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Post by antoninus9 on Nov 28, 2007 19:49:39 GMT
Bros. Lauderdale and Bill,
I like the way the UGLE handles things and will send this information to the GOUSA. If we want to create a better Masonry we need to discover things that work and discard things that don't.
Thanks for your input.
Jeff
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Post by antoninus9 on Nov 28, 2007 15:21:35 GMT
Bro. Penfold,
How does the UGLE deal with criminals and issues involving expulsion or suspension?
Perhaps there is a better way to approach this.
Jeff
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Post by antoninus9 on Nov 27, 2007 17:42:52 GMT
Suspected criminals, other than traffic violations and minor offenses, will be tried before a jury of their peers and, if found guilty, expelled through due process. No brother will be presumed guilty, and all will be afforded due process.
Jeff
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Post by antoninus9 on Nov 27, 2007 14:36:57 GMT
Bros. Lauderdale & Penfold,
Due to the increasing levels of corruption and injustice in the mainstream American system (i.e. West Virginia, etc. ) it is becoming a badge of honor to be expelled for standing your moral ground.
We are witnessing a sad period for Masonry but it won't last for long. Things are changing everywhere beneath the surface. The Grand Lodges no longer have any real control. Brothers are meeting secretly outside of their lodges and building the future.
Jeff
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Post by antoninus9 on Nov 26, 2007 23:39:28 GMT
ngredo,
If a Mason were expelled for exploring other forms of Masonry the GOUSA would view it as a violation of freedom of conscience, and of freedom of association. The GOUSA allows everyone to come and go freely. It encourages them to explore, learn, and grow as a person. GOUSA Masons are not on a leash, and we view such restraints as not being in the spirit of Enlightenment philosophy or conducive to the spiritual growth and well-being of the individual.
We would consider it cruel and un-brotherly to expel a Mason for trying to improve himself and his understanding of the world by attempting to bar his right to freedom of association.
This type of universal thinking may seem foreign to many Masons, but it is at the very core of GOUSA ideology and thought.
I'm not posting this to be argumentative, but to be open with all of my brethren regarding the nature of the GOUSA.
Fraternally,
Jeff
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Post by antoninus9 on Nov 26, 2007 23:06:20 GMT
negredo,
Due to the growing number of unusual expulsions by the mainstream Grand Lodges (i.e. West Virginia, Georgia, Virginia, and Kentucky) the Grand Orient of the United States will be forced to evaluate the issues on a case by case basis. If brothers were expelled without due process, or the matter was related to racism, or they were being denied absolute freedom of conscience, the the Grand Orient will overrule any suspensions or expulsions in the name of brotherhood.
Jeff
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Post by antoninus9 on Nov 26, 2007 19:16:07 GMT
Bro. Leo,
The Grand Orient of the United States will have an open door policy towards all Masons. Our aim is the brotherhood of all human beings. You'll be welcome in all of our lodges Bro. Leo.
Jeff
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Post by antoninus9 on Nov 26, 2007 18:44:52 GMT
Bros. Leo and lauderdale,
Thank you for your kind and brotherly words of encouragement. I think this is the best thing to happen in American Masonry in a very long time. I look forward to working with all my new brothers and sisters! :-)
Jeff
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Post by antoninus9 on Nov 26, 2007 18:31:07 GMT
What are they calling themselves today? Or is this name going to stick for a month or two? The Grand Orient of the United States is a part of a global network of Grand Lodges and lodges in amity with the Grand Orient of France. We have thousands of brothers around the world connected to us through this chain of union. The result of this union brings with it many wonderful things for the American Masons that are a part of it. Let me quote what Bro. Saul has already said on the BurningTaper. 1. Lodges will be able to choose from hundreds of Symbolic rituals. They no longer have to do the same ritual as everyone else. 2. Many of the old European Rites will be restored and available to any lodge to work. 3. Masonic education will be the norm in lodges, as opposed to the exception. 4. All Grand Orient lodges will be "Traditional Observance" because they are traditional in nature. 5. Lodges will be sovereign and the Grand Orient will serve them, not the other way around. 6. Racism is abolished. The Grand Orient is open to all men regardless of color. 7. The Grand Master cannot issue edicts or expel any brother. Masonic justice will be before a jury of your brothers. 8. Masons will be able to visit lodges around the globe full of brothers who seek the same level of enlightenment as they do. The name change merely reflects our commitment to our brothers around the world. Jeff
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Post by antoninus9 on Nov 26, 2007 14:39:19 GMT
Bill, there is no divide of any kind. We agree with the Grand Orient of France on the issues and have joined forces with them. We're not upset or angry with anyone. Actually, we're happy and enthusiastic to be a part of something we can actually agree with and work within. The Grand Orient of France has proven to be the most wonderful and enlightened group of Masons I've ever met. The marriage between the UGLA and the GOdF is one that was truly made in heaven.
