I am just starting to learn about Freemason’s and I am very interested in learning more.  The only information I have from relatives and friends, is not to join.  My wife’s grandfather who has passed away was a mason, and I am being told that the fraternity has a big problem with Catholics.  I happen to be Catholic.  I have yet to find any information of this nature in anything that I have read.  I thought the best idea was to go to the source and actually ask a mason. 

My father-in-law has told me that his family had a real problem with the fact that he married a Catholic.  He was told part of the problem was that mason’s look down on Catholicism.  Could you shed any light on this?  I do greatly appreciate your time.

Greetings, John ---

Thank you for taking the time to write and ask your question. 

I can say, without hesitation, Freemasonry has NO problem with Catholics, or any other religion.  Though requirements for membership do vary slightly from state to state, for the most part men who are 18 (or 21 in some states), who have a belief in a Supreme Being, and are of good moral character are welcome to apply for membership in the Fraternity.

I was raised Roman Catholic.  I became Protestant after my wife and I got engaged and wanted to attend church together.  I have found NOTHING in the lessons of Masonry that conflict with the moral teachings of the Catholic Church.  The issue is one that the Catholic Church has with Masonry. 

Perhaps, this will an overly simple explanation, but, as I understand it, the Church has a problem with Freemasonry viewing all religions as acceptable, and the Catholic Church teaches the only true religion is the Catholic interpretation of the teachings of Christ.

A good friend of mine, who is a long time and distinguished Mason in my area was the President of a local St. Vincent DePaul Society, was a Treasurer for the Archdioses of Boston and was a very active member of his Roman Catholic church.  The church has since asked him to choose between the Church and Freemasonry.  He’s still a Mason and is now a member of another Denomination...this was a very difficult choice for him, but one that was driven by the Catholic Church, not Freemasonry.

I hope this answers your question and I also hope others will post their take on this very common question.

Again, thanks for taking the time.

I concur with Bro. Mitchell’s post. There is nothig in Freemasonry, that conflicts with the teachings and doctrines of Roman Catholicism. There are many fine Freemasons who are Roman Catholics. I have attended lodge with many Roman Catholic Freemasons.  The organization is dedicated to freedom of conscience and freedom of religion (among other concepts). The individual religious practices of Freemasons, are of no concern to the fraternity. Discussions of religion, are forbidden in lodge meetings, so that peace and harmony can prevail.

You will be joining an organization composed of men from many different religious backgrounds and traditions.

If you determine that Masonry is right for you, then you should ask for a petition, and join us.

I recommend this site:  http://www.masonic-renewal.org/freemasonry_explained.htm

Please feel free to post any questions here, or PM me directly.

I think it’s more accurate to say that Roman Catholicism has a real problem with Freemasonry.  As far as I know, the “official” word from Rome is still that Catholics are forbidden to join the Masons, and if they do they risk excommunication.

Some Roman Catholics are opposed to Freemasonry. In the past, some Roman Catholic church officials have expressed opposition to the Fraternity. In 1982, Pope John Paul II issued a letter, expressing that there was no objection to Roman Catholics joining Freemasonry. However, the current pope has indicated (in the past), that he was opposed to Freemasonry. I suggest that you contact your local priest, and/or church officials in your diocese, to get the official line. (I am not a Roman Catholic, and I have no official standing to express their policies).

I must emphasize, that there is nothing in Freemasonry, that is in any way inimical to the Roman Catholic faith or doctrines. Many fine men are Masons and Roman Catholics, and these men find no conflict at all between our Fraternity, and their faith experience.

I suggest that you seek guidance though prayer, and though your own faith and conscience.