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Originally posted by ktsnake
Perhaps you could help to enlighten me as to why the Church objects to the Masons? They have the Knights of Columbus. To me, the organizations look very similar.
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To me, I think it appears it was a case of the Church not wanting any competition, even though Freemasonry is not a religion.
Back in the 1800s, a papal encyclical by Pope Leo XIII called
Humanum Genus denounced Freemasonry as incompatible with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, on pain of excommunication. Over time the penalties have lessened, but Catholics who become Freemasons may not receive Holy Communion.
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QUAESITUM EST
Declaration on Masonic Associations
Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
It has been asked whether there has been any change in the Church's decision in regard to Masonic associations since the new Code of Canon Law does not mention them expressly, unlike the previous code.
This sacred congregation is in a position to reply that this circumstance is due to an editorial criterion which was followed also in the case of other associations likewise unmentioned inasmuch as they are contained in wider categories.
Therefore, the Church's negative judgment in regard to Masonic associations remains unchanged since their principles have always been considered irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church and, therefore, membership in them remains forbidden. The faithful, who enroll in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion.
It is not within the competence of local ecclesiastical authorities to give a judgment on the nature of Masonic associations which would imply a derogation from what has been decided above, and this in line with the declaration of this sacred congregation issued Feb. 17,1981. [1]
In an audience granted to the undersigned cardinal prefect, the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II approved and ordered the publication of this declaration which had been decided in an ordinary meeting of this sacred congregation.
Rome, from the Office of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Nov. 26, 1983.
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger Prefect
Father Jerome Hamer, O. P. Titular Archbishop of Lorium
Secretary
Notes
1. Cf. AAS 73 (1981) pp. 240-241
source: http://showcase.netins.net/web/clearlight/mason.html
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The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1881 in New Haven, Connecticut. More info on the history of the K of C at
http://www.kofc.org/about/history/index.cfm.
To be a member of the K of C, one must be a practical Catholic man, at least 18 years of age. There are three degrees of membership, as well as a fourth degree open to members who have been a third degree Knight for at least a year. Fourth degree members wear the fancy chapeaux and robes.
Members of the K of C enjoy the benefit of a life insurance program. Masons and Knights in many locations work together for the betterment of the community.