I just found out that my new school superintendent was a Mason for 25 years, his priest found out and told him "I don't want to tell you what to do but if the diocese finds out you are a Mason, you will be excommunicated." Mike quit Masonry, he does know all the ritual, words, due guards, signs etc. but the Catholic Church basically forced him to quit. I just met the man last week and I think he was probably a good Mason. He told me he was up for election to the East before he quit. What is next???? What if anything can we do about this situation?
There is really nothing we can do , that is between him and his church . Until they drop their rule banning Catholic men joining Freemasonry , then good Catholic men will have to choose , and they should always choose their religion because Freemasonry should never get in the way of that . I do know one Catholic who left the church so he could remain a Freemason in good conscious . But he is very active in a Methodist church now . He didn't give up his faith , he only changed how he worshiped .
Sadly, Ashlar is correct. It stinks. Well, it more then stinks, but I do my best not to get going on the Catholic Church. You can talk to him if you wish, I would not put any pressure, just general chat. See how he feels about it. But I personally would not want to come between a man and his faith.
I left the Catholic church because of the intollerant view toward Freemasonry (among several other reasons I can't trust the RCC), I am now "religion shopping" to find one that fits my theocratic views and has no problems with my being a Mason.
Do not know if it helps, but I go to a non-denominational (cannot believe my spell checker did not go off on that one) church. So far no one at that Church has seemed to have a problem, or at least confronted me about it. However it may be hit or miss. I did attend one that I did not get along with, and had some closed views on Masonry, at least from a few members.
Brothers you are right as usual, I was just blowing off steam. Mike seemed disappointed he had to choose but I agree Masonry cannot come between a man and his choice of religion.
Hey, it is ok. Everyone needs to blow of steam. I do not more often then I should. Especially while driving.
Shame. Interestingly enough, our Lodge gives a fair bit of Charity money to a Foundation here that is run by a Catholic organisation that is headed by an ordained Priest. He is very friendly with us as we are with him. In fact, I am told that he he evinced interest in becoming a Freemason. Considering the Papal Bull, I wonder how he intends to do this? I am not Catholic but I understand that certain Catholic Orders seem to have a rule unto themselves so maybe he can join.
We've got at least 2 members who are active communicants in the RC church. One attends maybe 6 (of 24) lodge meetings most years, the other is a sitting officer. Guess it's up to the member's conscience, whether to bring it up in Confession. But of course, if you don't believe it's a sin, why confess it? S&F
Brothers & Friends, We have a thread going about this very issue. Please read up on it. http://www.freemasonhall.com/community/t1453/ The Catholic Church has very definate views on Freemasonry, regardless of what "local" members of the Church may feel. This is a very important issue in that Catholics who are considering associating with the Order have a right to know what the Holy See has to say on the matter.
I disagree (see bold/italic). He's a Mason. He makes choices based upon his own free will and accord. This was a choice that he made and it was not something he was forced to do. He made a choice based upon what he thought was best for him. What do we do? Honor his choice and not make any effort to delude ourselves as to the cause of his choice. I suspect he will rejoin once he retires and is no longer working for the RCC. So True!
