This article quoted from the magazine of Pleasure in 1979
The roots of Freemasonry
The roots of Freemasonry – as its name refers to the original, the French Franc-Maçonnerie – to groups or labor unions were included in the Christian Middle Ages, sculptors and builders without other groups working in construction. It was the fraternities built on the wings of its members cathedrals of Europe, consisting of three categories: teachers, colleagues and trainees, and has administrative powers and independent judiciary, according to the customs and laws, and prevent its members each connection with construction workers other Kalmtinin and Almsiein 1, and limit the bulk occupy in stone carving and construction, and workmanship of this art is superior to other construction works, and take the corner and the water balance and Circinus symbol and a landmark (item 2).
And what was their purpose and composition of distinct groups separated from the majority of other currency, they devised their passwords and private contactors get to know them, and they call relations and verbal greetings hand.
The trainees and comrades and teachers involved in the group in a wire surrounded by private parties in secret. The trainee, if promoted to the degree of comrades, go to the same era department, but reveal, orally or in writing, verbally greeting confidentiality (item 55). He was banned from teachers and comrades to disclose to strangers for the content of the basic laws established in the Masonic groups. It was the duty of the «teacher forums» 2, to preserve very carefully and take note of the books of the group and their constitutions, for fear of leaking something to the outside (item 28) and is entitled to be tried and punished by all the teachers and colleagues and trainees under his authority (Article 22 and 23). And the trainee, if he wanted to become a companion, need a recommendation and proposal from one of the teachers, the godfather, and testified to his good conduct and integrity of morals (Article 66), if he became a companion, he had to lead oath to abide by all laws of the Assembly (item 56 and 57), and obedience to the teacher during a specified period of five to seven years (Article 43 and 45) If at the expiry of this period he was able to nominate for the parametric (item 7 and 15).
It was all in breach of the duties of his religion, and all Pferod playboy life of Christianity, and all the accused in marital honesty, refuse to accept the Assembly, or separates them, and are prohibited from every brother and every teacher and every companion all to do with it (item 16). It was forbidden for the comrades to get out of the Forum or to speak without the permission of the teacher (items 52 and 54). It was his closet for each forum Eodonha contributions imposed on teachers and comrades on their acceptance in the Assembly, and spend the needs of the poor or the sick brothers (item 23 and 24).
Stages of development
How have these groups turned to the professional clubs and organizations aristocratic secret about what we find in contemporary Freemasonry?
The history of this development is long and complex, and varies the diversity of the country that fell into the …. But there is information found in the archives of the forum in the Great Admburg, one of the years 1599 and archives of other forums in London, that some have taken the self-employed professionals to join the manual. In the archives of the Aberdeen forum in England for example, (year 1670) we find the names of a number of lawyers, surgeons, merchants in the list of forty members in that forum.
Since that time the practice usually distinguish between the builders involved in construction of buildings, and engineers involved in engineering theories.
The number of engineers, with the days, more than the number of builders, and began the organization of professional builders, churches, cathedrals and homes of their targets turns the process into goals purely theoretical.
Constitution of the Andersen
The first nucleus of the Masonic new set up in London, on June 24 in 1717, gathering of four forums emerged about the Forum London-Azam, has Ksasan of the Church of England, Anderson, Anderson and Dizagolier Désagulier draft a constitution for the new organization inspired by the spirit and of our laws upon which the associations of builders Christians in the Middle Ages. The motto:
«Loyalty to God and Holy Church, and to guard against error and heresy».
As stated in the first item of the Constitution of Andersen following alert:
«About God and religion: the Freemason, by virtue of his title, be subject to moral law, if the meaning of art understood the fact that it can not be an atheist or a stupid foolish rogue. Although the Masons in ancient times they were obliged, in every country, belonging to the religion of that country or that nation, whatever it is be appropriate today, but commit only religion which brings upon the people as a whole, that keeps every one of their faith private, to the effect that to be of the owners of chivalry, loyalty, and with magnanimity and integrity, regardless of religious doctrine, which was characterized by ».
The result is that Freemasonry become, and in this case, the center unit and a means to establish a pure friendship between the people they are – without them – stayed in the spacing between them permanently.
