Freemasonry is not anti-Christian, according to Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who has denied accusations that his membership goes against Christian principles.
His remarks come after the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference voiced concerns and recently reaffirmed the Church’s long-standing stance that Freemasonry and Catholicism cannot coexist.
“The Church has always maintained that Freemasonry is incompatible with the teachings of Christ and the Church,” the Church said in a letter signed by Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani and President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
In an interview with Channel One TV, Afenyo-Markin stated that he was open to discussing the topic with Church authorities but stressed that he had not heard from the Catholic Church in writing.
“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,” he said.
The Effutu MP went on to say that he would choose between staying Catholic and joining the Anglican Church if the Church took a strong stance against his participation in Freemasonry.
“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.”
Additionally, Afenyo-Markin said that many Catholics are reluctant to publicly acknowledge their Freemason affiliation, but he was unafraid of this.
I’m a devout Catholic. I’m prepared to talk about the fraternities I belong to. I wouldn’t have brought it up if I was scared. Many Catholics who are Freemasons are reluctant to discuss their membership.
In Ghana, the controversy surrounding Christianity and Freemasonry continues to spark conversations in both public and religious sectors.
Source: newsthemegh.com