The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra has reiterated the Church’s position on Freemasonry, firmly stating that Catholics cannot be Freemasons and remain true to the Catholic faith.
In a statement issued by Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, the Church clarified that its stance on Freemasonry remains unchanged and that membership in Masonic associations is incompatible with Catholic doctrine.
“You can’t be a true Catholic and a Freemason at the same time,” the Archbishop stated, addressing concerns over whether the Church had revised its position on Freemasonry.
Church Doctrine on Freemasonry
The Archbishop referenced the 1983 document titled Declaration on Masonic Associations issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which explicitly forbids Catholic membership in Freemasonry.
Quoting from the document, he said: “The Church’s negative judgment in regard to Masonic associations 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 enroll in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion.”
The Archbishop also outlined key reasons for this stance, highlighting contradictions between Masonic principles and Catholic teachings.
“Masonic principles denigrate Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, placing Him on the same level as Buddha, Krishna, Confucius, and others. Prayers through Christ are omitted and instead addressed to the ‘Great Architect of the Universe,’” he explained.
