Yesterday, I received two calls from friends regarding Hon. George Opare Addo’s open acknowledgment of being a Freemason and his declaration that he is a Presbyterian during his vetting. One of them asked for my opinion, insisting it would be helpful for the Presbyterian Church of Ghana to issue a statement in response to Mr. Addo’s remarks.
Initially, I was unaware of the controversy and couldn’t understand why my friend was so persistent in his demand. He forwarded me a short video of the parliamentary vetting session where Hon. Afenyo Markins questioned Mr. Addo. The exchange went as follows:
- Hon. Markins: “Are you a Freemason?”
- Mr. Addo: “Yes.”
- Hon. Markins: “Who is your mother lodge?”
- Mr. Addo: “Abity.” (I don’t know if I got it right).
- Hon. Markins: “…In all difficulties and dangers, in whom do you place your trust?”
- Mr. Addo: “The Grand Great Architect of the Universe.”
- Hon. Markins: “…Tell this committee how active are you in the Presbyterian Church.”
- Mr. Addo: “Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am a Presbyterian, but I am not very active. I was baptized and confirmed in the Church, but I am not too active… Thank you.”
After watching the video, I struggled to see why the Presbyterian Church should issue a statement. Mr. Addo does not hold any leadership position in the Church, and his open declaration of being a member of the Freemason doesn’t hurt the Church or its image. While he was baptized and confirmed as a Presbyterian, his personal affiliation with Freemasonry and his limited participation in church activities raise questions about individual freedom and personal conscience rather than church accountability.
Many Christians indeed harbor reservations about Freemasonry. Some perceive it as a secretive society with rituals and philosophical beliefs conflicting with Christian teachings. Freemasonry’s reference to a “Supreme Being” as the “Great Architect of the Universe,” for example, has led to accusations of theological relativism, where all religions are viewed as equal pathways to God. Such concerns may provoke anxiety in church members who fear that Freemasonry undermines the exclusivity of salvation through Christ (John 14:16).
However, joining any organization, including Freemasonry, is a personal matter of conscience and choice. Mr. Addo, as an individual, has the freedom to align himself with any group he deems fit. Unless his membership actively harms or contradicts the core mission of the Presbyterian Church, the Church may not necessarily need to respond. After all, Mr. Addo’s statement reflected his personal choices, not a theological proclamation made on behalf of the Church.
Therefore, on the call, I asked my friend, “To what end must the Church issue a statement? What should it say?” Is the Church obligated to respond publicly whenever a member joins an organization that sparks controversy? Should the Church hold itself accountable for decisions made by individuals, particularly those who openly admit they are no longer active in the Church?
In this case, our dear Church might do better to reflect inwardly rather than issue a statement. Mr. Addo’s admission of inactivity in the Church is far more concerning than his Freemasonry membership. It raises critical questions:
- How effectively does the Church nurture the faith of its members beyond baptism and confirmation?
- How intentional is the Church in disciplining and retaining members as they navigate life’s challenges and opportunities post-baptism and confirmation?
The Apostle Paul admonished Christians to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). Ultimately, every believer bears personal responsibility for their spiritual growth and faithfulness. The Church can provide guidance, support, and community but cannot force adherence or control individual choices.
What would its purpose be if the Church were to issue a statement about Mr. Addo’s declaration? To denounce Freemasonry? To clarify its position on members joining such organizations? To distance itself from someone who claims to be part of the Church but admits to inactivity? How many of us are truly unaware that many of our politicians are affiliated with Freemasonry? And as the church, can we honestly deny that, more often than not, our primary motives when inviting these individuals into our congregations is more about their financial contributions toward meeting our harvest targets? A public statement risks politicizing what should be a pastoral matter and could set a precedent for responding to the personal choices of every member, which is neither practical nor sustainable.
Rather than focusing on public statements, the Church might consider the following approaches:
- Educating Members: The Church can teach its members about organizations like Freemasonry, offering theological guidance to help individuals make informed decisions that align with their faith.
- Encouraging Dialogue: Instead of ostracizing individuals like Mr. Addo, the Church could engage in open conversations to better understand their perspectives and provide spiritual counsel.
- Focusing on Discipleship: The Church should reflect on how well it nurtures the spiritual lives of its members post-baptism and confirmation. Are there systems in place to support ongoing growth and active participation in the life of the Church?
The question of whether Freemasonry conflicts with Christian beliefs will likely remain contentious. However, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana need not rush to issue any statement in response to George Opare Addo’s membership in Freemasonry. Instead, the Church should prioritize reflection, dialogue, and discipleship, prioritizing the teachings that provide strong foundation for its members to grow in faith and make decisions grounded in Christ.
After all, the ultimate focus of the Church should not be on condemning or affirming individual affiliations but on fostering a community that equips believers to live faithfully in a complex world. Let this moment serve not as a call to public declarations but as an invitation for the Church to recommit to its mission of nurturing discipleship and proclaiming the gospel.
As always, theology is fine, trust me.
Image: thespectatoronline.com
This is a great article Alfred. Indeed this is a clarion call on the church do deeper reflection…… God bless you.
Thank you
I think Church nowadays or let me say modern day Christianity is really more into ‘Kingdom financees’ while this is essential, it becoming at the expense of Church core values, taking about the prosperity of the Spirit,soul and body, and in preparation for the world to come through the Gospel.
While the Mr Addo juggles in between believes, well I hope he sees the truth at the end.
One thing stand every individual must work out his faith, salvation by Christ is the way, after then we keep getting saved, until we are finally saved up with christ the king.
Thank you
I largely agree with you. When I watched it, I had great concerns and thought that the church has to respond aptly. But on a second thought, I realized that will be needless, especially when the person publicly admits he’s not an active member of the church. Rightly so, the church should leverage this opportunity to redirect its focus to shaping the gospel in a way that gives members great respite and conviction that Jesus the Christ is able to do all things ie God is more than enough🤩. That is the way to go in dealing with issues of ‘attrition’ among church members.
Great piece, Osofo!
You are right prof!
Very insightful thought.
Thank you
I largely agree with you. When I watched it, I had great concerns and thought that the church has to respond aptly. But on a second thought, I realized that will be needless, especially when the person publicly admits he’s not an active member of the church. Rightly so, the church should leverage this opportunity to redirect its focus to shaping the gospel in a way that gives members great respite and conviction that Jesus the Christ is able to do all things ie God is more than enough🤩. That is the way to go in dealing with issues of ‘attrition’ among church members.
Great piece, Osofo!
We are all striving for our own salvation and it is up to man to decide on the things he clings his body and soul to.
The state of being baptized and confirmed cannot scare the [world] away from the believer neither does it guarantee our salvation. We fight a daily battle and Christ assured that only those who persist to the end will be saved; Matthew 24:13.
Rightly so. Thank your for your thoughts
Great thoughts shared here Chairman. I strongly agree with you.
This is indeed a constructive dissection of this matter.
God bless you.
Thank you for your thought Agiee
This is deep thoughts! I agree with you!
Thanks for your thought
This is very insightful and a clarion call for the church, especially with the post baptism and confirmation of members. Mr Opare Addo is just a person, secretly there are many of such individuals in the church indulging in similar organizations and activities quietly. There is a lot of work for the church….
Great submission my brother!
The church has absolutely no business with the public comments made by the minister. I agree with the writer that the church must intensify its nurturing efforts so our quest to seek answers from other religious groups like thins is brought to the barest minimum. He has made this known on national television, what about the thousands of our members who are deeply involved in other religious movements such as this.
Yes, there are many out there who have not come out publicly about this. I agree with you Henry