Quote:
Originally Posted by mlee
Totally respect your conviction and hope you mean avoid joining and not avoid us... 
Interesting since absolutely no Religion or Politics are discussed in a Masonic Lodge. We all meet on the same level no mater what our stature in life is. Most members are also very devoted to their place of worship and Freemasonry encourages members to attend the church of their choice. |
I would add additionally that it IMPRESSES upon the membership to go out in the community and be an EXAMPLE of exemplary CITIZENSHIP, FELLOWSHIP and BROTHERLY LOVE. I can't think of any reason that religion would interfere/infringe/contradict the TENANTS of FREEMASONRY.
As mlee stated I too respect your commitment to your faith. But I would hope it is the practice of Freemasonry you have chosen not to participate in and not chosen to avoid people who happen to be Masons.
The conflicts between the Papacy and Freemasonry have been long standing and grounded in 100's of years of disagreement over charity funding. If you are a Catholic then I would encourage you to look into the "Knights of Colombus". This is a charitable organization that forwards it charities to the Catholic Church and does A LOT of good in the communities it is involved in. It has and shares alot of the FRATERNAL BROTHERHOOD TENANTS that are at the root of Freemasonry and it offers to its membership alot of the same BROTHERHOOD feelings and networking. All in All another great CHARITABLE organization that being a Catholic will not bring disfavor within your church.