Freemasonry is an initiatory institution whose members work for the moral and spiritual elevation of man and the human family. The nature of Freemasonry and its institutions is philosophical, moral, and humanitarian. It leaves each of its members the choice and responsibility for their religious opinions; no one can be admitted to Freemasonry without having previously declared a belief in the Supreme Being. Freemasonry is not a religion, nor does it intend to replace any: it does not practice religious rites, does not assess religious beliefs, does not engage in any theological themes, and does not allow its members to discuss religious topics in the Lodge.
However, if these are the premises, why has the Holy See issued 586 exhortative documents in the last three centuries to keep its followers away from Freemasonry? Is Freemasonry truly incompatible with the Christian faith? Where do the chivalric orders stand? Is the excommunication pronounced by Pope Clement XII still valid, or has it been lifted? What is the real situation? Why is the Catholic Church so stringent towards Freemasonry? In recent years, is there any change in the relationship between the Catholic Church and Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is an initiatory institution whose members work for the moral and spiritual elevation of man and the human family. The nature of Freemasonry and its institutions is philosophical, moral, and humanitarian. It leaves each of its members the choice and responsibility for their religious opinions; no one can be admitted to Freemasonry without having previously declared a belief in the Supreme Being. Freemasonry is not a religion, nor does it intend to replace any: it does not practice religious rites, does not assess religious beliefs, does not engage in any theological themes, and does not allow its members to discuss religious topics in the Lodge.
However, if these are the premises, why has the Holy See issued 586 exhortative documents in the last three centuries to keep its followers away from Freemasonry? Is Freemasonry truly incompatible with the Christian faith? Where do the chivalric orders stand? Is the excommunication pronounced by Pope Clement XII still valid, or has it been lifted? What is the real situation? Why is the Catholic Church so stringent towards Freemasonry? In recent years, is there any change in the relationship between the Catholic Church and Freemasonry?