Statement on Freemasonry and Religion

In 1993 (with a revision in 1998) the Masonic Information Center prepared a statement on Freemasonry and Religion. This statement was widely circulated and Grand Lodges were urged to adopt it so that Freemasonry would have one position concerning religion. Many Grand Lodges adopted this statement and we encourage those who have not to do so.

Two Books of Note

American Freemasons, Three Centuries of Building Communities By Mark Tabbert, 32°

Published by the National Heritage Museum in cooperation with New York University Press

This book seeks to explore how generations of Masons have been exposed to the tenets of Freemasonry and have practiced them in public. To fulfill this purpose is to provide an explanation of what Freemasonry is, why American men have joined it for nearly 300 years, and what Freemasons have done and continue to do.
The book uses authorized quotations from Masonic initiation ceremonies and the symbols used by the Masons to provide deeper insight into Freemasonry's basic philosophy and a members desire to participate. The dynamic and tense relationship between the privacy of restricted Masonic lodges and the openness of America's public communities is the catalyst of this beautifully illustrated book.

Radicalism of the American Revolution By Gordon S. Wood

In his book, The Radicalism of the American Revolution, for which he won the Pulitzer Prize, noted author and historian Gordon S. Wood has this to say about Freemasonry:

"The Institution that best embodied these ideals of sociability and cosmopolitanism was Freemasonry. It would be difficult to exaggerate the importance of Masonry for the American Revolution. It not only created national icons that are still with us; it brought people together in new ways and helped fulfill the republican dream of reorganizing social relationships. For thousands of Americans, it was a major means by which they participated directly in the Enlightenment."

Relations with the Catholic Church

The MIC receives many inquires as to the relationship between Freemasonry and the Catholic Church. The following statement was published in the Vatican Bulletin and remains in effect at the present time.

Sacred Congregation For the Doctrine of the Faith Declaration on Masonic Associations

It has been asked whether there has been any change in the Church's decision in regard to Masonic associations since the new Code of Canon Law does not mention them expressly, unlike the previous Code.
This Sacred Congregation is in a position to reply that this circumstance is due to an editorial criterion which was followed also in the case of other associations likewise unmentioned inasmuch as they are contained in wider categories.
Therefore the Church's negative judgment in regard to Masonic associations remains unchanged since their principles have always been considered irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church and therefore membership in them remains forbidden. The faithful who enroll in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion.
It is not within the competence of local ecclesiastical authorities to give a judgment on the nature of Masonic associations which would imply a derogation from what had been decided above, and this in line with the Declaration of this Sacred Congregation issued on 17 February 1981 (cf. AAS 73 (1981) pp. 240-241 (Published in English language edition of L 'Osservatore Romano, 9 March 1981. Editor's note).

In an audience granted to the undersigned Cardinal Prefect, the Supreme Pontiff, John Paul II approved and ordered the publication of this Declaration which had been decided in an ordinary meeting of the Sacred Congregation.
Rome, from the Office of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 26 November 1983.

Joseph (Card.) Ratzinger, Prefect

Fr. Jerome Hamer, O.P. Titular Archbishop of Lorium, Secretary

This statement was prepared while Cardinal Ratzinger was Prefect of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and prior to his elevation as the new Pope. However the statement does remain in effect and represents the official position of the Catholic Church toward Freemasonry.

Masonic Public Awareness

As a necessary first step when addressing the issue of Masonic Public Awareness the Task Force realized that we needed to examine our Masonic history to see if we could learn what had been successful in the past, where and when changes began to "creep in," and how these changes have affected Freemasonry in the present. We felt strongly that if we could not identify and understand what had happened it would be very difficult to determine what needed to be done in the future. As a result of this study a report has been completed and distributed throughout the Masonic community. This report-titled It's About Time-is also currently available on the www.msana.com website.
Our self examination determined that Freemasonry has had many successes in the past and it is only within the last fifty years that we began the "slide" of losing our Masonic identity and our energy and enthusiasm for leading a Masonic way of life.
In developing a Masonic Public Awareness Program it will be necessary, in the opinion of the Task Force, to attract the interest of lodges through-out North America. It is our firm belief that nothing will happen in Freemasonry without the grassroots support of our lodges. To that end we are promoting an award to recognize those lodges who are serious about Masonic Public Awareness.
Final details of this award-to be called The Twain Award-are nearing completion. A major goal of this endeavor will be to provide lodges with a central point through which ideas can be exchanged. For example: if lodge A has a successful program then lodges B and C would like to know about it.
Stimulating lodge interest and activity is the key to Masonic Public Awareness. Revitalization must begin at the lodge level. True Masonic Public Awareness will require time to develop and we ask for your patience as we go through the process of helping to revitalize our fraternity.

Summary

We have for many years thanked the Masons, Lodges, Grand Lodges, and Appendant Masonic Bodies who have supported the activities of the Masonic Information Center. Without your support we would not be in a position to publish positive information about our fraternity.
The MIC pledges to you that we will continue our commitment to the fraternity to provide accurate and factual information about Freemasonry to the media, the general public, members of the clergy, members of the Masonic Fraternity, and their families.