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Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has strongly defended his membership in Freemasonry, dismissing claims that the organization is anti-Christian.
His response follows concerns raised by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference after he publicly declared, during a parliamentary vetting, that he is both a Catholic and a Freemason.
Catholic Church’s Position on Freemasonry
In a letter signed by Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani and President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the Church reaffirmed its long-standing stance against Freemasonry.
“The Church has always maintained that Freemasonry is incompatible with the teachings of Christ and the Church,” the letter stated.
Afenyo-Markin Open to Dialogue
Speaking in an interview with Bernard Avle on The Point of View on Channel One TV, Afenyo-Markin maintained that Freemasonry does not contradict Christian beliefs and expressed his readiness for a discussion on the issue.
“Freemasonry is not anti-Christ. If nothing at all, at the highest level of Masonry, you must profess Christ. People don’t know and people say things. But I’m ready for that debate. I have not been written to. If I receive a delegation from my church leaders for a conversation, we will have a good conversation.”
Decision on Catholicism or Anglicanism
The Effutu MP further stated that if the Catholic Church officially takes a stance against his involvement in Freemasonry, he would then decide whether to remain a Catholic or join the Anglican Church.
“My church first. The church doesn’t force people; the church shows compassion, listens, and shows love. My Archbishop, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, has not written any letter to me. I have been seeing letters flying, but nobody has written a letter to me personally.”
Catholic Freemasons Fear Public Scrutiny
Afenyo-Markin also pointed out that many Catholics who are Freemasons choose to keep their membership private, but he has no fear in openly discussing his affiliation.
“I’m a committed Catholic. I’m ready to discuss the fraternities that I join. If I was afraid, I wouldn’t have brought it up. There are many Catholics who are Freemasons and are afraid to talk about it.”
His comments continue to spark discussions on the intersection of faith and fraternal organizations in Ghana.