Forbidden Fraternities: Vatican Enforces Ban on Masonic Membership for Catholics as a Grave Sin
Vatican: The Forbidden Fraternity for Catholics
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Membership in a fraternity is considered a “grave sin” for Catholics, according to the Vatican. This recent confirmation came in response to a request made by a concerned Filipino bishop who noticed a growing number of his flock becoming masons. Pope Benedict XVI approved the response from the Dicastério for the Doctrine of Faith, which stated that Catholics are still forbidden from joining the Masons.
The bishop who reached out to the Vatican is Dom Julito Cortes, responsible for the diocese of Dumaguete in the Philippines. He expressed his worry about the situation in his diocese, where he observed a continuous increase in faithful individuals affiliated with masonry. Seeking advice on how to handle this situation pastorally and considering the theological ramifications, Bishop Cortes initiated this conversation.
The Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith, in consultation with the Episcopal Conference of the Philippines, wrote back stating the need for a coordinated strategy among bishops. This approach should include two different aspects: theological and pastoral absorption.
In matters of faith and doctrine, the first and clear rule is that “a faithful person may not actively affiliate with the Masonic Lodge.” This statement aligns with the Declaration of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith from 1983 and the Directives published by the Conference of Bishops in 2003. Furthermore, any clergy members who join the Masons are subject to the same rules and restrictions as the general Catholic population.
The second strategy that the dicastério recommended is a pastoral one. It suggests that all parish priests in the Philippines conduct popular catechesis sessions to educate the faithful on the incompatibility of Catholic faith and Masonic rituals. It is also under consideration whether the bishops of the Philippines should issue a public statement concerning this matter. Evaluating this decision prayerfully is of utmost importance.
The issuance of the November 1983 Declaration occurred on the eve of the enforcement of the new Code of Canon Law. The new Code replaced the 1917 Code and brought several changes. Notably, there was no explicit condemnation of Freemasonry or excommunication for its affiliates in the new text, which caused varying reactions. However, the Declaration signed by then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and the secretary of the Congregation, Jérôme Hamer, and approved by John Paul II, reinforced the understanding that Catholics affiliated with Masonic lodges are “in a state of grave sin.”
The Vatican’s stance on Catholic membership in the Masonry remains unchanged. With the papal approval and guidance, the Dicastério for the Doctrine of Faith has emphasized the theological and pastoral approaches to address this issue in the Philippines. While the ban on Catholics joining the Masons continues, the Church hopes to educate its followers and lead them towards a deeper understanding of the incompatibility between Catholicism and Freemasonry. It is a matter of faith, doctrine, and ensuring the spiritual well-being of the Catholic community.