Jeff
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Post by antoninus9 on Nov 26, 2007 12:49:35 GMT
Bill,
The UGLA didn't go away, it just made some new friends and changed its name. :-)
Jeff
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Post by antoninus9 on Nov 26, 2007 2:00:49 GMT
www.uglofa.org/or www.grandorientusa.orgThe Grand Orient of the United States of America is a continuation of the Masonic traditions begun by brothers such as Benjamin Franklin and the Marquis De Lafayette. Our lineage can be traced back through the Grand Orient of France to the original speculative Grand Lodge of London that was established in 1717. These traditions and ideas are at the very core of Enlightenment thinking that eventually resulted in the freedoms enjoyed by every American today. We hold true to these beliefs: * That all human beings are endowed with certain inalienable rights * That peace and harmony among human beings is only possible where there exists a separation between church and state * That absolute freedom of conscience is an essential element in the pursuit of happiness among all peoples * That all human beings are created equal and that equality is fundamental to democracy and freedom What is today the Grand Orient of the United States of America began on December 27th, 2005; several lodges declared their independence from the 'Antient' Masonic system and formed a confederation of sovereign lodges under the banner of United Grand Lodge of America. In so doing, they sought to restore Modern Free-Masonry to the American continent and return to the traditional Enlightenment and cosmopolitan ideals expressed in the original Craft. This event allowed the original streams of Masonic thought still existing in Europe to once again flow freely into lodges in America. In November of 2007, several more lodges declared their independence from the 'Antient' Masonic system and the Council of the Order was convened to formalize our relationship with our brethren in France and throughout Europe. The Council voted unanimously to change the name of the United Grand Lodge of America to the Grand Orient of the United States of America to better and more precisely identify it with the existing currents of Modern Free-Masonry throughout the world. The Grand Orient of the United States of America is a masculine Masonic obedience that works together with the mixed-gender obedience lodges operating under George Washington Union throughout the United States. Together, these two systems represent the most liberal and progressive form of Freemasonry in America, which is open to all people regardless of race, creed, or sex. Our aim is the brotherhood of all humanity through a universal chain of union extending around the globe. If you are already with us in spirit then you are welcome to join with us in Masonic lodges throughout the world.
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Post by antoninus9 on Oct 11, 2007 22:34:01 GMT
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Post by antoninus9 on Sept 12, 2007 13:57:44 GMT
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Post by antoninus9 on Sept 2, 2007 2:32:57 GMT
We're trying to create a warm, friendly and inviting place for all Freemasons to gather and discuss the Craft regardless of affiliation. We believe that recognition issues have caused nothing but pain and intolerance among people who would otherwise be friends. The RRCG is a place where all can work together in secrecy and safety. I know it must seem strange that Freemasons would need to work in secrecy in order to be safe from other Freemasons, but history has a funny way of repeating itself. Yesterday's Inquisitor is today's District Deputy. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
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Post by antoninus9 on Aug 30, 2007 16:59:04 GMT
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Post by antoninus9 on Aug 29, 2007 17:10:46 GMT
It has been rumored that the Rite of the Rose Cross of Gold (RRCG) is dead, but this is not true. We were in the process of trying to find a suitable building in which we could meet and perform rituals. Starting in October we will be sharing the new UGLA lodge facility in Atlanta. The new building was constructed specifically for Masonic purposes and will allow us to perform the rituals as they were intended. For those of you who have never heard of the RRCG it is an educational club that focuses on the esoteric and philosophical aspects of Freemasonry. It is not recognized by any Grand Lodge but has members from several recognized and non-recognized GL's. The RRCG was formed in 2000. For more information visit www.rrcg.org(NOTE: The RRCG is not a "recognized" Masonic body.) Jeff
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Post by antoninus9 on Mar 23, 2008 15:34:08 GMT
I have created a new web site and forum for those who are interested in taking down the barriers between various Masonic obediences. It's a call for reason and tolerance among all Masons. www.tracingboard.comThe discussion forum is very specific to this topic and is not for general, historical, or symbolical education. Jeff
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Post by antoninus9 on Mar 13, 2008 3:16:04 GMT
The sexual divide is an archaic hold-over from the late seventeenth century. Modern cosmopolitan Free-Masonry recognized this long ago. The universal brother/sisterhood of all humanity is only possible when all are treated equally, and offered the ability to work and grow in an environment that is conducive to the same.
The Grand Orient of the United States of America will take an active role in furthering this philosophy in America by working with and aiding the mixed gender and female only obediences. There is a need for three distinct types of Free-Masonry: Male, Female and Mixed. Everyone must be afforded the opportunity to work in ways with which they are comfortable. By the active promotion of these three types of Free-Masonry it is our hope to broaden the already existing Chain of Union in North America.
It is our desire to help LDH, GWU, the Feminine GL of Belgium, the Feminine Grand Lodge of France and others in any way that we can. By helping all brothers and sisters we further the cause of the Craft everywhere.
Jeff
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Post by antoninus9 on Jan 10, 2008 15:34:50 GMT
Cora,
The GOUSA is in complete accordance with the views of the GOdF. Since many of the founding members of the GOUSA were/are members of the GOdF this is only natural that it should be so.
The GOUSA and GOdF have similar, if not identical, views of human spirituality.
The four points I made in my earlier post were my ideas based on the principles. I know the GOdF has taken many actions in the past in support of their beliefs. Most recently they spoke about the French president's visit to the Vatican.
I cannot say what the GOUSA will do in the future. My crystal ball is a bit cloudy today. ;-)
Look for official announcements from GOUSA, GWU and GOdF mid 2008.
Jeff
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