The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra has reaffirmed its long-standing position that prohibits its members from associating with Freemasonry. In an official statement titled “Catholics and Freemasonry,” signed by Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, the Church clarified that its teachings on this issue remain unchanged. It emphasized that membership in Masonic organizations is incompatible with Catholic doctrine.
The statement, which addresses whether the Church had reconsidered its stance on Freemasonry, declared unequivocally, “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,” the document reads in part.
The statement cautioned that Catholics who join Masonic organizations commit a serious sin and are ineligible to receive Holy Communion. It further explained specific areas where Freemasonry conflicts with Catholic teachings. The Church highlighted that Freemasonry often equates Jesus Christ with other religious figures, such as Buddha, Krishna, and Confucius, and encourages prayers to the “Great Architect of the Universe” rather than addressing them through Christ. The Church views this practice as a denial of Christ’s unique divinity and central role in salvation.
The Archdiocese also condemned Freemasonry for promoting ideas that allegedly undermine Christianity. “Freemasonry wants the destruction of Christianity, and no one can claim to be a proud Catholic and a Freemason,” the statement added.
Below is the statement.
By: Kabah Atawoge
