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The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra has said that membership in Masonic associations is irreconcilable with the Catholic doctrine.

The Church has reiterated its longstanding position prohibiting its members from associating with Freemasonry.

According to the church, one cannot claim to be a true Catholic and a Freemason at the same time since the church has not changed its position on Freemasonry.

In a statement issued by the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, titled “Catholics and Freemasonry” and signed by the Metropolitan Archbishop, the Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, the Church clarified that it has no association with Freemasonry.

In addressing the question on whether or not, the Church had reconsidered its stance on the practice, it stated that “the answer is simply ‘No.’ The Church has not changed its position on Freemasons. You can’t be a true Catholic and a Freemason at the same time.”

The document traces the Church’s position back to November 26, 1983, when the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith released the Declaration on Masonic Associations.

That declaration stated that “Masonic principles are irreconcilable with the doctrine of the Church, and Catholic membership in Freemasonry remains forbidden.”

It further detailed that such persons who associate themselves with Freemasonry have committed a “grave sin” and may not be eligible to receive the “Holy Communion.”

“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,” the document contained in some part.

The Archdiocese also condemned Freemasonry for promoting ideas that allegedly undermine Christianity.

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

Below is the full statement.