(by editorial board, The Pillar, March 29, 2023)
The Catholic bishops of the Philippines reminded Catholics last week that the Church prohibits its members from becoming members of Masonic lodges.
The bishops’ “clarification” was issued March 24 by the Episcopal Commission for Doctrine of the Faith of the country’s bishops’ conference.
It followed reports that a growing number of Freemasons have been participating in local Catholic liturgies and events, including the parish and diocesan phases of the global synodal process, held in the country last year.
The bishops of the Philippines have “always maintained and defended the official Catholic (magisterial) position on the unacceptability of Masonry,” the commission wrote, “including the provisions of canon law on penalties that Catholics incur by joining Masonry.”
The clarification explained that the country’s bishops had in previous decades asked for the Vatican to clarify the position of the Church regarding Freemasonry, undertaken an extensive dialogue with the local Grand Lodge, and even…
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The bishops of the Philippines have “always maintained and defended the official Catholic (magisterial) position on the unacceptability of Masonry,” the commission wrote, “including the provisions of canon law on penalties that Catholics incur by joining Masonry.”
The clarification explained that the country’s bishops had in previous decades asked for the Vatican to clarify the position of the Church regarding Freemasonry, undertaken an extensive dialogue with the local Grand Lodge, and even…
read more:
