Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie
The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra has firmly reaffirmed the Church’s position on Freemasonry, declaring that Catholics cannot simultaneously be true members of the Church and Freemasons.
In a press statement signed by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Reverend John Bonaventure Kwofie, the Archdiocese reminded members of the church about their stance on Freemasonry.
“My dearly beloved, in recent times, there has been a surge on whether the Catholic Church has changed her position regarding her teaching concerning Freemasons. The answer is simply “No”. The Church has not changed her position on Freemasons. You can’t be a true Catholic and a Freemason at the same time”, it stated.
They also expressed particular concern for young Catholics, emphasising that many need to understand the importance of this teaching and follow the guidance of the Church, especially at a time when some are presenting Freemasonry as an association worth joining.
The Church’s guidance, the Archdiocese pointed out, is crucial in shaping the values of the younger generation, with Proverbs 22:6 serving as a key reminder.
“As a Church, the words of Proverbs 22:6, are of great importance in moulding our younger generation, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
“On November 26, 1983, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in the document called “Declaration on Masonic Associations” declared that “Masonic principles are irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church, and that Catholic membership in Freemasonry remains forbidden”, it noted.
It has also emphatically stated that Catholics are prohibited from joining Masonic organisations, emphasising the spiritual consequences for those who do.
“Catholics who are Freemasons are, therefore, in grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion. I quote from the Declaration, ‘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 enroll in Masonic associations are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion,” parts of the statement read.
Read the full statement below:
JKB/EB
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