(ZENIT News / Washington, DC, 25.01.2025).-A Masonic Lodge of the United States announced former President Joe Biden’s adherence to it on January 19.
The Controversy Around Joe Biden: His Joining of Freemasonry and the Questioning of His Catholic Identity
The announcement that U.S. President Joe Biden officially joined the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge in South Carolina on January 19 of this year has generated intense debate in religious and political circles. This decision again puts at the center attention on the historical tensions between the Catholic Church and Masonry, as well as Biden’s role as leader that, despite saying he is a practicing Catholic, has been questioned for his political positions and decisions.
_PNG.png)
Masonry and Catholicism: A Secular Conflict
For centuries the Catholic Church has maintained its forceful stance against Freemasonry. In 1821 Pope Pius VII described secret societies as “a cancer for society.” Subsequently, Pope Leo XII reiterated this condemnation. More recently, in 1983, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, headed by the then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, reaffirmed that Masonic principles are “incompatible with the Doctrine of the Church” and warned that faithful that join Masonry commit a grave sin and cannot receive Communion.”
In November 2023, Pope Francis reinforced this position with a letter addressed to Bishop Julito Cortes, emphasizing that Catholics – including clergymen – that participate formally in Masonry are under the dispositions of this declaration.
A Contradiction in Biden’s Faith?
Biden’s adherence to a Masonic Lodge has been interpreted by many as a confirmation of the criticisms that point him out as a “false Catholic.” During his mandate, Biden supported progressive policies that included the defense of abortion, unions between same-sec persons under the name of “marriage” and euthanasia, topics that are directly opposed to Catholic Doctrine. Moreover, his role in approving the sending of weapons to areas of conflict has been questioned by religious sectors, which accuse him of promoting “death policies.”
Although Biden has been praised on several occasions by Pope Francis, those that criticize him expect a firmer position by the U.S. Episcopal Conference and the Vatican given this latest event.
Beyond Symbolism: The Political and Religious Implications
Biden’s relationship with Masonry also poses questions on the balance between his personal beliefs and his responsibilities as leader of a diverse nation. For his detractors, his adherence to the Prince Hall Lodge is proof of his spiritual incongruence and how that affected his political decisions when he was President.
_JPG.jpg)
Biden’s Resolution of Membership
* * *
Resolution of Membership – President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
It is with great pleasure that I, Victor C. Major 27th The Most Worshipful Grand Master, welcome our newest member to the Prince Hall Family. On Sunday, January 19, 2025 at a private event, Master Mason membership with full honors were conferred upon President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. in recognition of his outstanding service to the United States of America.
RESOLUTION OF MEMBERSHIP
To be a Freemason is to be part of a brotherhood dedicated to personal growth, service to others, and the pursuit of knowledge and truth. It is an honor to belong to an organization that promotes these timeless values:
WHEREAS, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to the United States of America.
WHEREAS, his service reflects the core values of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of South Carolina, including brotherly love, relief, and truth.
WHEREAS, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. contributions have significantly benefited the citizens of the United States of America;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, 27th Most Worshipful Grand Master, Victor C. Major, on behalf of the members of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of South Carolina, hereby confer membership upon President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. in recognition of his outstanding service to the United States of America.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution of Membership be recorded in the archives of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of South Carolina.
GIVEN THIS 19th DAY OF January A.D. 2025
Victor C. Major
27th Most Worshipful Grand Master
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge
of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of South Carolina
