Bulletin from the Grand Orient de France, 1869 October 25

Printed Bulletin from the Grand Orient of France Supreme Council for France and the French Dominium

Orient of Paris, October 25, 1869

The Grand Master of the Order

To

The Foreign Masonic Authorities

S∴ S∴ S∴ *

Very Dear Brothers,

During its General Assembly of July 8, 1869, the Grand Orient of France made the following proclamation:

“The Masons under the authority of the Grand Orient of France, represented by their legal proxies at the 1869 Convent, assert that Humanity and Freemasonry are offended (insulted??) when the color [of the skin], the race, or the religion is enough to forbid a profane from espousing the masonic family”.

In the same session, the assembly invited the Grand Master of the Order to propagate this declaration to all the foreign masonic Authorities as well as the decision already taken by the Grand Orient of France to break all alliance with any masonic Authority that would not go along with it.

In accordance with this resolution, Very Dear Brothers, I kindly ask you to pay attention to this declaration. You will find in the official Bulletin, that has already been sent to you (issue of July 1869, pages 301-306, the reasons that motivated the Grand Orient of France and the emotions that it felt in such circumstances.

I trust that this declaration will not encounter any adversary among the Grand Masonic Powers on Earth and that it will not deprive the Grand Orient of France of any alliance: the principles that it proclaims, aren’t they indeed, the fundamental principles of Freemasonry and the natural application of its moto: Liberty, Egality, Fraternity?

With that in mind, Very Dear Brothers, I expect to receive acknowledgment of the reception of this present communication, as well as the adhesion of the Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America.

I would gratefully appreciate if I could receive [the above] before the month of May 1870, time of our next general Assembly.

Kindly accept, Very Dear Brothers, the assurance of my highest regards and of my deep fraternal sentiments.

The Grand Master

[Unreadable signature]

For the Grand Master

The Deputy Grand Master

[Unreadable signature]

Translator Remarks

*Initial of the Latin word “Salutem” Salutation, repeated three times

Kamel Oussayef 5/25/2022