges. The principles of Freemasonry emphasize universality and the idea that Masons, regardless of their geographical origin, share common values and rituals. Here are key aspects of foreign relations of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of Malta:
Recognition and Amity
Recognition: To establish formal recognition of each other based on shared adherence to certain Masonic landmarks, principles, and regularity. Recognition is a crucial aspect of foreign relations, allowing Masons from one jurisdiction to visit lodges in another with mutual respect.
Amity: Beyond recognition, amity refers to the friendly relations and mutual goodwill between recognized Grand Lodges. This ensures that Masons can visit each other’s lodges and engage in fraternal activities.
Regular and Irregular Freemasonry
Regular Freemasonry: The type of freemasonry that respects and adopts the original principles as defined by the Anderson Constitutions of 1723. Recognition is typically extended to regular Grand Lodges.
Irregular Freemasonry: Grand Lodges that deviate from the Anderson Constitutions of 1723 and recognized Masonic principles are considered “irregular.” Such grand lodges and any of their subordinate lodges are not recognised by nor are in amity with the Sovereign Grand Lodge of Malta
Diplomacy and Protocol
Diplomacy: The establishment of foreign relations in Freemasonry involves diplomatic efforts to foster understanding and collaboration between Grand Lodges.
Protocol: Protocols are established for visiting brethren, ensuring that Masons follow specific procedures when visiting lodges in foreign jurisdictions. This may include providing proof of membership and adherence to Masonic principles.
Global Masonic Organizations
Worldwide Masonic Bodies: There are global organizations that aim to foster unity and communication among Freemasons worldwide. The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), for example, is one of the oldest Grand Lodges and plays a significant role in international Masonic relations.
Masonic Conferences and Events
International Conferences: Masonic conferences and events provide opportunities for Masons from different jurisdictions to meet, exchange ideas, and strengthen fraternal bonds. These gatherings contribute to the broader international network of Freemasonry.
Worldwide Grand Lodges in Amity with the Sovereign Grand Lodge of Malta
Worldwide Grand Lodges in Amity refers to a network of Freemasonic Grand Lodges around the world that are recognized and in fraternal amity with each other. In Freemasonry, a Grand Lodge is the governing body that supervises and governs individual Masonic Lodges within its jurisdiction.
Recognition and amity among Grand Lodges are essential aspects of Masonic relations. When a Grand Lodge is in amity with another, it means they acknowledge and respect each other’s legitimacy, rituals, and practices. This recognition facilitates mutual visitation rights for members between the Grand Lodges, allowing Freemasons from one jurisdiction to attend lodges and events in another jurisdiction without any Masonic disciplinary issues.
It’s worth noting that not all Grand Lodges are in amity with each other, and the decision to establish or withdraw recognition is a serious matter within the Masonic community. Each Grand Lodge has its own criteria for determining which other Grand Lodges it will recognize, and these criteria often include adherence to certain Masonic landmarks and principles. The process of establishing recognition is typically conducted with careful consideration to maintain the integrity and traditions of Freemasonry.
The Sovereign Grand Lodge of Malta has amity with the following Grand Lodges from all around the world:
Europe
Grand Lodge of Albania (Terminated by SGLoM in 2024)
Grand Lodge of Andorra
Grand Lodge of Armenia
Grand Lodge of Austria
Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium
Grand Lodge of Bosnia & Herzegovina
United Grand Lodge of Bulgaria
Grand Lodge of Croatia
Grand Lodge of Cyprus
Grand Lodge of Czech Republic
Grand Lodge of Denmark
United Grand Lodge of England
Grand Lodge of Estonia
Grand Lodge of Finland
National Grand Lodge of France
United Grand Lodges of Germany
Grand Lodge of Greece
United Grand Lodge of Georgia
Symbolic Grand Lodge of Hungary
Grand Lodge of Iceland
Grand Lodge of Ireland
Regular Grand Lodge of Italy
Grand Orient of Italy
Grand Lodge of Latvia
Grand Lodge of Lithuania
Grand Lodge of Luxembourg
Grand Lodge of Macedonia
National Regular Grand Lodge of the Principality of Monaco
Grand East of The Netherlands
Grand Lodge of Moldova
Grand Lodge of Montenegro
Grand Lodge of Norway
National Grand Lodge of Poland
Regular Grand Lodge of Portugal
National Grand Lodge of Romania
Most Serene Republic of San Marino
Grand Lodge of Scotland
Grand Lodge of Serbia
Grand Lodge of Slovakia
Grand Lodge of Slovenia
Grand Lodge of Spain
Grand Lodge of Sweden
Grand Lodge Alpina of Switzerland
Grand Lodge of Turkey
Grand Lodge of Ukraine
Canada
Grand Lodge of Alberta
Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon
Grand Lodge of Manitoba
Grand Lodge of New Brunswick
Grand Lodge of Newfoundland and Labrador
Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia
Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario
Grand Lodge of Quebec
Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan
South America
Grand Lodge of Argentina
Grand Orient of Brazil
Grand Lodge of Mato Grosso (Brazil)
Grand Lodge of the State of São Paulo (Brazil)
Grand Lodge of Santa Catarina (Brazil)
Grand Lodge of the State of Pernambuco (Brazil)
Grand Lodge of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Grand Lodge of the State of Goias (Brazil)
Grand Lodge of Chile
York Grand Lodge of Mexico
Grand Lodge of Los Andes
Symbolic Grand Lodge of Paraguay
Grand Lodge of Uruguay
Caribbean
Grand Lodge of Cuba
Grand Lodge of Dominican Republic
Russia
Grand Lodge of Russia (relations suspended by SGLoM since February 2022)
Africa
Grand Lodge of Congo
National Grand Lodge of Madagascar
Grand Lodge of Mauritius
Grand Lodge of South Africa
National Grand Lodge of Togo
United States of America
Grand Lodge of Alabama
Grand Lodge of Alaska
Grand Lodge of Arizona
Grand Lodge of Arkansas
Grand Lodge of California
Grand Lodge of Colorado
Grand Lodge of Connecticut
Grand Lodge of Delaware
Grand Lodge of Florida
Grand Lodge of Georgia
Grand Lodge of Idaho
Grand Lodge of Illinois
Grand Lodge of Indiana
Grand Lodge of Iowa
Grand Lodge of Kansas
Grand Lodge of Kentucky
Grand Lodge of Maine
Grand Lodge of Maryland
The Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts
Grand Lodge of Michigan
Grand Lodge of Minnesota
Grand Lodge of Missouri
Grand Lodge of Montana
Grand Lodge of New Jersey
Grand Lodge of New Mexico
Grand Lodge of New York
Grand Lodge of North Carolina
Grand Lodge of Ohio
Grand Lodge of Oregon
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
Grand Lodge of South Carolina
Grand Lodge of Tennessee
Grand Lodge of Texas
Grand Lodge of Utah
Grand Lodge of Vermont
Grand Lodge of Virginia
Grand Lodge of Washington
Grand Lodge of Washington DC
Grand Lodge of Wyoming
Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana
Australia
United Grand Lodge of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory
United Grand Lodge of Queensland
Grand Lodge of South Australia and Northern Territory
Grand Lodge of Tasmania
United Grand Lodge of Victoria
Grand Lodge of West Australia
New Zealand
Grand Lodge of New Zealand
Far East
Grand Lodge of India
Grand Lodge of China (Reconstituted in Taipei in 1954)
Grand Lodge of Japan
Grand Lodge of The Philippines
Near East
Grand Lodge of Azerbaijan
Grand Lodge of Iran (in exile)
Grand Lodge of Israel
Grand Lodge of Kazakhstan