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Templar Membership
Rules of 1290 AD


Public Short Summary


Prince Judge Matthew of Thebes

Grand Master, Order of the Temple of Solomon

© 2019, 2020 Order of the Temple of Solomon
All International Rights Reserved

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www.knightstemplarorder.org



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Medieval Rules for Modern Behaviours

The basic “Membership Rules” of the Order of the Temple of
Solomon are directly derived from the Temple Rule of 1129 AD
as its founding constitutional Charter [1], which is based upon
the Code of Chivalry of 1066 AD [2]. These have been
reconstructed and restored from the original writings of the
founding Knights Templar, and summarized in this report, as
the original rules which are most relevant to modern membership issues.

The Temple Rule was amended with detailed “Hierarchical Rules” on certain
behaviours requiring suspension or expulsion from the Order (Rules 224-454),
all codified by ca. 1150 AD. It was further amended with more detailed rules on
admission and induction into the Order and related membership issues (Rules
630-678), all codified by ca. 1290 AD.

Therefore, the present summary of the primary medieval rules, consolidated
into topics addressing the most common modern issues, can best be properly
named the “Templar Membership Rules of 1290 AD”.


Core Principle Behind All Rules of the Order

Under the Code of Chivalry, Templars must “Perform all secular duties under
the higher Laws of God” (7th Pillar). This means that earning and representing
merit in Chivalry is a higher calling which belongs to the Kingdom of God, and
cannot be achieved through the lower behaviours of the World of Men.

For this reason, the Temple Rule commands “to depart from the mass of
perdition [self-destruction]” (Rule 1, Rule 11), to “forego the deceiving world
and despise it” (Rule 9), and “to renounce the secular world… to assume the
way of life of our Templars” (Rule 274), prohibiting members to be “false
Templars” who are really “of the world” (Rule 68, Rule 337).

Therefore, the underlying principle, which is the primary foundation for all of
the medieval Templar Membership Rules of 1290 AD from ancient Chivalry, is
to reject the corrupt ways and ego-based philosophies of the World of Men, and
therefore to dedicate one’s life to following the path of the Holy Spirit, in service
of the Kingdom of God.



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Rules which Can Lead to Expulsion

These are the most serious violations, which tend to quickly lead to expulsion
from the Order of the Temple of Solomon when they are not followed:


No Promoting Commercial Projects to Members

The Temple Rule declares that Templars must “despise the isolation of their
own wills and… serve in Chivalry… follow[ing] those whom God has chosen”
(Rule 1). It commands to “renounce your own wills”, and to “forego the
deceiving world and despise it… for the purpose of divine service” (Rule 9). It
generally encourages Templars to avoid worldliness in one’s lifestyle as much as
possible (Rule 72).

Therefore, within the Order, members should not promote any types of
commercial or financial “project” or “deal” to other members, neither as an
“opportunity” nor requesting a “favour”. It does not matter if one thinks one’s
project is very “Templar”, nor if it promises some grant or benefit to the Order.

Modern Templars have gathered together to advance Templar missions of the
Order itself, not to use the Order for our own private ambitions, nor to recruit
members into external projects of materialistic or commercial worldliness.


No Promoting External Teachings to Members

The Temple Rule requires “obedience to the [Templar] institution” and “the
precepts” (doctrinal teachings) of the authentic Templar “way of life” of
Chivalry (Rule 274), meaning the Order exists to teach its own substance and
heritage, not other ideas taught by outside organizations.

Therefore, within the Order, all members must focus on, give priority to, and
help each other apply the authentic Templar doctrines and teachings, as
officially restored by the Grand Mastery, presented in the Templar Skills
Training materials.

Modern Templars have gathered together to promote authentic Templar
knowledge as preserved by the Order, and mentor all members in genuine
Templar Chivalry, not to promote various philosophies which are available
elsewhere.



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No Unauthorized Representation of the Order

The Temple Rule prohibits unauthorized misrepresentation usurping any
official authorities of the Order, forbidding members to “say they are Templars
of the Order, but they are of the world”, being “false Templars” (Rule 68). It
confirms that “No Templar, unless one is [authorized]… should wear a white
mantle [cloak]”, as in displaying apparent authority to publicly or officially
represent the Order without explicit permission (Rule 337).

It also commands that “No person shall be elevated among you” (Rule 34), and
forbids any Templar “to promote oneself gradually” (Rule 46). That includes
self-promotion by misrepresenting apparent authority on behalf of the Order
without direct permission from the Grand Mastery.

