Having been involved in the Knights of Columbus for 15 years, I have wondered why the organization is not canonical in nature? i.e., approved by the Catholic Church. In rereading "Parish Priest Father Michael McGivney and American Catholicism, I think I found my answer.
In 1885 when the K of C had some 50 Councils and was growing rapidly, the editor of the Connecticut Catholic John Scanlon, referred to the K of C in an editorial as a "secret society". This prompted a letter from an anonymous priest named Clericus who asked Scanlon to specify why he had labeled K of C as "secret". Canon law forbids Catholics from joining secret societies.
Scanlon replied that the K of C in his mind was a secret society since it was a business and a business, particularly insurance, had to have its secrets. Furthermore since it was gotten up for a good purpose, the mere fact of secrecy does not bring condemnation to any society.
This exchange stirred Fr Michael McGivney to respond with his own letter to the editor. ..."It is an Order composed of Catholics and instituted for the welfare of Catholic families...It has no connection whatever with the Church, except that Catholic priests are among its members and Catholic Priests, whether members or not, can attend any of the meetings...the Order did not ask for nor does it need the approbation of the authorities of the diocese..." He signed the letter as Founder of the Knights of Columbus. Hence, the K of C was never intended by Fr McGivney to be part of the Church owing to the nature of its specific purpose and business activities
Clearer now.
In 1885 when the K of C had some 50 Councils and was growing rapidly, the editor of the Connecticut Catholic John Scanlon, referred to the K of C in an editorial as a "secret society". This prompted a letter from an anonymous priest named Clericus who asked Scanlon to specify why he had labeled K of C as "secret". Canon law forbids Catholics from joining secret societies.
Scanlon replied that the K of C in his mind was a secret society since it was a business and a business, particularly insurance, had to have its secrets. Furthermore since it was gotten up for a good purpose, the mere fact of secrecy does not bring condemnation to any society.
This exchange stirred Fr Michael McGivney to respond with his own letter to the editor. ..."It is an Order composed of Catholics and instituted for the welfare of Catholic families...It has no connection whatever with the Church, except that Catholic priests are among its members and Catholic Priests, whether members or not, can attend any of the meetings...the Order did not ask for nor does it need the approbation of the authorities of the diocese..." He signed the letter as Founder of the Knights of Columbus. Hence, the K of C was never intended by Fr McGivney to be part of the Church owing to the nature of its specific purpose and business activities
Clearer now.
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