Theos-Talk Archives (February 2005 Message tt00490)

I find that many members need to understand what exactly freedom of 
thought means in the TS. Here is official declaration of the 
Theosophical Society

Freedom of Thought

As the Theosophical Society has spread far and wide over the world, 
and as members of all religions have become members of it without 
surrendering the special dogmas, teachings and beliefs of their 
respective faiths, it is thought desirable to emphasize the fact that 
there is no doctrine, no opinion, by whomsoever taught or held, that 
is in any way binding on any member of the Society, none which any 
member is not free to accept or reject. Approval of its three objects 
is the sole condition of membership. No teacher, or writer, from H.P. 
Blavatsky onwards, has any authority to impose his or her teachings 
or opinions on members. Every member has an equal right to follow any 
school of thought, but has no right to force the choice on any other. 
Neither a candidate for any office nor any voter can be rendered 
ineligible to stand or to vote, because of any opinion held, or 
because of membership in any school of thought. Opinions or beliefs 
neither bestow privileges nor inflict penalties. The Members of the 
General Council earnestly request every member of the Theosophical 
Society to maintain, defend and act upon these fundamental principles 
of the Society, and also fearlessly to exercise the right of liberty 
of thought and of expression thereof, within the limits of courtesy 
and consideration for others.

Anand Gholap