Therefore, members must not presume to create websites, blog sites, video
channels, social media pages or channels, which appear to represent the
Templar Order, including by implication such as by using its official
governmental heraldry without authorization.

Modern Templars have gathered together to strengthen the Templar Order to
represent itself, by centralized official branding as a Government, not to make
diverse uncoordinated presentations by individual members.


No Declaring or Promoting a Social “Lodge”

The Temple Rule prohibits “idle words” as generally “sinful” (Rule 32, Rule 49),
and requires that every “Templar should ensure that the Enemy [Satan] does
not find one lazy”, and thus should always be “busy in good work” (Rule 285).

Therefore, the concept of a “Lodge” as a clubhouse or lounge for social or
entertainment activities, such as for a mere fraternity or society, is absolutely
excluded as contrary to Templar principles. Indeed, the word “Lodge” was not
used to mean a “local branch of a society” until ca. 1685 AD [3], over 550 years
after the Templar Order was established.

A proper Templar “Branch” or outpost can only be a “Commandery” for active
missions [4], a “Priory” for spiritual practices [5], or a “Preceptory” for
education and skills training [6].

Modern Templars have gathered together to actively pursue Templar missions
of real-world impact through Chivalry, not to lounge around in facilities for
social or entertainment activities for networking, which only promotes other
violations by various forms of vanity.

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No Use of False or Illegitimate Formal Titles

The Temple Rule forbids using any false titles, as “No person shall be elevated”
(Rule 34) and “promote oneself” by illegitimate means (Rule 46). It commands
to “take your rights [only] as it is specifically established”, which prohibits
holding any titles which do not have a provable and verifiable legitimate and
lawful basis (Rule 57).

It prohibits any “false” self-aggrandizement by “pride” in things “of the world”
(Rule 68), specifically false claims of “Nobility”, which includes knighthood and
damehood, and is part of Royalty which includes Diplomatic status (Rule 337).

Therefore, any false claims of illegitimate royal, nobiliary, chivalric, diplomatic,
official, professional or honourary status, or any similar abuse or misuse of
Titles of status, would disqualify or nullify membership in the Order.

Modern Templars have gathered together to restore, reclaim and uphold the
legendary good reputation of the Order, and the true value of meritocracy of its
genuine Titles, not to collect outside titles including false ones at the expense of
the good name of the Order and its membership.

Many good people hold several real Titles, but also accidentally accept and use
some other false titles, being unable to detect the defects. When any such
defective title is discovered with an active Templar member, the Grand Mastery
will notify the individual, explain the defect in title, and advise to abandon it, in
which case the member can remain in good standing.


No Recruiting Members into Secret Societies

The Temple Rule commands to be diligent so that “the shadowy enemies would
not lead them astray unto wickedness” (Rule 37), defining “enemy” as anything
which “attacks… with evil desires” (Rule 285), and requires to “Remove the
wicked from among you” (Rule 46).

Therefore, all members must not participate in nor promote any negative secret
society, and must not advance nor promote the agendas or philosophies of such
secret society (which are known from the historical record). If it is later
discovered that one has such involvement, membership status may be nullified,
and all titles granted may be revoked.

Modern Templars have gathered together in Chivalry to work to free humanity
from the predatory corruption of secret societies, not to recruit members of the
Order into such groups.

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No False Defamation Against Fellow Templars

The Temple Rule strictly prohibits “rumour”, “slander”, to “malign” or
“disparage others”, which the founding Templars harshly condemned as the
“wickedness of the Devil” (Rule 48) and “speaking evil” (Rule 49). This is
further prohibited as “provoking another… to wrath or anger” (Rule 38, Rule
321, Rule 383), which is the natural and primary effect of false defamation.

Merely having a complaint or criticism about an individual is no excuse for
defamation to an audience of members or outsiders, and any so-called
“concerns” implying a potential accusation must be expressed first only
privately and directly to that individual, and then if necessary only to one
nearest Crown Officer (Rule 384).

Therefore, all members are strictly prohibited to engage in unlawful false
defamation against any other members or officers of the Templar Order, or
supporting affiliated institutions, as a most serious offense which is dealt with
swiftly and harshly.

Modern Templars have gathered together in unity of shared positive values, to
inspire and uplift each other to a higher calling of bravery and earned merit, not
to seize wrongful advantages for oneself by using cowardly false defamation at
the expense of others.


