The Accra Catholic Archdiocese has restated its long-standing stance that its adherents are not allowed to associate with Freemasonry.
The Church emphasized that membership in Masonic societies is incompatible with Catholic theology and clarified that its teachings on the subject are unaltered in an official statement titled “Catholics and Freemasonry,” which was signed by the Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie.
In response to inquiries regarding whether the Church had changed its position on Freemasonry, the statement categorically stated,
“The answer is simply ‘No.’ The Church has not changed its position on Freemasons. You can’t be a true Catholic and a Freemason at the same time.”
The document traces the Church’s position back to November 26, 1983, when the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith released the Declaration on Masonic Associations
This declaration stated that “Masonic principles are irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church, and Catholic membership in Freemasonry remains forbidden.”
“Therefore the Church’s negative judgment in regard to Masonic association remains unchanged since their principles have always been considered irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church and therefore membership in them remains forbidden. The faithful who enrol in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion,”
Part of the paper reads.
Catholics who join Masonic organizations commit a serious sin and are not allowed to receive Holy Communion, the letter cautioned.
The statement goes on to list particular instances in which Catholic teachings and Freemasonry diverge. It noted that Freemasonry frequently addresses prayers to the “Great Architect of the Universe” rather than to Christ, equating Jesus Christ with other religious leaders like Buddha, Krishna, and Confucius. This is seen by the Church as a rejection of Christ’s special divinity and role in salvation.
Additionally, Freemasonry was denounced by the Archdiocese for spreading beliefs that are said to be in opposition to Christianity.
“Freemasonry wants the destruction of Christianity, and no one can claim to be a proud Catholic and a Freemason,” the statement added.
