Is it ok to fraternize with freemasons?

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The Knights of Columbus of my parish, for quite some time now, have been having an annual dinner together (a mere social gathering) with the Freemasons. Is there anything wrong with this? Several years ago when it was asked of those in our Chancery (Seattle) whether they would approve of this event, my brother knights were told that it may be ok, but they wouldn't want to put it on paper. I found that rather odd. So for sometime now, over ten years for sure, there has been an annual Knight's and Masons dinner. -In Christ, Jourard-

-- Anonymous, June 17, 1998

Answers

There is nothing sinful with eating dinner with sinners... we are ALL sinners.

As you no doubt are aware, membership in or support of the Freemasons is a mortal sin... which prior to 1983 was punishable by excommunication. Now the Church isn't so rigid on this consequence, but it has not relaxed its policy on the moral depravity of the institution.

It really boils down to a question of why. Why do the Knights of Columbus have these meetings? If it is to convert the Freemasons and reconcile them with the Church, then there is of course nothing wrong with that.

However, this is probably not the case. While there is nothing sinful with the Knights of Columbus having these meetings, it is simply bad form. A non-Catholic, or Catholic for that matter, who is not familiar with the Church's teaching on Freemasonry would be misled in hearing that the Knights of Columbus regularly have such meetings.

Bottom line: it's not a sin, but it's probably not a good idea.

-- Anonymous, June 17, 1998


This brings to mind when Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners. (And gosh, this has to be my shortest posting yet! Mark the date on your calendars, folks! [grin])

-- Anonymous, June 22, 1998

Answer from #1050 "Radio Replies" 3rd Vol. Frs. Rumble and Carty. Masonry is condemned as an unlawful secret society. Upon the Continent of Europe, above all, Masons solemnly undertake to keep secret matters which are most dangerous to the public good. And the Church, of course, had Continental Masonry chiefly in mind when she condemned it. In fact, Masonry was secretly plotting many schemes aimed at the very destruction of the Catholic Church, and the Catholic Church could not but forbid Catholics to join such a society. Masonry in English- speaking countries is milder in its attitude towards the Church, but even so, the Masonic oath of secrecy is still unlawful, because the man who takes that oath has no guarantee that is is not binding himself to secrecy in unlawful matters. In taking the oaths, he may be handing his conscience over to be adjusted to what others think right. No man may do that. At least no man who acts on the principle that the Catholic church is the true guide as to what is morally right, cannot do so. Therefore, if a Catholic becomes a Mason and signs the secret oath, such a Catholic commits a grave sin of disobedience; is excommunicated, and deprived of all right to the reception of the Sacraments and to Catholic burial.

-- Anonymous, June 25, 1998

Is it ok to faternize with free masons?? Well send me a note and find out! Ill even take off my fez to show you no horns are underneath it.

Im a 32nd deg,lifelong mormon,and former catholic school student who fraternises with my Catholic brothers in Christ at will.

Yours in Christ: W.P. Birdsall

-- Anonymous, June 26, 1998


William, it is not surprising that, as a Mormon, you are also a freemason. Masonry and Mormonism have similar beliefs in salvation and the destiny of men. Neither organization is Christian. Both teach that men can become gods. This is blatantly anti-Christian. There is but one God in three persons (The Trinity).

Let's not forget that Joseph Smith was a Mason. The 'grips' of Masonry and Mormonism are similar. The 'oaths of secrecy' are similar. Many other similarities exist between Masonry and Mormonism. One need only research for a short time to draw these conclusions.

While it is consistent for a Mormon to be a Mason, it is not consistent (and forbidden) for a Catholic to be a Mason.

-- Anonymous, June 29, 1998



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