Catholics are banned from all forms of Freemasonry – Archdiocese of Accra
Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie,
The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra has firmly reiterated that Catholics cannot be Freemasons, emphasizing that Freemasonry is incompatible with the teachings of the Church.
In a recent statement signed by Archbishop John Bonaventure Kwofie, the Church addressed growing questions about whether its stance on Freemasonry has shifted. “The answer is simply ‘No.’ The Church has not changed her position on Freemasons. You can’t be a true Catholic and a Freemason at the same time,” the Archbishop stated.
Citing the Church’s long standing doctrine, Archbishop Kwofie referenced the 1983 “Declaration on Masonic Associations” issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The declaration unequivocally states that “Masonic principles are irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church, and that Catholic membership in Freemasonry remains forbidden.”
Catholics involved in Freemasonry are considered to be in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion.
The Archbishop outlined specific concerns about Freemasonry, including its practice of equating Jesus Christ with other religious figures and directing prayers to a figure called the “Great Architect of the Universe.”
“Yes, Freemasonry wants the destruction of Christianity, and no one can claim to be a proud Catholic and a Freemason.” He emphasized,
Quoting Matthew 6:24, Archbishop Kwofie reinforced the Church’s view ;”No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”
‘Therefore, Catholics are banned from all forms of Freemasonry’ He declared.
The statement follows the recent admission by George Opare Addo, a Youth Minister-nominee, during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee, that he is a Freemason. When questioned by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Opare Addo confirmed, “Yes, I’m a mason.”
He further described his faith by stating, “In all difficulties and dangers, I place my trust in the grand architect of the universe.”
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that uses rituals and symbols to teach moral lessons and emphasizes belief in a higher power, referred to as the “Grand Architect of the Universe.” It focus on values like charity and brotherhood.
By Joyce Kpeglo
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