User:Nikter/UGLA

History
The United Grand Lodge of America was founded by 'Antient' Freemasons who broke away from the mainstream system on December 27th, 2005, for reasons stated in a published Declaration of Independence. The founders sought specific reforms in the older system, among them being a return to the Constitutions and rituals of the Grand Lodge of London that was formed in 1717.

In many ways the formation United Grand Lodge of America resembles the break away of the Protestant churches from Rome under Martin Luther. The reaction to its formation by the existing system is illustrative of this similarity.

The primary reasons for this schism in the American Masonic fraternity as stated by the United Grand Lodge of America in its “Declaration of Independence” are:

1. The racist practices of many of the existing ‘Antient’ Grand Lodges in the southeastern United States.

2. Irregularities in the existing system of Masonic jurisprudence.

3. Questionable financial practices in the existing system.

4. Failure of the existing system to provide adequate Masonic education to their members.

Mission & Ideals
The stated mission of the United Grand Lodge of America is the Brotherhood of All Mankind under the All-Seeing Eye of Deity through Universal Tolerance and the enlightenment of humanity, and to create a single unified Grand Lodge for all Freemasons throughout the United States of America.

Conflict with established mainstream Freemasonry
The existing system of Masonry in America points out the following issues with the United Grand Lodge of America.

1)The UGLA was not chartered by any existing Grand Lodge, nor any recognized, existing group of Blue Lodges. This, however, brings into question the formation of the original Grand Lodge of London that was founded in 1717. (The organization on which the present system lays its own foundations.) It was not created by any existing Grand Lodge but a self-creating club. In the early eighteenth century clubs were very popular, and the original Freemasons began during this period while meeting in local taverns.

2)The UGLA seeks to create a single, unified Grand Lodge throughout the United States. The current system of Freemasonry claims sovereignty in each state in the U.S., or province in Canada, and no other Masonic organization wishing to be a part of their system may operate in these areas. The UGLA, however, does not recognize their authority over Freemasonry in America and operates as an independent system.

Resources
1. United Grand Lodge of America