No Self-Styled “Investigation” Denying Facts

The Temple Rule prohibits using one’s new membership in the Order as a
platform for some self-proclaimed “investigation” of its legitimacy, usually
boasting skills called “due diligence”, typically loudly declaring one “could not
verify” some “claims”, despite all facts and law being abundantly proven.

The founding Templars warned that “persecutors are of unlimited number, and
people who like conflicts” (Rule 59). The Rule thus commands that “no person
shall be elevated” (Rule 34), prohibits “to promote oneself” (Rule 46), forbids to
“become proud” (Rule 34), and condemns any “pride or arrogance” (Rule 18,
Rule 19). It also prohibits “false Templars” who are “of the world” of “pride”
assuming falsely claimed authority (Rule 68, Rule 337).

This is also a compound offense of false defamation by “rumour” to “disparage
others” with “wickedness” (Rule 48) of “speaking evil” (Rule 49), which is also
prohibited as “provoking another… to wrath or anger” (Rule 38, Rule 321, Rule
383).

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False excuses for defamation, typically masquerading as “just asking questions”,
which they supposedly “just want to understand”, as a superficial excuse for
loaded inflammatory rhetoric, are an additional violation: It is prohibited to
“defend one’s offense” and “pride oneself in it”, which requires a “harsher
punishment” (Rule 46).

Merely having a criticism, by ignoring or denying proven facts, is no excuse for
defamation to an audience of members or outsiders, and any so-called
“questions” or “concerns” implying a potential accusation must be expressed
only privately and directly to one nearest Crown Officer (Rule 384).

Therefore, any self-proclaimed “investigation” denying proven facts and
evidence, or any similar abuse or misuse of loaded and inflammatory rhetoric,
to promote unlawful false defamation against the Templar Order, any of its
members of officers, or supporting affiliated institutions, is a most serious
offense which would disqualify or nullify one’s membership.

Modern Templars have gathered together in unity, all having approved the
public proof of the Order’s legitimacy before they joined, to move forward on
humanitarian missions of merit in Chivalry, not to remain stuck on repeatedly
revisiting preliminary questions which were already conclusively answered.



Rules which Can Lead to Loss of Status

These are the primary issues and situations, which can lead to loss of status or
titles within the Order of the Temple of Solomon when they are significantly or
persistently disregarded:


Must Study and Learn Templar Knowledge

The Temple Rule declares that for all Templars, the path and the work of
Chivalry is “your profession” (Rule 2), in the classical sense of one’s
commitment to service being “professed” (Rule 39), to “profess… the way of life
of our Templars” (Rule 274) as “one’s profession” (Rule 433).

Just as every major classical “Profession” requires a particular education, so the
Profession of Chivalry also requires specialized studies for mastery of applied
skills.

For this reason, the Temple Rule requires all Templars to practice “studious
purification” through learning (Rule 1), “by refined and studious hearts” (Rule
6), “through diligence and study” (Rule 8), to learn and master Chivalry, “to
assume the way of life of our Templars” (Rule 274).
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Therefore, those in general membership cannot remain a “Permanent
Postulant” never completing the Skills Training studies. If one year or more
goes by and one has not studied to become a Sergeant or Adjutante,
membership status may be terminated for “failure to engage” with the Order.

However, if one’s intent was simply to be a “Supporter” through monthly
Donations by subscribing to the Membership Platform, one should notify the
Grand Mastery and be registered with “Champion” status. This allows the
Order to know who needs training and mentorship, who can be called upon for
missions, and who are simply supporters as a “Friend of the Order”.


Must Maintain and Refresh Templar Knowledge

The Temple Rule commands “during periods of time, [to] study universally”
(Rule 9), and mandates that “to serve God, each much apply all one’s study and
understanding” (Rule 279), meaning even accomplished Knights and Dames
must study continually on an ongoing basis.

Just as all of the classical professions (i.e. physicians, lawyers, engineers)
require “continuing education”, so the Profession of Chivalry also requires
ongoing studies to refresh and refine one’s knowledge and applied skills.

Therefore, all members are responsible for remembering the Templar Skills
Training knowledge, and paying attention to updates and new discoveries.


Must Maintain Responsive Communications

The Temple Rule declares that Templars should “despise the isolation of their
own wills and desiring” to “follow those whom God has chosen… [and] join unto
them perpetually” (Rule 1) as “your communal life” in “the company of the
Templars” (Rule 11), and thus “to firmly keep the communal life” (Rule 34). It
requires to “not presume to go [away]… without consent” (Rule 40), and to
serve “according to the commands” of the Order (Rule 41).

