Concordant Bodies
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Overview
A Masonic Concordant Order or Concordant Body is an organization that has its roots in Freemasonry and generally has some sort of Masonic requirement for membership. For example, the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (simply "Shriners" to most of us) is a concordant Masonic body that only accepts members who are Master Masons in a Craft Lodge. An androgenous organization named the Order of the Eastern Star accepts both men and women; the men must be Master Masons and the women must be related in some way to a Master Mason [1]. Those are just two examples out of many.
A further characteristic of a Masonic Concordant Body is that they have petitioned for, and been granted, the right to operate in their respective areas by the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free, and Accepted Masons that has jurisdiction over that area. For example, a Royal Arch Chapter operating anywhere in Nova Scotia must be granted dispensation to do so by the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia.
Finally, in almost all cases (except where not possible due to gender or age) concordant bodies are concordant because they require men to be Master Masons of a Craft Lodge. This requirement is the most important way in which Grand Lodges of any particular jurisdiction retains control over all Masonic activities in their area. By having control over the individual members by virtue of their Craft Lodge membership, the Grand Lodge can retain some sort of control over all the concordant bodies in its jurisdiction to ensure only activities consistent with Masonic philosophy are conducted.
Most Common Concordant Bodies
The York Rite
The York Rite is actually a series of three concordant bodies: a Holy Royal Arch Chapter; a Cryptic Council, and a Knights Templar Preceptory. While these three bodies are separate from each other, they are collectively referred to as the York Rite and Masons generally ascend through the ranks in that order, but Cryptic Council is not required in order to join a Knights Templar Preceptory and is therefore an optional set of degrees.
More information on the York Rite.
The Scottish Rite
I am a York Rite Mason and have not started the Scottish Rite journey yet. As such, this section could probably use a little vetting by a Scottish Rite Mason.
Like the York Rite, the Scottish Rite is a series of degrees codified together into different bodies. Unlike the York Rite, the Scottish Rite degrees must be taken from start to finish in order.
The Scottish Rite comprises 32 degrees which are conferred either through observation or participation. There is a 33rd degree but that is actually a board of governors named The Supreme Council rather than an educational degree.
Like the York Rite, only Master Masons are accepted.
More information on the Scottish Rite.
Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine
The Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine are quite possibly the most philanthropic of all Masonic bodies. More commonly known as Shriners, this concordant body is estimated to raise over $1 million dollars per day world-wide which largely goes to supporting a vast network of children's hospitals.
Only Master Masons in good standing in a Craft Lodge are eligible to petition to join the Shrine.
More information on the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine
Order of the Eastern Star
The Order of the Eastern Star is an androgynous concordant body. Men must be Master Masons in good standing in a Craft Lodge and women must be related in some way to Master Masons.
More information on the Order of the Eastern Star
Order of the Secret Monitor
The Order of the Secret Monitor is an invitation-only concordant body. Only Master Masons in good standing in a Craft Lodge are eligible to be invited.
More information on the Order of the Secret Monitor