In atheist twenty of November 1737, sent the greatest teacher of the Assembly of Masons in the French monarchy, the Count de Derfntuar Darwentwater to his colleague Baron de Scheffer Scheffer founder of the first Masonic lodge in Sweden, the French translation of the Constitution of Andersen, has said:
The first article, concerning God and religion: the Masonic virtue of his position, and to adhere to Sharia congenital If realized the meaning of art, you will not be an atheist or a rogue evildoer. In past centuries was obliged to spoof the Masons Catholic religion. But since some time is no longer a need to consider their own feelings, but ask them to be Christians, faithful to the promised them, men of honor and integrity, no matter how different denominations, except that, in this way become Freemasonry is the center and the unit (to stay) Friendship current between the people who were nevertheless, not for this ligament fresh, never far away and isolated from each other.
Article II, concerning the civil government: that I found on the Masonic and wherever the work, be subject to civilian authority, and should not denounce the machinations involved in the peace and tranquility in the Kingdom and what not to address the orders of the governors of civilians. Given that Freemasonry has labored always under the burden of wars and conflicts Valmloc and princes in time bygone preferred to Masons of the people experience Batafhm and protection, and that because of their exposure and their honesty and what produces them from thwarting the machinations of the enemies and Saayatem, and mention the glory of the brothers that they exerted always practice excellent day of peace. Every brother and then rebel against the state should not support in his disobedience, can, and must be deplorable misery and seeks to return to the (road) assignment.
It is recommended item 6, «dismiss all differences and disputes, and all that could lead to it, especially in the controversies concerning religion and peoples».
Swedish Freemasonry has remained to this day firmly committed to the laws of the Society, as it moved the Count de Darventoatr.
Was baptized the King of Sweden Gustav V – a teacher’s greatest and Chairman of the Masonic Swedish – in the July 1, 1939, to remind all the forums in the country that «organization of Freemasonry Swedish made on the basis of Christian and act Bouhaha The result is that the organization puts a prerequisite for belonging to them profess the Christian religion . As belonging to other religions not allowed to mix with the Swedish forum, even joined to other Masonic organizations. The organization teaches its members loyalty and obedience to the authorities and laws, and the exercise of their obligations to citizens, and good morals and love of neighbor. And leave them to the full their right and their freedom of action as they deem, in all matters ecclesiastical, political and social. However, it is absolutely prohibited to the members of the Swedish Society of Freemasonry, such as exposure to these matters within the forums ».
As for the Middle-Azam – forums, one of the major French – it has replaced, in 1865, for the first item of the Constitution of Andersen about God and religion, with the following text:
«Goal of Freemasonry – a humanitarian organization, in essence, philosophical and progressive – the search for truth and Bamuslkih comprehensive care and science and the arts, and do charity work».
«Has taken its principle: the existence of God and the immortality of the soul and human solidarity».
«Freedom of conscience is really up to each human being, one does not ratify because of his beliefs,
Motto: liberty, equality and brotherhood ».
Year 1877, deleted the second paragraph of the first article of the Constitution of Andersen, containing the declaration of the existence of God. The officials attributed the greatest in the east of this amendment that Masonry respects all beliefs and all the pronouns, but do not want and can not be an institution with a specific ideological character.
Following this amendment in the forum most parts of England all his greatest Middle French:
«The Forum greatest English stresses has always affirmed that belief in God is the first evidence the major each Masonic current exclusive, once the idea that belief (and fell) announcing the fundamental principle of its existence, is not entitled to any Society to claim the legacy of tradition (held by) the ancient Masonic exclusive» 3 .
Freemasonry Freemasonry and other legal
Clear from the foregoing that there is a two-way Asaseyen Freemason in the world today: the legal and Almasoniat Almasoniat other.
1 – legal forums Great
Great legal forums is that, in addition to forums, England, Scotland and Ireland into submission, I decided to maintain, more assertive, the basic rules that apply in the traditional Freemasonry, about God and religion and politics. In a joint statement announced by the Great forums in England and Scotland and Ireland into submission, in August 1938, we find a reminder of the following principles:
«First condition to accept a member of the Masonic organism and the belief is paramount. This is a basic room for compromise. It remains the Bible is always open in the forums, as when the Masons Travel holy law. And asked each candidate (of Freemasonry) to announce pledges on this book or any other passport can confer – by your faith – Qudsaya character on the right or promise entered into by ».
