[ontap]

Freemasonry displays all the elements of religion, and as such it becomes a rival to the religion of the Gospel

This is simply not true Proposeed members are told explicitly that Masonry is not a substitute for religion and does not claim to be.

freemasonry was explicitly anti-Catholic in recent history and in some parts of the world, still is.

Any Mason who proposes to be anti-Catholic and claims masonry as the reason is speaking on his own behalf and has no standing in Masonry for any such belief. There are Catholics who are members of the Masonic Lodge and I suppose are right with their own conscience. As a Mason I and my fellow Masons would welcome them and would ask nothing of them that they would be uncomfortable with. We bear no ill will toward Catholicism

[marshmallow]

This is simply not true Proposeed members are told explicitly that Masonry is not a substitute for religion and does not claim to be.

Actions speak louder than words.

When there are altars, vestments, prayers, oaths etc, this religious symbolism is very powerful.

We bear no ill will toward Catholicism

I believe you. I'm sure the same is true throughout much of the USA. This has not always been the case elsewhere, however.