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According to a recent response from the Dicastério for the Doctrine of Faith, it is still forbidden for Catholics to join the Masons. This decision was made in response to a request from Bishop Dom Julito Cortes of Dumanguete in the Philippines. The bishop expressed concern about the growing number of his flock who are becoming involved in masonry and sought advice on how to handle the situation in a pastoral manner.
The Dicastério for the Doctrine of Faith, along with the Episcopal Conference of the Philippines, determined that a coordinated strategy was necessary to address this issue. The strategy consists of two approaches: theological and pastoral absorption.
The theological approach is based on the principle that a faithful person may not actively affiliate with the Masonic Lodge, as stated in the Declaration of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith from 1983, and reiterated by the Conference of Bishops in 2003. This applies not only to lay Catholics but also to clergy members who join the Masons. Those who have formally and consciously registered in matriarchal societies and have embraced matriarchal principles are considered to fall within the provisions of this declaration.
In addition to the theological approach, the dicastério recommends a pastoral approach. It suggests that Filipino parish priests conduct popular catechesis on the reasons for the incompatibility of Catholic faith and Masonic rituals. This would involve educating the faithful on the theological implications of joining the Masons and raising awareness of the fact that it is considered a grave sin in Catholicism. The bishops of the Philippines are also encouraged to prayerfully consider issuing a public statement on the matter.
The November 1983 Declaration was published just before the new Code of Canon Law came into effect. This new code replaced the 1917 Code and did not explicitly condemn Freemasonry or impose excommunication on its affiliates. However, the Declaration reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s position that Catholics who are affiliated with Masonic lodges are in a state of grave sin. The Declaration, signed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI) and Jérôme Hamer, the secretary of the Congregation, and approved by Pope John Paul II, clarified this stance.
With this recent response from the Dicastério for the Doctrine of Faith, it is clear that the Catholic Church continues to stand firm in its prohibition of Catholics joining the Masons. The Church considers such affiliation to be a serious offense against the teachings of Catholicism. It is now up to the bishops of the Philippines to implement the strategies recommended by the dicastério and address this issue within their dioceses.
In conclusion, the prohibition of Catholics joining the Masons remains in place, as confirmed by the Dicastério for the Doctrine of Faith in response to Bishop Dom Julito Cortes’ concerns. The Catholic Church sees membership in the Masonic Lodge as a grave sin and advises a coordinated strategy that includes both theological and pastoral approaches to address this issue. Filipino parish priests are encouraged to educate the faithful on the incompatibility of Catholicism and Masonic rituals, while the bishops are invited to prayerfully consider issuing a public statement. The Church’s position on this matter has not changed and it is up to the bishops to guide their flock accordingly.
