Why can't Catholics be Freemasons?

[MattofTexas]

I’ve heard that Catholics are prohibited from joining Masonic organizations such as the Freemason Lodges, Order of the Eastern Star, etc. Why is that? Masons represent themselves as NOT being a religion or substitute for religion, and the Church has no issue with other organizations that require faith in God but permit religious diversity in membership (such as the Boy Scouts). Additionally American Freemasonry and the United Grand Lodge of England have not had the history of antagonism toward the Church as seen in Europe and Mexico. So why does the Church indiscriminately prohibit involvement with the Masons?

 

[Devon_Caffran]

This link should be give you the answer you need. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by this link, please [contact Catholic Answers (http://www.catholic.com/home/contact.asp) directly.
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