Forbidden Fraternities: Vatican Declares Masonry a Grave Sin for Catholics
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The recent response from the Vatican regarding membership in the Masons has affirmed that it is still forbidden for Catholics to join. This confirmation was given by the Dicastério for the Doctrine of Faith on November 13, 2023, in a response signed by Mayor Victor Fernandéz and blessed by Pope Francis. The request for clarification came from Dom Julito Cortes, the bishop of Dumanguete in the Philippines, who expressed his concerns about the increasing number of faithful in his diocese who were affiliated with masonry. The bishop sought guidance on how to handle the situation pastorally, while also considering the theological implications.
Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith
In addressing this matter, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith decided to involve the Episcopal Conference of the Philippines, emphasizing the need for a coordinated strategy among the bishops. They recognized that there were two key approaches to be considered: theological and pastoral absorption.
Regarding matters of faith and doctrine, the Vatican’s stance is clear – “a faithful person may not actively affiliate with the Masonic Lodge.” This principle was first established in the Declaration of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in 1983 and was reiterated in the Directives published by the Conference of Bishops in 2003. The recent response reaffirms that these rules also apply to any clergy members who join the Masons, as they too must adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
The second strategy proposed by the dicastério is a pastoral one. They recommend that Filipino parish priests conduct popular catechesis to educate the faithful about the reasons for the incompatibility between Catholic faith and Masonic rituals. In light of this, they urge the bishops to prayerfully evaluate whether or not to issue a public statement addressing this matter.
New Code of Canon Law
The November 1983 Declaration was published just before the new Code of Canon Law came into force, replacing the 1917 Code. The absence of an explicit condemnation of Freemasonry and the absence of excommunication for its members in the new code generated mixed reactions. However, the Declaration signed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI) and Jérôme Hamer, the secretary of the Congregation, reiterated that Catholics who are affiliated with Masonic lodges are “in a state of grave sin.”
The Vatican’s stance on this issue highlights the concern it has for its Catholic followers who become involved with societies like the Masons. The Church sees membership in such fraternities as incompatible with the teachings of Catholicism and considers it a grave sin. By providing guidance to bishops on how to address this issue, the Vatican is working towards ensuring the spiritual well-being of its flock and upholding the principles of the Catholic faith.