All of this, to permanently join the companionship and follow the community of
the Templar life, and to remain in contact, necessarily requires to continually
maintain reliable and responsive communications with the Order.

Therefore, all members are responsible
for maintaining responsive
communications channels, for reliable daily use. This necessarily includes
maintaining one’s active registration and access to the Templar Membership
Platform, as the primary communication channel.

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Must Maintain Reliable Working Equipment

In the Temple Rule, the founding Templars “grant to have three horses” for
active service, despite the famous “burden of poverty” of the Order (Rule 51),
which highlights the great necessity and top priority of having adequate
working equipment ready at all times.

It mandates all Templars to donate “all offerings… in all forms” to the Order,
which certainly includes at least one’s own working equipment (Rule 64). It
specifically requires all members to “purchase… whatever will be useful” as their
own equipment for serving in Chivalry (Rule 66).

It prohibits “lance covers”, meaning that all Templars are required to keep
working tools and equipment ready and accessible for reliable rapid response,
warning that unpreparedness “would be greatly damaging” (Rule 53). It
commands to continually maintain and “repair one’s armour [working tools]
and equipment… or anything else that serves their duties of office” (Rule 285),
and to “zealously take care of one’s equipment” (Rule 315).

Therefore, all members are responsible for maintaining active working tools
and equipment, for reliable daily use.


No Giving in to Worldly Problems Over Service

The Code of Chivalry commands to be strong, to “Defend the weak against
abuses by the strong” (3rd Pillar). The Temple Rule thus also requires that “one
who is stronger… must be caring for the weak” (Rule 34), and that “the strong”
must defend the “the weak… in the name of charity” (Rule 38).

This means that every Templar should join the Order, and also maintain one’s
membership, from a position of strength (not weakness), to contribute one’s
strength to its missions to uphold civilization and uplift humanity.

The Temple Rule defines membership in the Order as to “serve in chivalry”
(Rule 1), as “servants” in “divine service” (Rule 9) and “Holy service” (Rule 39),
for those “who desire… to serve” (Rule 66), “who wish to serve in charity” giving
“Commitments” of service (Rule 67), “to serve God” (Rule 279).

This means that the whole purpose of an Order of Chivalry is to actively and
reliably give one’s service for its humanitarian missions, not to bring one’s
personal problems into the Order distracting from its missions.

The founding Templars warned us that “harm comes to the Order when a
Templar keeps [titles]… without doing one’s duty to the Order” (Rule 339).
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The Code of Chivalry commands to “Never retreat, always face the enemy” (5th
Pillar), “Fight the enemies relentlessly” (6th Pillar), and “Always uphold right
and good, against all evil” (10th Pillar). This means to never be distracted by
worldly problems, and never stop the work of Chivalry, fighting the same enemy
of evil which causes such distractions.

Therefore, all Templars must resist giving in to worldly distractions, and focus
their efforts on service in Chivalry. Every member must be responsible for
effectively maintaining one’s own physical and mental health, financial stability,
and capabilities for meaningful service within the Order.

Modern Templars have gathered together to bring their strength and skills into
the Order for service in Chivalry, to fight to provide the solutions to problems of
the world, not to bring their personal problems and worldly distractions into the
Order as a burden to other members.


No Abandoning Promised Volunteer Projects

The Code of Chivalry commands to “Never breach your word, be reliable” (8th
Pillar). This is a sacred and most necessary practical obligation to always “keep
your word”, upholding the principle that “My word is my Bond”, and
demonstrating that “I do what I say, and say what I do.”

Under the Temple Rule, all Templars give a “Commitment [of Service]”, and
must not “renounce nor retreat from their good promises” (Rule 67), because to
“perform the duties of the Order… [is] the first promise that we make” (Rule
233). One gives a promise of service not only to the Order, but indeed to God,
as Chivalry is actually “divine service” (Rule 9) as “Holy service” (Rule 39) “to
serve God” (Rule 279).

The Code of Chivalry commands to “Never retreat, always face the enemy” (5th
Pillar), and to “Fight the enemies relentlessly” (6th Pillar). The Temple Rule
requires that Templars “must apply… firm perseverance” to all tasks (Rule 2),
must “not presume to go [away]… without consent” (Rule 40), and “no Templar
shall… rest according to one’s own will” without permission (Rule 41).

