Freemason

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Vatican Reminds Catholics Freemasonry Is Banned

Church believes those Catholics who join are in a state of 'grave sin'

(Newser) - In 1738, Pope Clement XII declared Freemasonry an excommunicable offense, and the Catholic Church's position hasn't softened much since then. The Vatican this week confirmed its ban on Catholics becoming Freemasons, a secretive and ritualistic society with an estimated 6 million members worldwide. "Active membership in Freemasonry...

'Secret Fraternity' May Have Scuttled Titanic Inquiry

Freemasons played big role in investigation, says 'Telegraph'

(Newser) - Britain's official Titanic inquiry has already been called a "whitewash"—but was it a conspiracy of Freemasons? A recently revealed list of two million Freemasons shows that members of their fraternity played a big role in the controversial investigation, the Telegraph reports. On the list are John...

Dig Finds Washington's Home (No Cherry Tree)

Archaeologists excavate boyhood home of founding father

(Newser) - Archaeologists have found the childhood home of George Washington, the New York Times reports—and despite the popular legend, there's no cherry tree anywhere on the premises. Researchers describe the founding father's Virginia digs as “a very nice gentry house” sporting eight rooms—not the simple cottage pictured in...

Modern-Day Masons: 'Chic'?
 Modern-Day Masons: 'Chic'? 
May 17, 2008 2:27 PM CDT

Modern-Day Masons: 'Chic'?

It's not your father's stonecutters filling the lodges

(Newser) - The masons are back. After decades of dwindling membership, the world’s most open secret society is enjoying a renaissance—mostly because it’s become less secretive. Freemasons are forbidden from seeking new members, but their rules say nothing about websites: Thanks to Internet publicity, more men are signing up,...

Italy Acquits Five in "God's Banker" Murder

Judge cites insufficient evidence in 25-year-old mafia hanging

(Newser) - A judge in Rome exonerated five suspects on trial for the 1982 murder of Roberto Calvi, citing a lack of evidence. Calvi—known as "God's banker" for his closeness to the Vatican— was found hanged under Blackfriars Bridge in London in a presumed suicide. Newly discovered forensic evidence led...

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