[PJ-Comix]

I do know for certain that Catholics are not to be freemasons; that was actually the only thing that came up when I asked upon converting.

I know several Cubans who are Masons. I am sure they are also Catholics. I don't think the prohibition is strictly enforced.

[D-fendr]

thanks for your reply, PJ.

I don't think the prohibition is strictly enforced.

It is certainly clearly stated and in my experience strictly enforced.

This is from then Cardinal Ratzinger speaking officially for the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith:

..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.

Rome, from the Office of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Nov. 26, 1983

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger Prefect

I'm sure there are those who do not take the Church seriously here, but it is clear that the Church has been and continues to be serious about the issue.