The answer is no!
From The Pilot:
The question repeatedly arises, and the answer is still no, a Vatican official reminded participants at a recent conference on Freemasonry.
The worldwide fraternal group certainly accomplishes impressive charitable works, as its 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children attest.
But Freemasonry’s core philosophy is incompatible with the Catholic faith, noted Bishop Gianfranco Girotti at a forum on the issue at Rome’s St. Bonaventure Pontifical Theological Faculty, Zenit news reported.
Bishop Girotti, regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary, quoted the 1983 “Declaration on Masonic Associations,” signed by then prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger.
The text states that since the principles of Masonic associations “have always been considered irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church,” membership in them, therefore, “remains forbidden.”
Later in the article they reference the excellent book by John Salza (a former Mason) on the topic:
Apparently there are more than a few clergy unclear on the issue.
In a book released by Our Sunday Visitor Publishing, author John Salza explains how as a lifelong Catholic, he was initiated into Wisconsin’s Masonic Lodge.
Although attracted by its camaraderie and philanthropy, he became increasingly troubled by its philosophy. His parish priest was unaware of any prohibition against joining.
Finally, Salza became more literate in his own faith, and found theologians who showed him the light. In “Masonry Unmasked: An Insider Reveals the Secrets of the Lodge
,” he gives a Catholic perspective.
Filed under: Cardinal Ratzinger, John Salza, Masonry, Michael Dubruiel, Vatican Tagged: | Michael Dubruiel
I am a Catholic Mason. A Past Master of the Lodge in which John Salsa was a member and an officer until he was advised by his parish priest that it was necessary to drop out. His reasons made little sense to me until today when I discovered that he was benefiting from anti-Masonic writing.
I have ordered a copy of his book (used) in order to determine where he went off base and will be happy to converse with those who have a sincere desire to know the facts, once I have read it.
In the mean time, reviewing the article in The Pilot, I came across the same tired statement from the Church representatives:
“Masonry requires that its members adhere to a minimal belief in a supreme architect of the universe and leave aside all other pretensions of truth, even revealed truth,” he said. This basically means that Masonry requires members to renounce truths such as Christ’s divinity and the Trinitarian nature of God.”
Nothing could be further from the truth. Requiring a belief in a Supreme being for admission and encouraging each member to adhere to the beliefs of his own religion is a long way from the prior mis-statement.
I joined Freemasonry in 1980, during the period when a crack in the wall of stupidity appeared to recognize that Freemasonry did not plot against the Church. My Pastor and I had discussions at the time and I determined that I would not progress in the Fraternity if I ever found ANYTHING that I felt conflicted with the slightest of my Catholic teachings.
In the 27 years that I have served the Lodge as officer, Master, in the Grand Lodge as a junior officer, in the Scottish Rite as a 32′ and as an officer, in the York Rite as a member, I have never found any bit of disagreement with my Catholic learning.
It would do the Church well to open its eyes to the reality that Freemasonry is the original seat of ecumanism. There is much to be gained by understanding that the best form of evangelism is by example. Just ask my fellow Mason who has embraced the Church (while remaining in the Lodge).
It is foolish for the Church to continue to promote a lie formulated in 1738 out of a fit of peak when the opportunity lies before it to have the worlds oldest and largest Fraternity as its friend.
I have a Catholic friend who is a Freemason. He is quite involved with the organization and readily denies the mason’s core philosophy is incompatible with the Catholic faith.
Could you offer any suggestions on how I can help him understand?
Ed Cassel, I was surprised that you would impugn my character on the internet by claiming that I oppose Freemasonry because I am “benefitting from anti-Masonic writing.” We knew each other for three years while I was in Masonry, and I found you to be a man of good character. I am disappointed at your actions.
After you read my book Masonry Umasked, I welcome you to contact me to discuss it. I also welcome you to point out any misrepresentations you believe exist in the book. I invite you and any other Mason to private or public discussions with me on the matter of Freemasonry and the Catholic faith.
I am saddened that you have chosen Freemasonry over the Catholic faith. You evidently do not have the Catholic faith, otherwise you would put your faith in the Vicars that Jesus Christ appointed over you for your salvation. May God give you His wisdom.
John Salza
johnsalza@scripturecatholic.com
This is the latest and current Papal declaration which I obtained from the Catholic News Service yesterday (2nd September 2008):-
Timeline of principal doctrinal decisions, documents, 1981-2005
– Nov. 26, 1983: “Declaration on Masonic Associations,” saying Masonic principles and rituals “embody a naturalistic” religion incompatible with Christianity. Those who knowingly embrace the principles or attend the rituals are involved in serious sin and may not receive Communion.”
Now, this begs the question:
As the Grand Lodge of All England, at York, never has and does not “embrace the principles” or attend any rituals “embodying a naturalistic religion”, then we are clearly and unequivocally excluded from this question of “principal doctrine”.
Therefore, Catholics may have no concerns about becoming a Free Mason under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge of All England and vice versa.
As a Jesuit educated Roman Catholic of 60 years standing, I am perfectly satisfied that I am entitled to contnue to receive the Holy Sacraments until and unless I am told otherwise by a formal doctrinal statement from His Holiness, specifying that he is addressing my Grand Lodge, and no other, and outlining his reasons why this should not remain the case.
This is the basis of our submission to the Holy See in Rome.
Other Masonic bodies must speak for themselves.