This means that once one has accepted a project, one must never abandon it,
and must continue to pursue it, unless specifically told by the relevant Templar
Officer that it is no longer needed or can be reassigned.

Abandoning promised volunteer work usually also results in another major
violation, that of “Causing Loss to the Order… because all damages are
forbidden to us” (Rule 260).

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Therefore, all Templars must never abandon a project without mutual
communication and meaningful discussion with relevant Officers of the Order,
and then must actively assist to make alternate arrangements for the project to
be continued by others.

Modern Templars have gathered together to be relentless warriors against evil,
reliably serving in Chivalry, as a rock of stability standing against modern
degeneracy which threatens the collapse of civilization, not to abandon fellow
Templars in battle at the first sign of mere stress or inconvenience.


No Degenerate or Materialist Public Content

The Temple Rule commands “to depart from the mass of perdition [self-
destruction]” (Rule 1, Rule 11), to “forego the deceiving world and despise it”
(Rule 9), and “to renounce the secular world… to assume the way of life of our
Templars” (Rule 274). Most visibly, this means that it is necessary to reject and
abandon the social engineering of popular culture.

It specifically requires to behave with “restraint” and “moderation”, “simply and
without loudness” (Rule 15), with “no excess of vice” (Rule 21), and “to go
simply and humbly” (Rule 55), and commands all Templars to “live without
reproach”, and “set an example of good works and wisdom” (Rule 37).

Therefore, both publicly and on the Templar Membership Platform, all
members should uphold positive traditional values to uplift humanity, and
strive to serve as an example of maintaining human dignity. This means that
one must not display any content with excessive profanity, unnecessary
sexuality, or promoting other degenerate or modernist popular culture.

Modern Templars have gathered together to uphold Templar traditional values,
not to promote the same modernist degeneracy as the mainstream
entertainment industry propaganda.


No Abusive Content Disparaging Other Religions

The Temple Rule commands to “not disgrace by deed nor by word the purposes
of religion” (Rule 37), prohibits to “disparage others” (Rule 48), and requires to
“take your rights [only] as it is specifically established” (Rule 57). It is
prohibited – and impossible – to claim one’s own religious rights, by opposing
or infringing the same rights of others.

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The Templar Order always allowed “Secular Knights” meaning any religion or
no religion at all (Rules 65-66), allowed Templars to “enter into another
religion” and return in good standing (Rule 630), and even allowed Muslims in
membership as a “Saracen Scribe” (Rule 77) or “Turcopole” (Rules 169-171).

These are proven historical facts, written by the hands of our founding Templar
ancestors themselves, which the restored Templar Order cannot deny nor
ignore.

Therefore, both publicly and on the Templar Membership Platform, all
members should uphold our mission as Defenders of All Faith. This means that
one must not display any content with abusive language disparaging any racial,
national or religious group, nor any expressions of wanting to fight against
other religions.

Modern Templars have gathered together to uphold the shared values of
Chivalry and defend Freedom of Religion for all cultures, not to undermine nor
suppress other religions.



Other Rules on Templar Membership

These are other important principles, clarifying some criteria and qualifications
for joining the Order of the Temple of Solomon in general membership:


Passing the Test of Strategic Patience

The Temple Rule requires to “Test the soul whether it comes from God... before
one may be granted” elevation to Knight or Dame or Officer status (Rule 11).
“And… first one shall be put to the test according to the wisdom of the Master
and Templars” (Rule 14).

The authentic “Test” is simply the unfortunate result of an unavoidable practical
reality, that elevation to Knight or Dame or Officer positions can only be for
earned merit, usually by working on projects of the Order, while the Order can
only share volunteer opportunities as and when possible.

As a result, the real “Test” intended by the founding Templars (Rule 11, Rule 14)
is actually a “Test of Patience”:

All Templars “must apply… firm perseverance, which is so dignified, and so
Holy, and so noble” (Rule 2), and behave with “restraint” and “moderation”,
“simply and without loudness” (Rule 15), to “set an example of good works and
wisdom” (Rule 37), and to “go simply and humbly” (Rule 55).
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This means to patiently persist in waiting for the appropriate opportunities to
emerge, with dignity and humility, trusting in the plan of the Holy Spirit, while
continuing to support and follow the Templar Order.

Failing this “Test of Patience” only results in the inherent practical consequence
of causing further delays in obtaining whatever one was seeking:

The Temple Rule commands: “And if any Templar by a feeling of pride or for
arrogance wishes to have as entitlement [any thing], the worst shall be given to
them.” (Rule 19) Templars must be content with the most basic things
provided, “and do not presume to have any other thing, unless the Master…
wishes to give [it]” (Rule 64).

