Can Masons be Members of Knights of Columbus?

Edit: we'd earlier identified a possible cooperative action between the Knights of Columbus and the Masons, where a pancake breakfast benefit sponsored by the Masonic Lodge was being permitted at a Knights of Columbus Hall, giving the very clear idea that they were cooperating and approving of each others aims and goals.

In an October version of a Knights of Columbus circular flier in 2008, there was this admonition on the bottom, really more of a CYA after the fact.  How many Knights have actually read it at the bottom of the page?

James Terwedo is the Knights Counsel (who is listed as the contact person in the 2008 explanation) and is the same one who made the incredible argument that since the Knights don't technically own their brick and mortar that they'd have to rent them to homosexual organizations as long as they don't overtly oppose Church teaching.

In any event, it's interesting that Mr. Terwedo was aware of the prohibition against Knights belonging to the Masonic Lodge in the context of the planned  benefit.  What follows is the excerpt from the Knight's flier:

Can Masons be members of the Knights of Columbus?  The answer is no!
Why not?  Because, the constitution of the Masons is in conflict  with the
precepts of the Catholic Church.  In order to be a member of the Knights of
Columbus, a person must be a practical Catholic in union with the Holy See.
The Holy See is the Vatican.  A person can be a practicing Catholic, ie goes to
church, takes communion, etc., but not necessarily be a practical Catholic.  A
person who is a Mason can not be a practical Catholic because he belongs to an
organization that has a written constitution contrary to the teachings of the
Catholic Church. A Catholic who is a Mason can resign his membership in the
Masons and thereby become eligible to become a KC. Most of us know some
good Christians who are our neighbors, fishing buddies, relatives, etc. and they
are Masons.  But even Catholic Masons, can not join the Knights of Columbus.
If you have any questions, please contact State Advocate, Jim Terwedo at 952-
492-2800. 

Knights of Columbus and Masons Have Pancake Breakfast!

Update: State Advocate for the Minnesota Knights of Columbus made the following disingenuous statement: "We would allow gay and lesbian use of the KC Hall as long as they were not publicly opposing church teaching."

Perhaps the folks at CPCSM would be interested in renting a hall in the future, or perhaps the Ku Klux Klan?

You can call Mr. Terwedo at (952) 492-2200. 



Edit:  Isn't it great when two fraternal organizations whose mutual association would be frowned upon by the Catholic Church, look past all that to break bread in an official capacity?

FYI, from then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger via here:

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. 4 .

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 English translation from Latin. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, Prefect. Father Jerome Hamer, O.P., Titular Archbishop of Lorium, Secretary."Declaration of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith"; 26 November 1983.5 .

This is from "Minnesota Masons Facebook Page':

Templar Lodge No. 176 in St. Louis Park is hosting a special fundraising event for their Master, W. Brother Scott Anderson. Scott is 42 years old and recently suffered two strokes. 

The medical bills are high and the lodge is trying to raise some money and then go to the Grand Lodge for some matching funds in an effort to help him out.

The pancake breakfast is on Sunday, August 12th, 9:00 a.m. until ...1:00 p.m. At the Marian hall, Knights of Columbus, 1114 American Boulevard West, Bloomington. Cost is $7.00 a plate and includes pancakes, sausage, milk and juice. 

Can’t make it but you would still like to contribute? Please feel free to send a donation to Templar Lodge No. 176 Secretary Michael Dunn, 7400 Beard Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443-3534. 

Thank you for your consideration.
Doug --
Douglas Campbell - Grand Secretary - Grand Lodge of Minnesota 

Mason photo credit: The Pennsylvania Freemason 
Pancake Photo Credit: consumer news.


Direct Complaints to:


Knights of Columbus Headquarters
1 Columbus Plaza
New Haven, CT 06510
(203) 752-4000