Afenyo Markin Explosive Claims Divide Catholic Community
Secrets of Knights and Ladies of Exposed
By Innocent Samuel Appiah
The enigmatic Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin, has stirred a heated debate within the Catholic Church by linking occultic Freemasonry to prominent Catholic organizations, creating a rift between key figures and the Church’s teachings.
During public statements at recent vetting processes, the Member of Parliament for Efutu has fervently advocated for his contentious belief in the secretive society, particularly drawing parallels between Catholic para-military groups like the Knights and Ladies of St. John International and the Knights and Ladies of Marshall, with Freemasonry.
Afenyo’s fetish assertion challenges the traditional stance of the Church which highlights the disparities between Catholicism and affiliations with the Masonic fraternity. Afenyo Markin’s recent scrutiny of John Settor Dumelo, the Deputy Minister-designate for Tourism, Arts, and Culture and a devout Catholic, exemplifies this growing trend.
The MP’s inquiries into Dumelo’s involvement with organizations like the Knights and Ladies of St. John International and the Knights and Ladies of Marshall not only misrepresent these Catholic entities but also clash with the official teachings of the Church on this matter.
Contrary to Afenyo Markin’s claims, the Knights and Ladies of St. John International and the Knights and Ladies of Marshall maintain their Catholic identity and operate under the auspices of the Church.
Their adherence to Catholic doctrine and alignment with Church principles set them apart from Freemasonry, explicitly identified by the Church as incompatible with Catholic beliefs.
Church doctrine unequivocally prohibits Catholics from joining Masonic lodges citing significant differences in philosophical beliefs on religious truth and salvation.
Official Vatican statements, including a 1983 declaration by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, reiterate this stance, emphasizing that Catholics involved in Masonic organizations commit a grave offense and are ineligible for Holy Communion.
Despite these clear guidelines, numerous influential Catholic figures in Ghana continue to hold dual membership, participating openly in both Catholic and Masonic practices.
This practice not only violates Church doctrine but also raises concerns among the faithful about the consistent enforcement of Church regulations.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference faces a critical juncture where it must uphold the universality of Church principles regardless of social status or influence.
Ensuring impartial enforcement of teachings is crucial for preserving the Church’s moral authority and doctrinal integrity.
Addressing the Freemasonry challenge within the Catholic Church requires more than verbal affirmations, necessitating tangible actions to rectify the persistent issue of individuals straddling the boundaries between Catholicism and Freemasonry.
By upholding its core principles and applying consistent standards to all followers, the Catholic Church in Ghana can reinforce its commitment to truth and rebuild the trust of the faithful in its leadership.
Taking decisive action on the Freemasonry dilemma will underscore the Church’s independence from external influences and reaffirm its unwavering dedication to justice as outlined by the Gospel.
The upcoming decision for the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference holds immense significance, extending beyond the Church to reaffirm its steadfast dedication to principles over personal agendas.
Through resolute navigation of this complex situation, the Church can guide Ghana towards a future rooted in fairness, guided by moral integrity, and steadfast in the pursuit of justice.