The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra has reaffirmed its firm stance against its members associating with Freemasonry.
In an official statement titled “Catholics and Freemasonry,” signed by Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, the Church made it clear that its teachings on the matter remain unchanged.
It stressed that membership in Masonic associations is fundamentally incompatible with Catholic doctrine.
Addressing questions about whether the Church had reconsidered its position, the statement declared, “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 Church’s position dates back to November 26, 1983, when the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued the Declaration on Masonic Associations.
This declaration stated, “Masonic principles are irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church, and Catholic membership in Freemasonry remains forbidden.”
The document further warned that Catholics who join Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and, as such, are not permitted to receive Holy Communion.
The statement also highlighted areas where Freemasonry conflicts with Catholic teachings. It noted that Freemasonry often equates Jesus Christ with other religious figures, such as Buddha, Krishna, and Confucius, while directing prayers to the “Great Architect of the Universe” instead of through Christ.
The Church considers this a rejection of Christ’s unique divinity and central role in salvation. Additionally, the Archdiocese criticised Freemasonry for promoting ideologies it claims are designed to undermine Christianity.
“Freemasonry wants the destruction of Christianity, and no one can claim to be a proud Catholic and a Freemason,” the statement added.
Read the full statement below:
