Study
Conscience and Freedom of Belief
Masonic teaching asks members to act on conscience and to respect others' freedom to believe differently, which is why doctrinal disputes stay outside the lodge.
Masonic teaching asks each member to act on conscience and to respect the freedom of others to believe differently. Many Masonic jurisdictions ask members to affirm a belief in a Supreme Being, while leaving each member free to give that belief his own form.
Conscience here means a considered judgement, not a feeling of certainty. A member is invited to test his convictions through study and reflection, and to allow others the same process. Doctrinal disputes stay outside the lodge so that members of different beliefs can work together in one body.
Example: two brothers hold different views on a religious question. In lodge they agree not to debate it, and they work together on charitable work. Each keeps his conscience, and the lodge keeps its unity.