The official announcement launching ARCANA VERITAS DISTINCTION AWARDS - AVDA was made at the Annual Communication and Installation of Grand Lodge Office-Bearers of the Grand Lodge of Antient Free and Accepted Masons of Scotland, held on November 30, 2023, in Edinburgh.

The Arcana Veritas Distinction Award, is established to commemorate and celebrate outstanding contributions to Masonic literature. The award is dedicated to writers and authors who have demonstrated exceptional skill and insight in exploring Masonic subjects relating to history, symbolism, degrees, rituals, or other subjects within the Masonic teachings.

The Arcana Veritas Distinction Award seeks to honor those whose work has not only enriched the Masonic community but has also contributed to a deeper understanding of the principles and traditions that define Freemasonry. 

The criteria for the award includes evaluating research, clarity, and a ability to contribute to further promoting masonic knowledge and discourse within the fraternity. 

AVDA encourages submissions from a diverse range of perspectives, welcoming contributions that shed light on different aspects of Masonic philosophy and practice.

As we embark on this journey to recognize the outstanding literary achievements in our fraternity, we invite Masonic writers and authors to submit their work for consideration.

The submission process provides a platform to recognise Masonic authors. We invite all authors, publishers, researchers, and scholars who are interested to submit their works for review. 

Submissions for the AVDA 2025 is now open

The AVDA panel of judges will be selected from a pool of respected Masonic scholars, researchers, and practitioners who deeply understand the principles, values, and practices of Masonry from around the globe. The jury members for the year 2025 will be announced here soon.

The methodology used by the judges will be objective and rigorous. Each submission will be evaluated based on the criteria established by the awarding organization or committee. The judges will be asked to provide detailed feedback on each submission, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses and making recommendations for improvement. The judges may also consider the broader context of the work, such as its potential impact on the Masonic community and the wider public. 

The Panel of Judges may consult with each other during the evaluation process and may request additional information or clarification from the authors if necessary.

Ultimately, the Panel of Judges will make their decision based on the quality of the work and its contribution to the field of Masonic scholarship, ensuring that the winning submission is truly deserving of the award.

A set of two evaluation committees will be formed:

1- The Valuation Committee

2- The Judging Panel

All submitted materials and papers will undergo a preliminary examination by members of the valuation committee to check for submission errors or omissions. 

The valuation committee, comprising three distinguished brethren, will, after successfully reviewing each submitted material, forward it to a judging authority panel to be evaluated and noted. 

The author will be contacted to acknowledge acceptance of his work and again if further information is needed.

A- Books will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Quality of writing, depth of research, originality of ideas, relevance to the Masonic community, and contribution to the understanding of Freemasonry and its principles.

B- White Papers will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Quality of research and analysis, originality of ideas, relevance to the Masonic community, and contribution to the understanding of Freemasonry and its principles.