You can’t be a true Catholic and a Freemason at the same time – Catholic Archdiocese of Accra

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 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 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.

He added: “Freemasonry wants the destruction of Christianity, and no one can claim to be a proud Catholic and a Freemason.”

Catholic Faith vs. Freemasonry

The Archbishop criticised Freemasonry’s approach to religious texts, which places the Bible on the same level as other religious writings. He described this as “absolutely preposterous” and quoted Matthew 6:24 to emphasise the incompatibility: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”

He further noted that Catholics who become Freemasons are in grave sin and are therefore barred from receiving Holy Communion.

Call for adherence

Archbishop Kwofie urged Catholics, particularly young adults, to seek guidance from the Church and adhere to its teachings. “Many of our Catholics, especially the Young Adults, need to know this and follow the Church for direction, especially at a time when some people are presenting Freemasonry as an association worth being affiliated to,” he said.

The Archbishop concluded by encouraging Catholics to remain steadfast in their faith and to rely on the Holy Spirit for enlightenment: “Let us kindly take note of this, and may the Holy Spirit continue to enlighten us to follow His path.”