KoC associating with Freemasons

[rwoehmke]

I do not deny that Masons, in their literature, often mis-characterize Catholic teaching with regard to themselves and other secret societies. Your excerpt from The Voice is a perfect example. It is NOT, however, an attack on Catholicism per se as you claim, only a misrepresentation.

I agree that Free Masonry in the United States has made no direct physical attacks against Roman Catholics in almost a century. Their literature is certainly no worse than what one might expect from a free Baptist writer.

Most of the Vaticans opposition to Free Masonry has two sources. The first is the religious nature of the Mason’s ritual and second is the long struggle in Italy for an independent nation in which the Free Masons were on the side of those who wished to strip the Pope of his ownership of the Papal States. The Carbonari mentioned above was another such group which also opposed the Pope and the Italian nobility. The settlement of this seizure was a concordat between Mussilini (sic) and the Vatican in about 1928 or 29 in which the Pope got free title to the slightly larger than 100 acre Vatican State.

Despite our differences the Masons provide a vast amount of charitable contributions to this country as do the K of C’s. I would have no problem working with them on a charitable project, just as I would work with any one of the local churches on a project for the common good.

 

[beeliner]

I agree that Free Masonry in the United States has made no direct physical attacks against Roman Catholics in almost a century. Their literature is certainly no worse than what one might expect from a free Baptist writer.

Most of the Vaticans opposition to Free Masonry has two sources. The first is the religious nature of the Mason’s ritual and second is the long struggle in Italy for an independent nation in which the Free Masons were on the side of those who wished to strip the Pope of his ownership of the Papal States. The Carbonari mentioned above was another such group which also opposed the Pope and the Italian nobility. The settlement of this seizure was a concordat between Mussilini (sic) and the Vatican in about 1928 or 29 in which the Pope got free title to the slightly larger than 100 acre Vatican State.

Despite our differences the Masons provide a vast amount of charitable contributions to this country as do the K of C’s. I would have no problem working with them on a charitable project, just as I would work with any one of the local churches on a project for the common good.

Excellent comments, thank you!

 

[rlg94086]

I realize there are a several posts that deal with Freemasons and why Catholics should avoid the organization. My question: is it acceptable for KoC and Freemasons to publically assoicate? I don’t mean as individuals, we do enjoy some freedom of association, I mean as an organization like a co-sponsored event. IMHO, the public association, regardless of the reason, implies that the KoC are OK with Masonic doctrine. I’ve not been able to find in Canon law where the association, as desribed above, is prohibited, just where we will fall into grave sin if we join. Thanks.

I think it would depend on the level of “co-sponsorship.” What I mean by that is I don’t believe a KofC council should team up with a masonic lodge to work on something together. I can see how that may show acceptance of masonry on the part of the council. However, if it is a community event/cause that the KofC believe in that has multiple sponsors…one of whom is the local masonic lodge…then I don’t see the problem. It would be no more a sign of acceptance than teaming up with the local Jewish Temple and Protestant churches for a pro-life event.

I know that in my case, I have great appreciation and admiration for the Shriners (part of the Masons), due to their Children’s Hospitals. My brother received free operations, which my family could not have afforded.

 

[Jodi]

I think I’d have to agree to dissent from the ‘popular’ characterization here.

By the standards being used to thwart the association asked about, one would also have to prohibit common asscociations with Baptists (who assert that Catholics are not even Christians!) or any number of protestant sects, historically as anti-Catholic as can be shown with the worst of masonic examples.

By such standards, we are creating a wall around the Church that is neigther warranted nor even consistent with Church doctrine. There is certainly nothing scandalous in the Church affirming the Gospel teachings regarding the stewardship of Widows and Orphans, as the Masons do also, simply because of the fact that the two paths are very different and even opposed on other issues. True, the Faithful are not to contribute materially to Masonic aims; yet is the housing of orphans an exclusivley “masonic” aim, simply because they focus on it as part of their mission? Are Church orphanages “masonic houses” then?

In this case the comparison using Jesus’ asscociation with publicans and whores to actually be apt (unusual in these particular discussions, but I digress). To assert some form of “invincible ignorance” on their part is unreasonable and simply not supported by the scriptures, nor Christ’s aims.

And the mere fact that the meaner element of both Church and Lodge can supply neverending fuel to the war should not deterr us from seeking out the true nature of our differences and allow the asscoiation of singular causes where our differences are overshadowed by our commonality.

And, strangely, the ridicule of the assertion that there are active masons who are also active Knights of Columbus can easily be shown to be not as far fetched as supposed by a simple perusal of these very forums to find several such individuals, contrary to Church and Council laws. While the obviousness of the ridiculousness of such incompatable memberships HAS been discussed (pointlessly) at length (if not ad nauseum), people will do what they want to do. As such, there will always be Catholic Knight Freemasons.

B

 

[dancny]

I’m a 4th degree KofC and I want to know more. What was the event? What was the manner and degree of the involvement and were there other groups involved? I simply don’t have enough information here to answer the question.

 

[averheyen]

Most Knights and Most Freemasons are just average joes, I doubt they care, they have bigger things to worry about.

 

[THurifer2]

I’ve not been able to find in Canon law where the association, as desribed above, is prohibited, just where we will fall into grave sin if we join. Thanks.

The KOC is not a Church run organization. It is a separate entity.

 

[THurifer2]

By appearing jointly with the Masons or Planned Parenthood, .

Freemasons are supposed to a apolitical. With that in mind Freemasons give big bucks to planned parenthood.

You would never see Masons protesting at an abortion clinic. THey are on planned parenthoods side of this issue.

The Lodge in my area is a pro choice minded bunch

 

[b_ulmen]

I’m a 4th degree KofC and I want to know more. What was the event? What was the manner and degree of the involvement and were there other groups involved? I simply don’t have enough information here to answer the question.

KoC and Mason only groups involved, hosting a dinner/fundraiser.

 

[Gene_Church]

Sad to see this. I pray that Masons will see the organization for what it is, and draw away from it.