In a letter addressed to the people of God, the Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp., Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, has reiterated the Catholic Church’s longstanding position on Freemasonry, emphasizing that no changes have been made to its teachings regarding the organization.
“Therefore Catholics are banned from all forms of Freemansonry,” he said in the letter released on Sunday, January 26, 2025
The letter comes due to the recent conversations around Freemasonry’s compatibility with Catholic beliefs, particularly among the youth in the Catholic church.
Archbishop Kwofie in his letter urged the faithful to remain vigilant and adhere to the Church’s doctrine, stating that, “You can’t be a true Catholic and a Freemason at the same time.”
Citing the “Declaration on Masonic Associations” issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith on November 26, 1983, the Archbishop reaffirmed that “Masonic principles are irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church,” and that Catholics who engage in Masonic activities are in a state of “grave sin” and prohibited from receiving Holy Communion.
Archbishop Kwofie also highlighted specific tenets of Freemasonry that contradict Catholic teachings, including the organization’s treatment of Jesus Christ, whom they place at the same level with other religious figures such as Buddha and Krishna.
In the letter, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie criticized the Masonic practice of omitting prayers through Christ and instead addressing a “Great Architect of the Universe,” asserting that such beliefs threaten the very foundation of Christianity.
The letter stated, “. Yes, freemasonry wants the destruction of Christianity, and no one can claim to be a proud Catholic and a Freemason.”
As the Church celebrates the 2025 Sunday of the Word of God today January 26, Archbishop Kwofie underscored the importance of adhering to biblical teachings, reminding the faithful of Matthew 6:24: “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 is therefore urging all Catholics to reject all forms of Freemasonry and to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit in their spiritual journeys.
By Veronica Sena Amenya//Newswatchgh.com
