Topic: Freemasons

Date originally posted: March 7, 2002

Source of this posting: Moderator response to emailed question

Moderator who originally posted this source: J. Ruffo

Question: I have 2 queries, actually.  First, could you please explain to me the Church's position regarding Freemasons, why, and what is the policy regarding Catholics who are involved with Freemasons?  The second question I have is, Why does the Church seem more ready to condemn Traditional Catholics (as with the schismatic Pius X Society), than to denounce the VERY liberal views of bishops and priests whose views verge on the heretical, such as LA Cardinal Mahoney?

Answer: 

Michael,

Thank you for your questions.   

I have not heard the word nor thought about the Freemasons for years. 

Reading up on this topic since receiving your question, I’ve discovered that the principles and rituals of Freemasonry embody a naturalistic religion, incompatible with the Christian faith and practice.  “Grand Orient Freemasonry” is actually atheistic, irreligious and anticlerical.  Freemasonry has been traditionally considered hostile to the Catholic Church. 

Here in the United States Freemasonry has been considered more as a fraternal and philanthropic organization.  For doctrinal and pastoral reasons, Catholics have been forbidden by the Roman Catholic Church to join the Freemasons.  Many Protestant groups have also opposed membership in the Freemasons.   

Continuing strictures against Masonic membership by Catholics was reiterated in a report by the Committee for Pastoral Research and Practice, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, on June 7, 1985. 

In regard to your second question about “Traditional Catholics” and liberal viewpoints: I don’t think the Catholic Church “condemns” anyone.  “Condemns” is a very strong word.  Individuals may opt out of the Church because they see the Church as either too liberal or too conservative for them.  I would want someone to be comfortable with the practice of their faith and have counseled individuals to find a faith community in which they can comfortably live and express their faith.  We’re all “traditional” in different ways.  

I’m not really familiar with the positions of the LA Cardinal Mahoney.  If there is some specific issue that his preaching or policies have raised, please feel welcome to voice your hearing of what he’s said or done.  

I hope my comments here have been somewhat helpful to you, Michael.