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The Swedish Rite is a variation of Freemasonry that is worked in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. A slight variation is common in parts of Germany under the Grosse Landesloge der Freimaurer von Deutschland.
The Rite is divided into three divisions: St. John's (Craft) degrees (I - III), St. Andrew's (Scottish) degrees (IV - VI) and the Chapter degrees (VII - X). In addition one may attain the XIth degree, although only a very few gain this.
Progression from one degree to the next is not automatic. A brother not only has to be in regular attendance, but also has to show that he has a certain proficiency and knowledge of Freemasonry. The swedish rite is both progressive and continuous.
The Swedish Rite is unique in that it demands that the brethren are Christian, and not just that they believe in a supreme being.