Anti-Masonic Movements
From About Freemasons
Although there is no single, centralized movement that opposes Freemasonry, there are many political groups, individuals, and religious groups who are opposed to Freemasonry. Anti-Masonry sentiment began as early as the 1700s, when exposes and anti-Freemason tracts were first published. From that time, some of the Anti-Masonry sentiments that have been expressed have been based on misinformation or on deliberate hoaxes. In some cases, Anti-Masonry sentiment was based on honest misunderstanding of Freemasonry.
Anti-Masonry from religious groups
Some organized religions – notably Evangelical Christianity, theocratic states, and certain Roman Catholic groups – oppose Freemasonry. In many cases, these groups claim that Freemasonry is not compatible with or poses a competition to religion. In other cases, the groups struggle with the notion that Freemasonry demands that Masons believe in a supreme being. These groups sometimes claim that this belief is not compatible with orthodox religion, which is based on a belief in a specific supreme being. Some religious groups believe that Freemasonry is a religious group or even an occult and thus exerts an evil power over members. As a result some religious groups ban their members from being Masons or discourage them from becoming Masons.
The Roman Catholic Church first began opposing Freemasonry in 1738, when Pope Clement XII's In Eminenti objected to Freemasonry. The Church has often reiterated the belief that Freemasonry promotes a naturalistic, deistic belief that is not compatible with Catholic faith. The most recent Anti-Masonry proclamation from the Church was Pope Leo XIII's Ab Apostolici in 1890. The 1917 Code of Canon Law stated that automatic excommunication awaited anyone who joined the Freemasons.
Protestant groups, on the other hand, generally have objected to Freemasonry by claiming that Freemasonry is linked to mysticism, occultism, and in some cases, Satanism. The Church of England has historically not opposed Freemasonry and some Bishops have been Freemasons, but in recent years Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has made some comments that may be seen as Anti-Masonry.
Islamic anti-Masonic sentiment stems from the belief that Freemasonry is somehow connected to Judaism, Zionism, or Dajjal. Therefore, some of the Anti-Masonry sentiments are distinctly anti-Semitic. Despite this, many countries with Muslim populations – including Turkey, Malaysia, Morocco, Lebanon, and Egypt have established lodges.
Anti-Masonic sentiment and political groups
Some political groups – notably dictatorships – have opposed Freemasonry in the belief that lodges might promote or not oppose rebellion. Groups on the far right (Nazi politicians in Germany) and the far left (Communism) have been especially vocal in their anti-Masonic sentiments. In some countries, however, anti-Masonic sentiments are closely linked to anti-Zionism or Anti-Semitic movements. For example, in the 1980s, Saddam Hussein made it illegal for Iraqis to promote any Zionist sentiments, and he included Freemasonry as one of these Zionist principles. In modern times, even some democratic groups oppose Freemasonry, assuming that Masons network among each other for gain or to initiate shady business deals.
Individuals have also opposed Freemasonry in the belief that Freemasonry is either interested in controlling world politics or already controls politics. These anti-Masonic initials often point to the many politicians with Masonic affiliation as “proof” of their theories.
Women and Freemasonry
While many anti-Masonic sentiments are based on mistruths or lack of understanding, it is easier, perhaps, to understand the criticisms leveled against Freemasonry by some feminists. Since 1723, Freemasonry has been exclusively open to men. While some female orders have been established, regular lodges remain closed to women.
