In the Southern Jurisdiction, the Lodge of Perfection confers the Ineffable degrees from the 4th to the 14th; The Chapter of Rose Croix confers the Historical and Second Temple degrees, 15th and 16th, and the Religious degrees, I7th and I 8th; the Council of Kadosh confers the Chivalric and Philosophical degrees from 19th to the 30th inclusive, and the Consistory completes the series by conferring
the Official degrees, 31st and 32nd (black cap). The Thirty-third Degree of the Rite differs from others in that, no one may "ask"; it must be given. In the Southern Jurisdiction, a brother might first receive the distinction of being named Knight Commander of the Court of Honor (KCCH - red cap). From those of this rank, the Supreme Council chooses who can receive the 33rd Degree, Inspector General Honors (white cap). It is deeply religious in character, but only in the same sense that Symbolic Masonry is religious - it references religion; is not a religion. The Scottish Rite is governed by a Supreme Council, just as Symbolic Masonry is governed by a Grand Lodge. But the composition of a Supreme Council and a Grand Lodge is very different. The Grand Lodge consists of the Masters and Wardens of Blue Lodges, and certain permanent members (Past Grand Masters, Grand Officers, Past Masters in some Grand Jurisdictions, etc.). Supreme Councils are limited to thirty-three Active Members in this Country. The aide of human progress is our cause, the liberation of human thought our supreme wish, the freedom of human conscience our mission, and the guarantee of equal rights for all people, everywhere, the end of our contention.
