The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra has reiterated its long-standing prohibition on its members associating with Freemasonry.
In a statement titled “Catholics and Freemasonry,” Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, clarified that the Church’s teachings on the matter remain unchanged.
“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 statement read.
The document referenced the 1983 Declaration on Masonic Associations, which 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 statement warned that Catholics who join Masonic associations commit a grave sin and are ineligible to receive Holy Communion.
It also outlined specific areas where Freemasonry conflicts with Catholic teachings, particularly in regards to the unique divinity and centrality of Christ in salvation.
The Church views Freemasonry’s practices, such as equating Jesus Christ with other religious figures, as a denial of the unique divinity and centrality of Christ in salvation.
Additionally, the Archdiocese 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.
The Archdiocese maintains that being a true Catholic and a Freemason are mutually exclusive.