«All who joins Freemasonry is prohibited since the beginning and emphatically, every effort would upset peace and order in society. He has to strive in obedience to the law of the State of residence or that gave him protection. We must not shirk from loyalty to the President imposed his country ».
«Although Freemasonry teach English Claَّ allegiance of its members and civilian, are kept for each individual the right to have his own views in public affairs. But is prohibited within the forum or in his capacity as a Mason to discuss or show that his personal views on matters theological or political ».
We find in this book and face the greatest English common forum of 18 v 1 to the Forum in 1950 in Uruguay greatest reminder of the following principles:
«Seeking Masonic true to maintain faith in God and published in support of the Masons in reconciling their lives and their behavior and the principles of their own religion, whatever, to be a monotheistic religion require belief in God no matter my name, and religion with a holy book can be aspirant to lead by a section of the Association».
«This commitment Freemason who does not claim a religion at all, or else take his place, not pleased with his followers, but among those who owe a debt, Fessaadhm to maintain their loyalty (to religion). The aim (of this affiliation) the establishment of forums allow Masons to live together in an atmosphere of unity grows friendship current through the brotherhood based on the fatherhood of God, and we find happiness in the trust based on mutual fidelity, and mastering the foul and stronger, and grow talent so that our members more capacity to influence (in society) with good effect as they are citizens, according to their potential for in all matters relating to public affairs ».
Fact that the main task in these forums is to create a ceremony for the rehabilitation of the three times:
Trainees and comrades and teachers. The concerts will be held in those of the rituals and symbols and dialogues, letters and junior high programs, all designed to help the individual in the exercise of virtues that shape the self-honest and loyal citizens, in the same, comrade Masonic heart.
And includes the greatest English forum 7647 forum, including the existing forums outside of England, and approximately 600 thousand members. And includes the Forum greatest in Ohio, in the United States 681 forum and 255,451 members, and in New York 995 forum and 224,405 members, and in India 216 forum and 11 000 members, and in Germany 272 forum and 20,321 members, and in the Middle Great Italian 444 forum and 30 thousand members.
The forum and the great French 4, founded in 1913, is the only forum French forum recognized by the great English, and a 220 forum and nearly 6,000 members, including those belonging to him in Senegal and Dahomey and the Ivory coast, Togo and Gabon. And belongs to him a number of Catholics and Christians who can not find any contradiction in Freemasonry with the Christian faith and with behavioral staunchest traditionalists, but there are encountered in Freemasonry an incentive to improve their careers Christianity.
«This is prohibited in all the forums every discussion and every debate in the nature of social, political or religious, and especially to prevent all that can be considered a conspiracy against the church or the legitimate civil authorities».
2 – forums, which were not recognized as valid
Global forums along with the Great recognized by the Great English Forum, where the largest number (approximately five million) of the Masons who maintain the basic principles of Freemasonry, there are fewer – and that on the side of importance – of the Masonic lodges that have arisen in the margin of the traditional Masonic official.
1 – There is an east-Azam French oldest year 1877, to delete the constitutional provisions about God and religion, and was at the forefront of demanding the separation of church and state and the secularization of institutions in the French Republic III: from the courts and hospitals and schools, and the expulsion of monks and nuns of the educational institutions and others are arbitrary and violent, and what accounts for the popes to denounce this type of blatant Freemasonry in its hostility to the Church in France, and the violent protest against the papal temporal power in Italy.
The French built the Great Eastern, 1921, in agreement with the likes of those who ran in the plan in Belgium, Luxembourg, Susara, Italy, Spain, Germany … Balmasonah this definition:
«Masonic Foundation traditional humanitarian and progressive, based on the adoption of the principle that all people are brothers, and objective search for truth, and care ethics, solidarity, and to work with. And seeks to develop the physical, moral, and the perfection of human mental and community. And adopt the principle of tolerance and respect for others and self and freedom of conscience. And the duty to circulate to all the sons of mankind, the existing brotherly ties between the Masons and the face of the earth ».
And the General Assembly of the Great Eastern had declared in 1876:
«Freemasonry are not insured and not even an atheist position, where it says is an act of human solidarity, it is far from every faith and every religious belief whatever. Sole its principle of absolute respect for freedom of conscience ».
Such principles of freedom and tolerance and how to achieve in Allowaqamn years 1880 to 1924, Aallan address Catholic France and the popes of Rome east of the Great French. However, officials with him today, with assets they did not adopt the rules applicable in the Forum the great English, they became more open to dialogue with the believers, including Catholics.
And includes the Great Orient of France today, 25 to 30 000 continued.
2 – The Great French Forum 6, the east is not the greatest French and most of the French National Forum, and is characterized by the Scottish decrees follow it explicitly associated with faith in God and Christian beliefs, and adds to the level of conventional three ranks Ersanah …
Because of relationships that has and still is, a list – somewhat – between this forum and the Middle greatest bang, not recognized by the Forum and its allies, the great English Bakanonath. But, since the last war, began a phase of good relations with the Catholic Church, has summoned a number of its men to speak to its members in closed meetings. And includes among his eight or nine thousands, a range of religious faithful to their faith and Christeyen of Jews, Muslims and others. But most of them insist that they Spiritualist and modernists and anti-all kinds of intolerance and bias.
3 – the right to humanitarian 7, was established in 1893, Ms. Maria endeavor Dersim Maria Deraisme, and has the advantage that he accepted in its ranks men and women, while the traditional Masonic confined to men. It must be noted that the tendency to atheism and Ctjabah known for the institution of human right is not shared by all the forums of his day, and not all members belonging to him and whom the minister Marc Rocard, who was a sincere messengers to the rapprochement between Freemasonry and Rome.
From campus to dialogue
What is and what could be the day the position of the Church and Catholics from Freemasonry?
I have called the Second Vatican Council to recognize the human and divine values contained in the non-Christian religions, Judaism and Islam. The stop one of his documents to the dilemma of freedom of conscience and religion, and called for cooperation with all Christian people from the people of their safety, even atheists, to build a fraternal.
In fact, Freemasonry in their congregations seeking legal and marginal to the current humanitarian goals, and declare its respect for each individual convictions and beliefs. He was the greatest teacher in the conference held by the Great Eastern in 1960, the objectives of his group including the following:
«Raising sensation, even instinct – brotherhood, insights into the meaning of citizenship in a range of comprehensive and it is our own, finally protect the rights and values that are represented with what distinguishes it substantially, to bow to the mind and the moral values of the fixed and freedom».
Although the Middle-Azam had sought in the past, under the guise of such slogans, to fight against the Church and Catholicism fight violent, on the grounds that they obstacle of human evolution moral and spiritual, it is not precluded, provided that he today, from both parties, to reconsider the positions above, on the basis deeper understanding of the goals and intentions.
It seems that the Middle greatest Italian is heading in this direction. This process has opened the Italian priest Father Aspozato Rosario Rosario Esposito. It is after he had reviewed, in the first editions of his book, the charges against Freemasonry in their positions biased and anti-church, announced Cservh opening dialogue with the teacher the greatest Gmbrenne Gamberini, in a public hearing held in Savona in the June 15, 1969, with the approval of the Vatican and the power spiritual communities.
The result of this meeting between the Catholic priest and teacher the greatest of the greatest group Freemasonry in Italy invent a new style of relations between the two institutions, and a decision to refrain from both parties, for bickering and Almlaanat by practice of the ancients, and take off from condemning intentions and distort the facts in a systematic way, have noted Father Cabrala Caprile, in an article in a magazine Italian civilta cattolica, the fact that the facts, along with sobriety in the presentation and evaluation, is the current condition of each dialogue.
It should be noted that the Father Cabrala, one of the relevant literature Freemason, has touched it since 1970, a shift evident in the way to talk about the Catholic Church, does not hesitate to compliment the results that led to it, in this area, various meetings between the Father Aspuzato and the authorities of Freemasonry in Italy , and other similar meetings in other countries.
