Note: Freemasonry was condemned as
incompatible with the Christian faith by Pope Leo XIII in his Encyclical Humanum
Genus, in 1884. This declaration takes on from there.
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 has been decided
above, and this in line with the declaration of this sacred congregation
issued Feb. 17,1981.
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 this sacred congregation.
The Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the
Faith, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Prefect. Nov. 26, 1983.
(Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger became Pope Benedict
XVI in 2005).
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19831126_declaration-masonic_en.html.
