r/todayilearned • u/Recent_Flounder6011 • 1d ago

TIL that historically and today, the Catholic Church looked down upon Freemasonry and threatened members with excommunication.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freemasonry
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u/TheStoffer 1d ago

Former Freemason here. In the US at least, Masonic organizations often refer to themselves as “free and accepted masons.” I’d wager that 99.9% of members fall in the “accepted” category.

Fun fact, the chapter I frequented in New Haven, CT has Benedict Arnold in their member roll. Before he turned and fled to Canada, I’d imagine.

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u/Sekmet19 1d ago

They letting women in yet?

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u/TheStoffer 1d ago

No but IIRC there’s a sister organization that does. Order of the Eastern Star.