christopher p. murray
New Member
Hello. I am a Roman Catholic. When I shared with my parish Priest I was interested in joining the local Mason Lodge he said I cannot remain a Catholic and be a Mason. Is this true?
Thank you for the input. I could not find anything definitive when I researched it.According to Church Rules, technically yes it is true. I heard the current Pope has been more open to the idea but have not seen any official communication from the Vatican to that effect.
Here's what the Vatican web site says:
CONGREGATION FOR THE DOCTRINE OF THE FAITH
DECLARATION ON MASONIC ASSOCIATIONS
It has been asked whether there has been any change in the Church’s decision in regard to Masonic associations since the new Code of Canon Law does not mention them expressly, unlike the previous Code.
This Sacred Congregation is in a position to reply that this circumstance in due to an editorial criterion which was followed also in the case of other associations likewise unmentioned inasmuch as they are contained in wider categories.
Therefore the Church’s negative judgment in regard to Masonic association remains unchanged since their principles have always been considered irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church and therefore membership in them remains forbidden. The faithful who enrol in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion.
It is not within the competence of local ecclesiastical authorities to give a judgment on the nature of Masonic associations which would imply a derogation from what has been decided above, and this in line with the Declaration of this Sacred Congregation issued on 17 February 1981 (cf. AAS 73 1981 pp. 240-241; English language edition of L’Osservatore Romano, 9March 1981).
In an audience granted to the undersigned Cardinal Prefect, the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II approved and ordered the publication of this Declaration which had been decided in an ordinary meeting of this Sacred Congregation.
Rome, from the Office of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 26 November 1983.
Joseph Card. RATZINGER
Prefect
+ Fr. Jerome Hamer, O.P.
Titular Archbishop of Lorium
Secretary
That doesn't mean there are no Catholic Masons, they each made their decisions to join after much prayer and discussion. Personally, I think the Church is completely wrong in their view but nobody elected me to be Pope (which would be tough as I'm not a Catholic).