# Continental Freemasonry in North America

Continental or Liberal Freemasonry in North America encompasses the rich tapestry of Masonic lodges and Grand Lodges (also called Grand Orients) across the United States, Canada and Mexico that embrace the principles of the liberal masonic tradition. In contrast to the conservative tradition, Liberal Freemasonry welcomes a broader spectrum of beliefs, genders, and philosophical perspectives.

## Core Principles

Liberal Freemasonry's core principles may vary but they often are distinguished by these foundational commitment to:
* Freedom of Conscience: Members are not required to profess belief in a Supreme Being or deity. This principle, exemplified by the Grand Orient de France's 1877 decision, emphasizes individual philosophical autonomy.
* Universal Brotherhood: Acceptance of all individuals regardless of religion, ethnicity, or social background, focusing on human dignity and equality.
* Gender Equality: Recognition of men and women's right to participate in Masonic work, whether in women only, mixed-gender or man only Lodges and Grand Lodges.
* Social Progress: Active engagement in society's advancement through education, scientific inquiry, and support for human rights with a constent fight to preserve and dissipate freedom.
* Secular Rationalism: Emphasis on reason and human understanding rather than religious doctrine in Masonic work.

## Historical Development
### Origins and Evolution

The roots of Liberal Freemasonry in North America can be traced to the influence of the Grand Orient de France (GOdF) and other European progressive Masonic bodies. While conservative Masonry became dominant in the English-speaking world during the 19th century, alternative traditions maintained a continuous presence, particularly in urban centers and among immigrant communities.

### 20th Century Development

The twentieth century marked a period of profound transformation for Liberal Freemasonry. Following World War II, Liberal Masonic organizations experienced significant expansion in North America, particularly in urban centers and among immigrant communities. This growth was largely driven by the arrival of European Masons fleeing political persecution, alongside broader societal shifts toward philosophical pluralism and humanist ideals.
The post-war period witnessed increasing recognition of women's rights and gender equality, which aligned naturally with Liberal Masonry's inclusive principles. Organizations like Le Droit Humain expanded their presence significantly during this time, establishing new lodges across major metropolitan areas. The cultural and social movements of the 1960s and 1970s further reinforced Liberal Freemasonry's progressive stance, attracting members interested in non-dogmatic approaches to spirituality and philosophical inquiry.

### 21st Century Resurgence

While conservative (sometimes called "regular") Masonic bodies have experienced declining membership since 1960, Liberal Freemasonry has seen notable growth, particularly among younger generations and in urban areas. This trend appears to be driven by several contemporary social and cultural factors.
Liberal Masonic bodies have successfully adapted to modern societal needs while maintaining their traditional principles. Their inclusive philosophy, which welcomes all colors, beliefs, and backgrounds, resonates strongly with contemporary values of diversity and inclusion. The emphasis on philosophical inquiry and personal development, combined with active engagement in social issues, has attracted those seeking meaningful community involvement.
The movement has particularly benefited from broader societal shifts, including increasing secularization in Western societies and growing interest in non-traditional spiritual paths. Liberal Masonic organizations have responded to these changes by modernizing their governance structures while preserving essential traditions. Many have developed flexible meeting formats to accommodate contemporary schedules and established strong online presences for education and outreach.
Organizational innovation has played a crucial role in this resurgence. Liberal Masonic bodies have successfully integrated modern communication technologies while maintaining their ritualistic practices. Many lodges now offer hybrid meeting options and digital educational resources, making Masonic knowledge more accessible to interested individuals. These adaptations have helped maintain relevance through active engagement with contemporary issues while preserving the core philosophical and spiritual aspects of Masonic tradition.
While comprehensive academic studies of these recent trends are still limited, membership data from organizations like Le Droit Humain, Grand Lodge Aum, International Masonic Order “Delphi” and the George Washington Union suggests a slow but continued growth in Liberal Masonic participation, particularly in urban areas and among younger demographics. This growth indicates that Liberal Freemasonry's core principles of intellectual freedom, social progress, and universal brotherhood continue to resonate with contemporary seekers of philosophical and community engagement.

## Organizations

The Women's Grand Lodge of Belgium, the Grand Orient de France and the Women's Grand Lodge of France have lodges in North America.
The Grande Loge Nationale du Canada, which is a member of CLIPSAS, has 15 lodges, mostly in Québec and Montréal.
In Mexico there is the Spanish-speaking Grand Orient of Mexico (also a member of CLIPSAS).
There are several English-speaking groups that belong to the Continental tradition.

## Liberal Grand Lodges in North America
### Canada
#### The Grande Loge Nationale du Canada

Is a member of CLIPSAS, has 15 lodges, mostly in Québec and Montréal.

#### L'Ordre initiatique et traditionnel de l'Art royal

Only practices the Rite Opératif de Salomon. The Ordre Initiatique et Traditionnel de l'Art Royal posses one Lodge in North America, Les Amis d’Hermès n°56 that meets in Montréal, Quebec.

