On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the American masonry, historically based on a conservative model, faces the challenge of the essential modernisation. Its main weakness remains a rigid structure which, by excluding women and imposing dogmatic requirements of faith, loses its appeal to modern society. The legacy of the erstwhile racial segregation and class elite inactive cast a shadow on the reputation of many people, limiting their function as authentic representatives of the democratic spirit of the nation. A conservative model, avoiding debate on hard social problems, leads to stagnation and worrying ageing of structures. From a liberal perspective, American lodges are wasting their potential, cutting themselves off from an open discussion of ethics, human rights or ecology that specify modernity. In this situation, however, there is simply a chance for a deep transformation if the American masonry dares to be full inclusive, taking into its ranks all those seeking light. Full openness to women and demographic diversity would let the lodges to return to life and regain meaning for the young, educated generation of Americans. The introduction of the “multural work” method – ritualized discussions about contemporary challenges – could transform lodges from closed clubs into dynamic civic thought laboratories. The American tradition of freedom fits perfectly with the liberal imagination of masonry, which focuses on freedom of conscience and searching for fact without imposed dogmas. Evolution towards adogmatic humanism would be an chance for the US to renew the ethical foundation on which the state was built. alternatively of clinging to the past, American masonry can become a spiritual base for modern, egalitarian society. The 250th anniversary of independency is the perfect minute for the American freemason to reject the bonds of conformism and bravely decision towards a future based on authentic Freedom, Equality and Brotherhood.
