Graeter’s Constitutions of 2012

2012 marks the beginning of the seventh year of the Grand Orient USA’s struggle for absolute freedom of conscience for all American Freemasons, and with it comes plenty of changes based on the feedback from our lodges.

What has become known as “Graeter’s Constitutions” will become effective on May 1, 2012. They are based on Bro. Richard Graeter’s paper Reform Freemasonry!, and were drawn up by Bros. Richard Graeter and Jeffrey Peace during 2011. We believe they represent the future of American Freemasonry.

Here’s the short list of changes and innovations:

• The Grand Orient USA is now a collective of independent lodges

• Lodges no longer pay a fee for membership in the Grand Orient USA

• Lodges choose the ritual they use

• Internet and Social Media lodges have been introduced, allowing members to connect-up anytime

• A new independent Board of Directors

Masonic lodges are groups of people working together to better themselves and their communities. Social Media has caused the old definitions of “community” to be revised. There are now two distinct types of communities: local and on-line. The Grand Orient recognizes the significance of this technological  change to culture and is readily adopting it. You can now become affiliated with multiple types of lodges across the United States and the Internet.

This new perspective on Freemasonry has caused a re-thinking of the Grand Orient itself. The old model for Grand Lodges is obsolete. In the modern era Grand Lodges/Orients must evolve into collectives of independent lodges to keep up with the rapid pace of changes within society. This model recognizes the differences between people and groups better than the existing model and allows them to create localized and Internet based groups based on their unique individual needs.

Under this model the Grand Orient becomes the hub of Masonic activity instead of the governing body of it. This creates an atmosphere of Masonic freedom of conscience and independence beyond that of all other existing models. It truly puts the “Free” back into Freemasonry.

It recognizes that true freedom of conscience exists only where groups of people are allowed to freely form groups and operate both within the collective and independent of it. Freedom of expression in terms of art, science, religion and philosophy become the norm in what is now a naturally evolving system.

Since lodges are the natural evolution of groups of individual Masons, the restrictions placed upon them by the monolithic structures of the mainstream system are rendered obsolete. Whether it be groups of men, women or both is regulated by the lodge itself rather than any authoritative governing body.

This model shatters the foundations of the old system. Through it Freemasonry becomes a collective community that achieves balance and harmony through mutual respect, tolerance and recognition of all Masons. Freemasonry will no longer be viewed as an Obedience or Order, but as a life-philosophy. The secret of Freemasonry is not just about bettering one’s self but about helping others achieve the same in themselves.

What this means to you as a Freemason:

You are now free to form and/or join with other groups of Masons around the world regardless of jurisdictional boundaries. As a Freemason you determine your affiliations and are free to extend the fraternity through social media or local events.

Joining the Grand Orient isn’t about Grand Lodges/Orients, its about being a part of the global Masonic collective. It’s a brother/sisterhood without any restrictions or boundaries.

We’re really excited about the changes in the Grand Orient USA, and what it means to both the liberal and continental traditions that exist in the United States.