The wake of January 20, 2025 was welcomed with the news of the former U.S. President, Joe Biden officially joining the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge in South Carolina the previous day. This news has generated intense debate in religious and political circles, on the one hand, and again puts at the centre attention on the historical tensions between the Catholic Church and Freemasonry on the other, as well as Biden’s role as leader that, despite saying he is a practicing Catholic, has been questioned for his political positions and decisions.
Freemasonry, a fraternal organisation shrouded in secrecy and symbolism, has long been a source of fascination and controversy. Its origins trace back to the medieval stonemasons’ guilds, evolving into a global network with millions of members. For centuries, the Catholic Church has maintained a steadfast stance on Freemasonry: The two are irreconcilably incompatible. This unequivocal position is rooted in the fundamental principles of both institutions, which cannot be reconciled without compromising the very essence of Catholicism. At its core, Freemasonry is a naturalistic religion that espouses indifferentism – the notion that a person can be equally pleasing to God while remaining in any religion. This ideology is anathema to the Catholic Church, which teaches that Jesus Christ is the sole mediator between God and humanity, and that salvation can only be achieved through Him.
Furthermore, Freemasonry’s emphasis on secrecy, symbolism, and ritualistic practices creates an environment that is antithetical to the transparency and simplicity of the Gospel. The Church’s sacraments and rituals are not shrouded in secrecy, but are openly celebrated and understood by the faithful. The Church’s concerns about Freemasonry are not merely theoretical. The organisation’s history is replete with anti-Catholic sentiments and actions, from the Enlightenment-era persecution of Catholics in Europe to the modern-day promotion of secular humanism and moral relativism. In 1983, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith reaffirmed the Church’s stance on Freemasonry, stating that “the Church’s negative judgement on Masonry remains unchanged” and that “Catholics who enroll in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion.”
In light of this, it is astonishing that some Catholics continue to defend their membership in Freemasonry, often citing the organisation’s charitable works and community service. While these endeavours are undoubtedly laudable, they cannot justify participation in an organisation that fundamentally contradicts the teachings of the Catholic Church. As Catholics, we are called to uphold the integrity of our faith, even when it requires difficult choices. Membership in Freemasonry is not compatible with the Catholic faith, and those who insist on pursuing both are, in effect, trying to serve two masters.
The incompatibility of Freemasonry and the Catholic Church is not a matter of interpretation, but a fundamental reality that cannot be reconciled. As faithful Catholics, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to the Gospel, even if it means relinquishing membership in organisations that contradict its teachings. Here’s a more detailed explanation of the incompatibility between Freemasonry and the Catholic Church:
Philosophical differences
1. Naturalism vs. supernaturalism: Freemasonry is rooted in naturalism, emphasising human reason and morality without recourse to supernatural revelation. In contrast, Catholicism is founded on supernatural revelation, recognising the authority of Scripture and Tradition.
2. Indifferentism vs. exclusive salvation: Freemasonry promotes indifferentism, suggesting that all religions are equally valid paths to salvation. Catholicism, however, teaches that Jesus Christ is the sole mediator between God and humanity, and that salvation can only be achieved through Him.
Rituals and symbols
1. Secrecy and initiation: Freemasonry’s emphasis on secrecy and initiation rites creates an environment that is incompatible with the transparency and simplicity of the Gospel.
2. Symbolism and idolatry: Freemasonry’s use of symbols, such as the square and compasses, can be seen as idolatrous, as they are often imbued with spiritual significance. Catholicism, on the other hand, recognises the importance of symbols in worship, but rejects any form of idolatry.
Moral and ethical concerns
1. Moral relativism: Freemasonry’s emphasis on moral relativism, where individuals are encouraged to create their own moral code, is incompatible with Catholicism’s objective moral framework.
2. Oaths and obligations: Freemasonry’s use of oaths and obligations, which can involve swearing to secrecy and loyalty, can be seen as incompatible with Catholicism’s teachings on honesty, integrity, and the importance of prioritising one’s faith above all else.
Historical and doctrinal concerns
1. Anti-Catholicism: Freemasonry has historically been associated with anti-Catholic sentiment, from the Enlightenment-era persecution of Catholics in Europe to modern-day criticisms of Catholic doctrine.
2. Gnosticism and esotericism: Freemasonry’s emphasis on esoteric knowledge and spiritual illumination can be seen as a form of Gnosticism, which is incompatible with Catholicism’s emphasis on the importance of faith, sacraments, and the authority of Scripture and Tradition.
In conclusion, the incompatibility between Freemasonry and the Catholic Church is rooted in fundamental philosophical, ritualistic, moral, and historical differences. While Freemasonry may promote charitable works and community service, its underlying principles and practices are irreconcilable with the teachings of the Catholic Church.