The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra has reiterated its stance on its members being members of the Freemason.
According to the church, its stance remains unchanged on the fact that none of its members can be a member of any masonic groups.
A statement titled ‘Catholics and Freemasonry’ and signed by Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie read, “You cannot be a true Catholic and a Freemason at the same time,” categorically stating the Catholic Church’s position on the matter.
The statement referred to November 26, 1983, Declaration on Masonic Associations where the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, declared Masonic principles a mismatch with Catholic teachings.
“Membership in Masonic associations remains forbidden. The faithful who join Freemasonry are in a state of grave sin and are prohibited from receiving Holy Communion,” November 26, 1983, Declaration on Masonic Associations read.
The church stated instances where Freemasonry denied the uniqueness of Christ in its practices.
Such practices referred to by the church included the Freemasonry’s tendency to equate Jesus Christ with other religious figures, such as Buddha and Confucius, and its practice of addressing prayers to the “Great Architect of the Universe” rather than through Christ.
See statement:
