History of Freemasonry in Angola | República Popular de Angola

History of Freemasonry in Angola.

The history of Freemasonry in Angola is a relatively recent one, dating back to the 20th century.

The organization has played an important role in the social, cultural, and political development of Angola, particularly in the years following independence from Portugal in 1975.

Origins and early history:

Freemasonry was first introduced to Angola by Portuguese Freemasons, who established the first Masonic lodges in the country in the early 20th century.

These lodges were primarily composed of Portuguese colonizers and members of the local Angolan elite, who saw Freemasonry as a means of promoting social and cultural ties between Portugal and its colonies.

However, the growth of Freemasonry in Angola was limited during this period, due to the country's status as a colonial possession of Portugal.

Freemasonry was viewed with suspicion by the Portuguese authorities, who feared that the organization could be used to promote anti-colonial sentiment and nationalism.

Independence and the rise of Angolan Freemasonry:

Following Angola's independence from Portugal in 1975, Freemasonry experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly among the country's intellectual and political elite.

Many of the leaders of the newly independent Angola, including President Agostinho Neto, were themselves Freemasons, and saw the organization as a means of promoting democratic values and good governance in the country.

During this period, Freemasonry in Angola was primarily focused on social and cultural activities, such as charitable work, educational programs, and cultural exchanges with other countries.

However, the organization also played a role in the political development of Angola, particularly in the years following independence.

In 1978, the Grand Lodge of Angola was established, becoming the first Masonic Grand Lodge in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Grand Lodge was initially composed of lodges affiliated with the Grand Orient of France, but later established relationships with other Masonic organizations around the world.

The Grand Lodge of Angola played an important role in the development of democratic institutions in Angola, particularly during the country's transition to multi-party democracy in the 1990s.

Many prominent Angolan politicians, including members of the opposition party UNITA, were also members of the organization, and saw Freemasonry as a means of promoting good governance and transparency in the country.

Challenges and controversy:

However, Freemasonry in Angola has also faced significant challenges and controversy over the years. In the early 1990s, the organization was accused by some of being involved in clandestine political activities, particularly in support of the ruling MPLA party.

These accusations were vigorously denied by the organization, which emphasized its commitment to non-partisanship and political neutrality.

In addition, Freemasonry in Angola has also faced criticism from some religious groups, particularly the Catholic Church, which views the organization as a secret society and a threat to traditional religious values.

In 2007, the Archbishop of Luanda, Cardinal Dom Alexandre do Nascimento, publicly condemned Freemasonry and called on Catholics to avoid involvement with the organization.

Despite these challenges, Freemasonry in Angola continues to play an important role in the country's social, cultural, and political life.

The organization has established a number of charitable and social welfare programs, and continues to promote the values of democratic governance and social justice in Angola.

Conclusion:

The history of Freemasonry in Angola is a relatively recent one, dating back to the country's independence from Portugal in 1975.

Since that time, the organization has played an important role in the social, cultural, and political development of Angola, particularly in promoting democratic governance and good governance.

However, Freemasonry in Angola has also faced significant challenges and controversy over the years, particularly in the areas of political neutrality and religious freedom.

Despite these challenges, Freemasonry in Angola continues to play an important role in the country's social, cultural, and political life. The organization has established a number of charitable and social welfare programs, and continues to promote the values of democratic governance and social justice in Angola.

The history of Freemasonry in Angola is a relatively recent one, dating back to the country's independence from Portugal in 1975.

Since that time, the organization has played an important role in the social, cultural, and political development of Angola, particularly in promoting democratic governance and good governance.

History of Freemasonry in Angola | República Popular de Angola

#History #Freemasonry #Angola #República #Popular #Angola