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You can’t be a true Catholic and a Freemason at the same time- Catholic Archdiocese of Accra
The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra has reaffirmed its longstanding prohibition against members associating with Freemasonry, emphasising that such affiliations are incompatible with Catholic doctrine.
In an official statement titled “Catholics and Freemasonry” and signed by Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, the Church made clear that its position remains unchanged.
The statement unequivocally 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.”
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The Church’s stance is rooted in the 1983 Declaration on Masonic Associations issued by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
This document stated that “Masonic principles are irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church, and Catholic membership in Freemasonry remains forbidden.”
The Archdiocese underscored that Catholics who join Masonic associations commit a grave sin and are barred from receiving Holy Communion.
The statement highlighted key theological conflicts between Catholicism and Freemasonry, including the Masonic practice of equating Jesus Christ with other religious figures such as Buddha, Krishna, and Confucius.
Additionally, Freemasonry’s reference to a deity called the “Great Architect of the Universe” without recognition of Christ’s centrality was cited as a denial of Christ’s unique role in salvation.
The Church also accused Freemasonry of promoting ideas that undermine Christianity. “Freemasonry wants the destruction of Christianity, and no one can claim to be a proud Catholic and a Freemason,” the statement asserted.
The Archdiocese’s reaffirmation comes in response to growing questions about whether the Church had softened its stance. However, the statement leaves no room for ambiguity, urging Catholics to remain steadfast in their faith and avoid associations that conflict with Church teachings.
The Archdiocese concluded by encouraging the faithful to seek spiritual guidance if in doubt and to prioritise their commitment to the teachings of Christ above all else.
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