As four Grand Masters representing five Masonic Orders prepare to gather in Barbados for a weekend of ceremonies and fellowship, some Christians are expressing concerns about Freemasonry’s compatibility with the Judaeo-Christian faith and its influence on the island’s spiritual climate.
The gathering, scheduled for sometime this month at the Masonic Centre in Salters, Barbados, is expected to bring together Masonic leaders and members from across the Caribbean and other parts of the world.
However, Barbadian Christians Apostle Linroy Scantlebury and Marcia Weekes say the event raises questions about the relationship between Freemasonry and Christianity.
Scantlebury said the gathering raises concerns about what he described as the island’s changing spiritual climate.
“On a spiritual level, it really does not say much in terms of things that are, you know, palatable for the spiritual climate in Barbados,” he said.
He also questioned whether Christians could participate in Freemasonry while remaining committed to their faith, arguing that the organisation’s teachings could conflict with biblical principles.
Weekes, who has studied aspects of Freemasonry, raised similar concerns about its spiritual implications, particularly the organisation’s use of the title “Great Architect of the Universe” to refer to God.
She argued that the concept does not place Jesus Christ at the centre of its understanding of God.
“The Bible says in John 14:6, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life and no man cometh unto the Father, but by me,’” Weekes said, referencing the biblical passage to explain her concerns.
She questioned whether Christians could participate fully in Masonic ceremonies and obligations while maintaining what she described as undivided allegiance to Jesus Christ.
Weekes also expressed concern about the organisation’s rituals, initiation ceremonies and solemn obligations, arguing that Christians should examine whether these practices align with biblical teachings.
She said the organisation’s appeal to professionals through networking, friendships and opportunities for advancement could make participation attractive to some people. However, she believes Christians should carefully consider their spiritual commitments before becoming involved.
“I always say Jesus Christ is king in Barbados,” Weekes said.
Weekes also expressed concern about the involvement of some church leaders in Freemasonry, questioning whether they fully understood the organisation’s teachings and their implications for Christian faith.
She stopped short of suggesting that Christians should turn their backs on Freemasons themselves, saying she believes education and respectful engagement are important.
“Freemasons are people in need of teaching and understanding,” she said, adding that Christians should seek opportunities to explain their concerns “in love”.
Scantlebury similarly argued that Christians who participate in Freemasonry should reconsider their involvement if they believe its teachings conflict with their faith.
He said the organisation’s influence could affect how Christianity is understood and practised in Barbados.
Scantlebury believes the upcoming gathering could further increase Freemasonry’s visibility in the country and the wider Caribbean.
Scantlebury said some of the concerns surrounding the gathering extend beyond religion to questions about representation and the organisation’s place in Barbadian society.
“One of the elements that they are concerned about is the fact that, you know, there’s not even one Black person that is on the flyer as a grandmaster. All of them are white persons,” he said.
He argued that the representation of the leaders on the event flyer raises wider questions about the structure and influence of elite organisations in Barbados.
He also expressed concern about the organisation’s outreach to young people, saying he understood that activities had been held to introduce younger Barbadians to opportunities associated with Freemasonry.
He questioned whether such involvement could encourage young people to embrace teachings that he believes are inconsistent with Christianity.
Both Scantlebury and Weeks called on Christians to educate themselves about Freemasonry and consider its teachings in light of their religious beliefs.
Weekes urged Christians to pray for Barbados during the gathering, arguing that their response should focus on defending their faith rather than attacking individuals.
She also encouraged believers to prepare themselves to engage with Freemasons and explain their objections respectfully.
Scantlebury maintained that the gathering raises broader questions about the place of Christianity in Barbadian society, arguing that the country’s religious identity should not be taken for granted.
Their concerns come as the Masonic community prepares for what organisers describe as a significant weekend for Caribbean Freemasonry, involving the consecration of new Masonic bodies and the installation of district leaders.
While the gathering is being presented as an opportunity for fellowship, tradition and expansion within the Masonic community, Scantlebury and Weekes say Christians should use the occasion to reflect on their beliefs and the role of faith in Barbados.