The Catholic Church has reaffirmed its stance against Freemasonry, emphasizing that Catholics cannot be members of the organization.
In a statement issued by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev John Bonaventure Kwofie C.S.Sp, the Church reiterated its teaching that Freemasonry is incompatible with Catholic doctrine.
The statement cited a 1983 document from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which declared that “Masonic principles are irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church, and that Catholic membership in Freemasonry remains forbidden”.
According to the statement, Catholics who are members of Freemasonry are in a state of grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion.
“Catholics who are Freemasons are, therefore, in grave sin and may not receive Holy Communion”.
The statement however quote from the declaration which stressed that “Therefore the Church’s negative judgment in regard to Masonic association remains unchanged since their principles have been considered irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church and therefore membership in them remains forbidden”.
The Archbishop highlighted several tenets of Freemasonry that contradict Catholic teachings, including the denigration of Jesus Christ and the omission of prayers through Christ.
“Some tenets of Freemasonry contradict the teachings of the Catholic Church. Let me present some examples of this point. The Masons have denigrated Jesus Christ our Lord, and God, and have put him at the same level as Buddha, Krishna, Confucius, etc. Prayers through Christ are omitted and addressed to the Great Architect of the Universe.
The statement added “Yes, Freemasonry wants the destruction of Christianity, and no one can claim to be a proud Catholic and a Freemason”.
The statement emphasized that Catholics cannot serve two masters, referencing Matthew 6:24, which states, “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”.
The Catholic Church has consistently taught that Freemasonry is incompatible with Catholicism, and the statement serves as a reminder to Catholics of the Church’s stance on the matter.
The Archbishop concluded by urging Catholics to follow the Church’s teachings and to be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Isaac Bediako