### United States
#### George Washington Union

Founded in 1979, the George Washington Union was among the first independent Liberal Grand Lodges in the United States. It maintains active lodges in Washington DC (Liberty Lodge), Chicago (Benjamin Franklin Lodge), Little Rock (Sacred Orient), San Francisco (Golden Journey Lodge), Half Moon Bay (Humanist Lodge), and San Rafael (Lighthouse Lodge). The GWU works closely with the Grand Orient de France and is a member of CLIPSAS.

#### Omega Grand Lodge of New York

Established in 1982, the Omega Grand Lodge of the State of New York pioneered Liberal Masonry in the northeastern United States, working in mixed-gender lodges and emphasizing freedom of conscience.

#### Gran Logia Hiram Habif

Founded in 2009, this mixed-gender Grand Lodge works to expand Liberal Masonic principles while maintaining traditional Masonic practices.

#### South Carolina Grand Lodge AF&AM

Established in 2015, the South Carolina Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons represents one of the first Liberal Grand Lodges in the American Southeast, accepting members regardless of gender.

#### Gran Logia Universal de Habla Hispana

Founded in 2016, the Universal Grand Lodge of Spanish Language in USA serves Spanish-speaking communities throughout the United States while maintaining Liberal Masonic principles.

#### Most Worshipful NY Grand Lodge

Established in 2017, this Grand Lodge represents one of the newest additions to New York's Liberal Masonic landscape.

### Mexico
#### Gran Oriente Nacional Mexicano

The Mexican National Grand Orient, reactivated in 2023, works in both Spanish and English, accepting members regardless of gender. This body maintains Mexico's long tradition of Liberal Masonry while fostering connections with other North American Liberal bodies.

### International Grand Lodges with North American Presence
#### Grand Orient de France

The Grand Orient de France operates lodges in:
* Montréal, Québec
* New York City
* Washington DC
* Fort Lauderdale, Florida
* San Francisco, California
* Los Angeles, California
Since 2010, these lodges have been authorized to initiate women, though implementation varies by lodge.

### Women's Grand Lodges
#### Women's Grand Lodge of Belgium

Operating in North America since the early 1990s, this women-only order maintains three lodges in the United States:
* Universalis Lodge in New York
* Emounah Lodge in Washington
* Aletheia Lodge in Los Angeles
The order is a member of both CLIPSAS and CLIMAF.

#### Women's Grand Lodge of California

Operates three lodges working in both Spanish and English, with two lodges in Marywood and one in Santa Monica. All lodges work the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.

#### Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons

Founded in 1913, this women-only order maintains one lodge in Washington DC, as part of its international network that includes lodges in the UK, Romania, Spain, Gibraltar, and India.

### International Mixed-Gender Orders
#### Eastern Order of International Co-Freemasonry

Founded in 2002 in Adyar, India, as a split from Le Droit Humain. Currently maintains lodges across multiple countries including the United States, functioning as a sister organization to the Grand Lodge of Freemasonry for Men and Women in the UK.

#### International Masonic Order "Delphi"

Founded in 1926 and restructured in 1996, Delphi maintains six lodges in the United States:
* Salt Lake City, Utah
* Phoenix, Arizona
* Las Vegas, Nevada
* Austin, Texas
* Fort Worth, Texas
* Tampa, Florida
The order is a member of CLIPSAS.

#### Grand Lodge Ancient Universal Mysteries (AUM)

An international order admitting both men and women, AUM maintains lodges in:
* Dallas, Texas
* Boulder, Colorado
* North San Diego County, California
* New York City
* Ithaca, New York

#### Universal Masonic Union of the Modern Rite (UMURM)

Founded in Barcelona in 2008, UMURM operates mixed-gender lodges in California and Georgia, as part of its international network that includes lodges in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Cuba.

### Working Methods and Recognition

Most Liberal Masonic bodies in North America participate in international Masonic organizations, particularly CLIPSAS (Centre de Liaison et d'Information des Puissances maçonniques Signataires de l'Appel de Strasbourg). While they maintain their independence, these organizations regularly collaborate through conferences, shared initiatives, and visitor exchanges.

## Contemporary Practice

Liberal Masonic lodges maintain traditional Masonic symbols and rituals while maintaining total freedom of interpretation through contemporary or traditional philosophical and humanistic perspectives. Traditional ceremonial forms are preserved while encouraging secular interpretations of symbolic elements. This creates a dynamic approach to ritual practice that remains rooted in tradition while embracing modern interpretations.

### Social Engagement

Active engagement with contemporary social issues forms a central part of Liberal Masonic practice in North America. Lodges regularly organize public education initiatives and participate in social advocacy. Environmental awareness and cultural exchange programs feature prominently in their external activities. Within lodges, philosophical discussions connect Masonic principles to current social challenges.