Why Be A Member

The Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem (SMOTJ), is the United States affiliated Grand Priory of the Ordo Supremus Militaris Templi Hierosolymitani (O.S.M.T.H.), which, in turn, is an international association of autonomous national Grand Priories, whose goals are the preservation of the holy sites in and around Jerusalem; antiquarian research; charitable works; diplomatic lobbying and intervention. In modern times, the Order exists as an international ecumenical Christian organization which was founded in 1804, based on the traditions of the medieval Knights Templar and principles of chivalry.

Christian men who join the organization are called "Sir Knight" with the republican honorific of Chevalier and females are termed "Dames" with the republican honorific of Chevaleresse (or Chevalière). A secular-military order of chivalry, the organization operates as a modern-day network of educated professionals.

In 2001, the Order was accredited by the United Nations Economic and Social Council as a Non-Governmental Organisation. The Order, also an ecumenical Christian and humanitarian organization, is an associate member of the International Peace Bureau, founded by Alfred Nobel in 1891, and an affiliate of the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy.

As of August 2007, the organization (O.S.M.T.H.) had approximately 5,200 members.

Governing Principles:

    We are a modern Christian Order of Knighthood dedicated to:

• • Seeking God in our lives and promoting love and respect for our community.

  • Increasing understanding between religions, helping pilgrims visit holy places and maintaining a Christian presence in the Holy Land.

  • Supporting the poor, sick, and unjustly accused; standing against oppression, and protecting freedom of speech.

  • Encouraging the noble ideas of Chivalry; maintaining the monuments, archives, and history of the Knights Templar.               

  • To become a Knight Templar, one must be a Christian by faith.   

  • The Order is ecumenical -it does not restrict membership to a single Christian Church.

  • Non-Christians may be admitted as Members of our Order of Merit.  

  • The Order does not allow its members to act contrary to their obligations to their country. 

  • The Order is not a political organization and does not engage in politics.

  • The Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem is not associated in any way with Freemasonry.

In short, we are the Modern Knights Templar, an Ecumenical Christian and Chivalric charitable Order. We do not claim a direct linage to the original Knights of the Temple, but we do seek to emulate their positive attributes in our daily lives today. We have adopted two of the original Templar missions of Protecting Christians at Risk particularly in the Holy Land and the Middle East and in Keeping the Road to Jerusalem open to all people as our own.     

Our guiding lights are the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity, through which members aspire to serve faithfully as Knights of God's Temple. The motto of the Order, "Non Nobis, Domine, non-nobis, sed Nomini Tuo da gloriam" is the Latin version of Psalm 115, verse 1 -- "Not unto us, Oh Lord, not unto us, but to Thy Name be given glory."

There is clearly a growing desire among caring men and women to spread goodness in the world. The Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem is increasingly viewed as a means of doing so; its volunteer base is growing rapidly in terms of both numbers and talent. In order for a growing volunteer organization like SMOTJ to be effective on a large scale, it utilizes the varied talents of all and magnifies the results of their efforts through an effective organization - all the while keeping a singular crusading focus.

Membership in the Knights Templar and the Priory of Our Lady of Sorrows of the West is by invitation to qualified persons. Individuals wishing to know more about the Order and potential membership should contact this Priory.

We are affiliated with the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem (SMOTJ) Grand Priory of the United States of America.