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Phillipines Archbishop reiterates Church position against Freemasonry





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CBCP News - Phillipines
http://www.cbcpnews.com/?q=node/2591

Archbishop Dosado reiterates church position against Freemasonry

May 13, 2008

OZAMIZ CITY — The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Ozamis, Archbishop Jesus A. Dosado, CM reiterated the church’s position against Catholics joining the Freemasonry.

“This position is not new but Catholic Church since time immemorial had stood pat against Freemasonry in spite of the fact that some good members of the flock were misled,” the prelate said.

Catholics who joined Masonic lodge must be disciplined by local ordinary and a just punishment is to be meted out. These punishments may not allow to the Catholic who joined Freemasonry to receive Holy Communion nor stand sponsor in baptism, confirmation and wedding.

“He may not be admitted as member to any organization under the banner of the Catholic Church,” the prelate said.

He added “in case of death, he will not be accorded Catholic funeral rites nor be allowed interment in a Catholic cemetery.”

The local ordinary explained during Holy Communion if anyone admits before him that he has joined Freemasonry he will deny him communion.

Meanwhile, Catholic Faith Defender National Vice President for Internal Affairs Bro. Cleb Calimotan, in an interview with CBCPNews said the position of the Archbishop against Freemasonry is consistent with the statement of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

The statement stressed Church’s negative judgment in regard to Masonic associations remains unchanged since their principle have always been considered irreconcilable with the doctrines of the Church and “as such membership in them remain forbidden.”

The faithful who enroll in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion, says the statement.

In a separate interview CFD National Treasurer and Chairman on Education Committee Bro. Adolfo Amper said there is an escalating confusion regarding Freemasonry among Catholics. “Many joined Freemasonry for the sake of camaraderie and status symbol.” Amper noted.

“Catholics who belong to a Masonic lodge are not ipso facto (automatically) excommunicated from the Church. But if, knowing the prohibition against joining a Masonic lodge, they nevertheless persist in retaining active Masonic membership they should not receive the Sacraments from the Church” Amper concluded. (Wendell Talibong)


Further Reading:

Anti-Masonry: Points of View

Freemasonry in the Philippines