Father Cabrala and ends at the conclusion of a series of articles in “Hvlta Cattolica”, the conclusions can be relied upon as much as it is safe to justify the magazine which listed the articles 8. He rejoices first of the growing desire for “a sincere and honest dialogue based not on Moadeh fake and flimsy, but on the facts can not be called into question.” In regard to Freemasonry, does not see that there is compelling after the obstacles to opening a productive dialogue and to continue it, and work where conditions allow the establishment of good cooperation in the areas of agreed-on goals, such as acts of help and of human brotherhood and world peace and international solidarity.
To facilitate this dialogue, in preparation for the ways leading to greater understanding between the parties, Father wishes to establish Cabrala characterized Balrsana historical research and scientific accuracy “and in isolation from each objective is offensive or defensive.”
1 – previous positions
How can the church today to consider or reconsider their previous positions in some of them express a criminal of Freemasonry?
The positions taken by the Church of Freemasonry in the eighteenth century, must be put in evidence that era, as revealed by Jose. Freer Benmela, in the study of historical and adequate 9.
In Eminenti The document issued by Pope Clement XII in April 28, 1738, targeting especially the Masonic Lodge in Florence and was frequented by a number of the English non-Catholics. The Pope Clement had challenged the age and control the disease, blindness, and dominated by his nephew Filurrentana Neri Corsini Neri Corsini. All this, along with various news and information cited by the distorted complex inspection in his ruling on the Masonic Lodge Filurrentana, historian calls to the reservation in the evaluation of the importance of the Romanian document.
As for Providus document issued by Pope Benedict XIV in the May 18, 1751, has especially targeted the Masonic lodge in Naples and was frequented by a number of strangers from the city and Catholicism. The prevailing mentality of Catholics all the time, the fear of a secret meeting, and the denial of each meeting to join the Catholic elements of a strange, Inclaikaneh, or Protestant or even Jewish.
With this in mind that the forums Ireland into submission, in that era, she was working on the house and the protection of Catholic priests prosecuted in the United Kingdom, prompted by the spirit of tolerance based on respect for belief in every human, and while in Rome it was not uncommon at that time believe that a behavioral Chronicles and the virtues of a current, outside the limits of complete obedience to the Church and the Romanian Bashraúaha absolute compliance. From here the charge to the Masonic and religious indifference atheistic tendency, supported by the fear of such confidentiality restrictions in its constitution, and what can the resulting actions suspicious.
It was clear from court documents in Mahmkh inspection of the Covenant, which worked on the lesson a Jose. Freer Benmela, the Masons defendants agreed unanimously to speak out always that Mhafelhm, “I have not spoken with did not work contrary to the Catholic faith and good morals,” and that oath-known addresses “of all that could undermine the faith and morality and that this does not fall under the password.”
Given that the parliaments of France in Paris and the provinces did not record the documents issued by the Holy See, did not abide by the Catholics of France remained some of the goodness of priests and monks are reluctant to Masonic lodges and staying with her good relations.
In the nineteenth century, in the wake of the French Revolution, many marginal groups formed under the secrecy of Masonry, to plot against the throne, the royal or imperial. But most of the Masonic lodges remained, in agreement with the ruling authorities, just to meetings of fraternal clubs and humanity. But the feelings of address of the revolution and Althrip doctrines of liberalism, and it seemed the complicity of some Masonic lodges with the objectors to the principle of papal authority in time, all that called upon the Pope Gurgoris XVI and Pius IX and Leo XIII to adopt the positions contained in the instruments of Clement XII and Benedict XIV. All of these documents to the droplet landing ends campus “to those who register their names in the Shiite … Masonic funeral or other similar are conspiring against the Church or the legitimate civil authorities, in a way open or hidden.”
