The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra has reiterated its firm stance that Catholics cannot simultaneously be members of the Church and Freemasonry. In a pastoral letter signed by Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, C.S.Sp., the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, the Church declared,
“You can’t be a true Catholic and a Freemason at the same time.” The statement comes amid growing discussions about the compatibility of Catholicism with Freemasonry.
Archbishop Kwofie explained that the teachings and principles of Freemasonry are irreconcilable with Catholic doctrine, citing the 1983 Declaration on Masonic Associations by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
This document explicitly forbids Catholics from joining Freemasonry, describing it as “grave sin,” and barring those affiliated from receiving Holy Communion. The letter also criticized Masonic teachings for distorting Christianity, claiming that Freemasonry denigrates Jesus Christ and the core tenets of the Catholic faith.
The Archbishop further referenced biblical guidance, quoting Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters… You will hate one and love the other.” He urged young Catholics, in particular, to be cautious of organizations or associations that contradict the teachings of the Church, warning that Freemasonry poses a direct threat to their spiritual growth.
This declaration comes in the wake of a controversial vetting session for George Opare Addo, the nominee for Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, during which he openly admitted to being a Freemason. When asked by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to clarify his association with Freemasonry, Opare Addo confidently stated, “Yes, I’m a Mason. Amity is my mother. I place my trust in the grand architect of the universe. I’m a Freemason.”
Opare Addo’s confirmation has reignited conversations about the role of secret societies in Ghanaian governance and the broader implications of such affiliations for leadership in a predominantly Christian nation.
The Catholic Church’s position directly addresses such scenarios, emphasizing that Catholics in positions of authority must adhere to the principles of their faith. Archbishop Kwofie’s letter serves as a reminder to Catholic leaders and public servants to prioritize their faith above associations that conflict with their beliefs.
