Grand Orient of the United States

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The Grand Orient of the United States of America (GOUSA)is a masonic grouping that is in amity with the Grand Orient de France and sees itself as being in the tradition of Latin Freemasonry.^[1]

Founded in 2005, originally as the "United Grand Lodge of America", it was at first an effort by several Masons/Lodges resolved to leave the existing Grand Lodge system. In 2007, this group was joined by other Masons and Lodges who shared a desire for a Continental European style of Masonry. The United Grand Lodge of America ceased to exist, and in its place arose the Grand Orient of the United States of America. The GOUSA has claimed to have a warrant from the Grand Orient of France.

In 2008, it was announced that John Slifko was elected as Grand Master.

The GOUSA holds to these fundamental beliefs:

"1. That all human beings are endowed with certain inalienable rights 2. That peace and harmony among human beings is only possible where there exists a separation between church and state 3. That freedom of conscience is an essential element in the pursuit of happiness among all peoples 4. That all human beings are created equal and that equality is fundamental to democracy and freedom"

It has the following principles:

"Our cause is the intellectual, spiritual and social advancement of humanity. To accomplish these aims we have established the following guiding principles for Free-Masonry:

1. We believe in the freedom of conscience of all people, and that it is an essential component of liberty, equality and fraternity.

2. We believe in and support the separation of religion and government, and promote religious and spiritual tolerance among all people.

3. We believe in and support the freedom of the press as a necessary component of maintaining the inalienable rights of all human beings, and that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

4. We believe in and support the need for higher education and life-long learning.

5. We believe in and support an impartial judiciary system as essential to guaranteeing the preservation of human rights.

6. We believe in and support the arts and sciences as essential elements in the progress and evolution of humanity.

7. We believe in and support efforts that work towards global environmental and ecological sustainability as essential to the survival of the human species."

GOUSA Lodges tend to work in rituals which pre-date the current Preston-Webb model now used throughout the Grand Lodge System in the U.S. and to follow a Continental style of operation than their Anglo-American Brethren.