2 – the legal right
In his letter, General Humanum genus, issued April 20, 1884, proved to Pope Leo XIII some guidance with regard to dealing with Freemasonry. The Holy Synod announced in the May 10, 1884, an official explanation of the content of those instructions, and how the practical application:
“What is constant is above all aimed at the campus … the Masonic sects that conspire against the Church and to the legitimate civil authorities, whether key Avi has done it or in public, and whether to follow section Avredt save password or not imposed.” 10
This text identifies the item against the Constitution of 2235 of the legal right, as announced by Pope Benedict XV in 1917, which still applies today:
“Those who register their names in the Shia in Freemasonry or other groups resembling conspire against the Church or the legitimate civil authorities already Istoajabun himself, saved the Temple of the Holy See.”
However, the legal right to the same shows that “the punishment prescribed in the Law does not require, but if the check appointment under the text” literally the law “(item 2228) is well known that all that has to do with the penalties and Altadibat should be interpreted generally exclusive, and therefore justify the conclusion legitimately that the campus provided item 2235 applies only to those who join the “funeral of Freemasonry and others are plotting against the Church and civil authorities of legitimacy.” Given that some forums Great Kmahvl greatest English or Forum greatest French national, to deny to follow, are assertive and on the basis of its laws, “all what can be considered intrigue to the Church or legitimate civil authorities, “it is clear that such events do not fall under the campus.
3 – position of compound faith
This was confirmed by Sabre Cardinal Seper, the President of Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, in a book and point to the Cardinal Krol Krol, President of the Council of Bishops in the United States on September 19 in 1974:
«Archbishop of many inquired mandatory for this complex and the meaning of item 2235 of the Bill of legal right that prevents the Catholics, under the campus, to join the Masons or other similar groups. The Holy See has repeatedly consulted, while researching this issue in the long episcopal conferences on a special way this dilemma, so that generally surrounds the best course of those groups and activity, and stands on the opinion of the bishops ».
«However, large discrepancies between the answers, which reflects the differing situations in each country, the Holy See can not switch from general legislation pasture yet. So this legislation remains in force until the competent authorities of the Pontifical publish the new legal right ».
«Like in special cases should be recalled that the disciplinary code should be interpreted generally always exclusive. And then Fbalamkan to know more secure, and apply the opinion of those who say that the 2235 target item only Catholics who join groups are opposed to the truth of the Church ».
«It remains always and in all circumstances prohibited the clergy, monks and members of secular institutions that join the group regardless of the Masonic» 11.
This has made it clear the bishops of England in the plenary session (11 to November 14, 1974), and within the scope of their powers, their opinion in a statement Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith:
The bishops of England and the gals have taken note of this guidance, and Perhaps they tried to explain the situation to be taken in their country, pending renewal formula canon law of the year.
“We have a Catholic to consider himself, above all, a member of the Catholic Church and inspired by the point of his life the Christian Church and his Christianity. But if you saw, faithful to his allegiance to Freemasonry does not contradict this loyalty deeper, they can contact Bmatarana by a priest of his subjects, to discuss the evidence This sense of belonging. and of course, must be considered as local conditions. and the Catholic, which broke away in the past for the church to become a Mason, he must seek reconciliation with them. “12
Not the mission of the Church to govern the legality of the Masonic lodges, and was due to see you today, all schools of thought worthy of the Masonic church the previous convictions.
Sources and commentary
(1) the owners of any Cah trowels
(2) the forum in the language of Freemasonry is the place to meet members of the Masonic group. The
Each forum President, President, heads the top of the forums is called “teacher forums”
(3) Colonel Shadwel H. Clerke, Grand Secretaire de la Grande Loge d’Angleterre, 12 Janvier, 1885
4 (based Permanent: Neuilly – Sur – Seine, 65, Bd Bineau
(5) permanent headquarters: 5, rue Cadet, Paris
(6) permanent headquarters: 8, rue de Puteaux, Paris
(7) permanent headquarters: 5, rue Jules – Breton, Paris
(8) oversees this magazine Jesuits in Italy.
(9) José A. Ferrer Benimelli, Masonnerria, Iglesia y illustracion, Madrid,
1975-1977
(10) A A S 17,43 – 47, Fontes C I C, n. 1086
(11) Doc. Catholique 20 Oct, 1974, p. 856
(12) Doc. Catholique 19 Jan, 1975, p. 88
By Bishop Habib Basha