NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Catholics Prohibited From Joining Masonic Lodges
Photo credit: The Holy See
In response to a query from Bishop Julito Cortes of Dumaguete, the Vatican has reiterated its stance that Catholics are prohibited from joining Masonic lodges.
The inquiry arose from the Bishop's concern over the increasing number of faithful enrolled in Freemasonry within his Diocese.
His Excellency, Bishop Cortes, sought guidance on a pastoral approach to address this issue, considering both the practical and doctrinal implications. The Vatican's response, communicated through the Dicastery, involves a coordinated strategy with the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines.
On the doctrinal level, it was emphasized that active membership in Freemasonry is forbidden due to the inherent conflict between Catholic doctrine and Masonic principles.
This prohibition extends to clerics enrolled in Freemasonry as well. The Vatican referred to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith's 1983 "Declaration on Masonic Associations" and the 2003 guidelines published by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines.
On the pastoral level, the Dicastery proposes that the Philippine Bishops engage in catechesis accessible to the people, conducted in all parishes. The aim is to elucidate the reasons behind the irreconcilability between the Catholic Faith and Freemasonry.
The Vatican encourages the Philippine Bishops to consider making a public pronouncement on the matter.
The inquiry arose from the Bishop's concern over the increasing number of faithful enrolled in Freemasonry within his Diocese.
His Excellency, Bishop Cortes, sought guidance on a pastoral approach to address this issue, considering both the practical and doctrinal implications. The Vatican's response, communicated through the Dicastery, involves a coordinated strategy with the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines.
On the doctrinal level, it was emphasized that active membership in Freemasonry is forbidden due to the inherent conflict between Catholic doctrine and Masonic principles.
This prohibition extends to clerics enrolled in Freemasonry as well. The Vatican referred to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith's 1983 "Declaration on Masonic Associations" and the 2003 guidelines published by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines.
On the pastoral level, the Dicastery proposes that the Philippine Bishops engage in catechesis accessible to the people, conducted in all parishes. The aim is to elucidate the reasons behind the irreconcilability between the Catholic Faith and Freemasonry.
The Vatican encourages the Philippine Bishops to consider making a public pronouncement on the matter.
Nov 16, 2023
