The Supreme Degrees World Accord is the international accord constituted within SOGLIA to uphold order regularity and mutual recognition in the administration of the higher degrees among sovereign jurisdictions.
SDWA arises from a shared awareness among Sovereign Grand Commanders that the higher degrees demand guardianship rather than expansion for its own sake. Their transmission requires discipline fidelity to ritual substance and accountable governance. SDWA provides a dignified framework through which Supreme Councils may cooperate internationally while preserving full sovereignty and historical character.
Mission
The mission of SDWA is to safeguard the integrity of higher degree work through a clear and consensual framework accepted by its member Supreme Councils.
SDWA is dedicated to
• Preserving authentic ritual symbolism and teaching
• Ensuring that advancement reflects merit continuity and participation
• Supporting proper supervision and responsible oversight
• Maintaining reliable records for verification and continuity
The purpose is not uniformity of form but unity of principle so that the Initiatic value of the higher degrees remains intact and recognizable across jurisdictions.
Vision
SDWA envisions a fraternity of Supreme Councils that are autonomous in governance yet harmonious in practice diverse in expression yet united in responsibility.
Within this vision a degree conferred in one jurisdiction is respected by others because it is rooted in seriousness regularity and supervision rather than because it is identical in outward form.
Diversity of Rites Within SDWA
SDWA fully acknowledges that Freemasonry is enriched by the plurality of its rites and initiatic systems each bearing its own historical development symbolism and philosophical emphasis.
Within SDWA several recognized higher degree systems coexist under a shared framework of legitimacy and accountability including in particular
- the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite from the 4th degree to the 33rd degree
• the York Rite and its higher degree bodies
• the Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis Misraim
Each rite retains its complete identity internal governance and ritual authority. SDWA neither alters rituals nor intervenes in doctrinal content. Its role is to ensure that every rite is practiced under proper authority with structured progression qualified supervision and verifiable records.
This respectful coexistence allows Supreme Councils to preserve their inheritance while participating in an international accord founded on mutual confidence and fraternal respect.
Scope of Cooperation
SDWA provides a coordinated framework covering
• reference validation of rituals within each rite
• agreed principles of supervision and monitoring
• expectations of attendance and progression
• certification and individual records
• centralized archival continuity
Participation affirms a commitment to seriousness transparency and mutual recognition while fully respecting the sovereignty of each Supreme Council.
Governance
SDWA functions through the collective responsibility of Sovereign Grand Commanders representing their respective Supreme Councils.
Each member Supreme Council retains complete authority over its internal affairs while voluntarily adhering to shared principles that strengthen trust and recognition among jurisdictions.
SDWA emphasizes order dialogue and equal application of agreed standards ensuring that cooperation remains balanced dignified and effective.
Supreme Council Membership
Membership in SDWA is open to Supreme Councils that demonstrate a sincere commitment to disciplined Initiatic labor ethical governance and institutional maturity.
Member Supreme Councils are distinguished by
• regular and meaningful participation
• moral standing and responsibility
• capacity to supervise and transmit higher degrees
• respect for gradual earned progression
Recognition within SDWA reflects continuity service and merit rather than title alone.
Documentation and Continuity
SDWA encourages a culture of accountability and institutional memory.
Higher degree work conducted under its framework is documented preserved and verifiable through standardized reporting and secure archival records. This practice protects both the brethren and the jurisdictions while ensuring historical continuity.
An Invitation to Responsible Supreme Councils
SDWA is not an authority imposed from above. It is a fraternal accord founded upon trust responsibility and shared guardianship of the higher degrees.
Supreme Councils seeking
• international recognition grounded in credibility
• protection of ritual authenticity
• structured and meaningful progression
• respectful cooperation across rites
will find in SDWA a stable and honorable framework.
Through SDWA SOGLIA affirms a fundamental Masonic principle
unity is achieved not through sameness but through responsibility integrity and mutual respect.
Fraternally
Supreme Degrees World Accord
Under the Authority of SOGLIA
Presided by Dr. Walid Abou Dehn 33°
Illustrious Grand Commander 33°,
President of the Supreme Degrees World Accord.