Therefore, if any member is impatient by demanding or pressuring to obtain an
elevation or appointment, including by implying or expressing any intent or
threat to abandon a project or resign, then all preparation work by Officers
towards setting one up for granting that position must be suspended.

All members, while waiting for specific projects to be assigned by Officers, can
independently pursue several traditional “Standing Missions” of the Order,
most of which can also result in earning elevation or other status.

Modern Templars have gathered together to patiently and persistently support
the Order in its collective accomplishments, and assist its Officers to work for
the Order on priority Templar missions for humanity and for all members, not
to pressure Officers to have to work to keep up with the impatient desires and
ambitions of individuals seeking status.


Standing Missions for All Members

The Temple Rule declares the general principle underlying traditional Templar
“Standing Missions” established by the founding ancestors:

“And let it be known that… those who cannot perform their duty for the benefit
of their souls and of the Order should act in this way: … [they] should set a good
example to the others… so that [other] Templars should be mirrored in them,
and from [their] behaviour… should learn what behaviour they should adopt.”
(Rule 339)

Note that the key phrase “those who cannot perform their duty” includes those
who have not yet been directly assigned to official projects of the Order, and
thus do not yet have a specific duty to perform.

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The founding Templars mandated that “no Templar shall fight nor rest
according to one’s own will, but according to the commands” (Rule 41).

This means that one should not invent and implement new projects
independently. It also means that one should not do nothing, but rather should
continue actively pursuing the original “Standing Missions” of the Order.

The founding ancestors also explained the importance of focusing on the
general “Standing Missions” of the Order, as the Templar way of life:

“When the Templars… have not been given any other command, each should…
[do] anything else that serves one’s duties of office. And each Templar should
ensure that the Enemy [Satan] does not find one lazy”, by always remaining
“busy in good work” (Rule 285).

Accordingly, the Temple Rule established several ongoing “Standing Missions”,
as general activities which all Templars can pursue independently in their daily
lives, during times when not assigned to specific projects:

Research Proofs – Academic “research proofs” on topics relevant to Templar
heritage or missions, providing detailed authoritative or primary source
references as evidence proving facts : To serve as “lovers of Truth” (Rule 6),
“through diligence and study” (Rule 8), to “apply all one’s study and
understanding” to Templar missions (Rule 279).

Recruiting Others – Recruiting new members into the Order from among
talented individuals in one’s professional, community and social circles: “To
go… where you know to be gathered” qualified potential members, to recruit
“anyone who wishes to serve and join the Order” (Rule 12).

Promoting Chivalry – Promoting Chivalry by example of good works in one’s
life, and by mastering Templar Skills Training materials for teaching and
helping other members to live the life of Chivalry: To “set an example of good
works and wisdom” for “outsiders” (Rule 37), and “set a good example… so that
[other] Templars… should learn” (Rule 339).

Fundraising – Fundraising efforts to attract external donations and grants to
be made to support the humanitarian missions of the Order: To “receive things
for charity” for the Order (Rule 13), cause things to “be given in charity” to the
Order (Rule 52), and facilitate “all offerings and all forms of alms [donations]”
to the Order (Rule 64).

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Be Prepared – Developing and maintaining one’s own skills, working
equipment and capabilities, to remain prepared for active service when called
upon: To continually “repair one’s armour [working tools] and equipment… or
anything else which serves one’s duties of office”, and always remain “busy in
good work” (Rule 285).

Most of these “Standing Missions”, when yielding sufficient results of practical
use in supporting the official missions of the Templar Order, could result in the
member earning elevation or other advancement in the Order.


On Membership in Other Organizations

The Code of Chivalry commands to “Perform all secular duties under the higher
laws of God” (7th Pillar), and to “Always uphold right and good, against all evil
and injustice” (10th Pillar). This prohibits membership in any organization
which seeks to subvert the principles of religion or any God-given human rights,
or which is inconsistent with fighting for good against wrongdoing or injustice.

The Temple Rule commands to “take your rights [only] as it is specifically
established”, thus to uphold the principle of legitimacy of proven rights under
Public Law (Rule 57). This prohibits membership in any organization which
does not have verifiable legitimacy for its claimed status, or which claims
authorities in reliance upon disproven pseudo-history or disregard for
established doctrines of law.

Any allegiance given to another organization is generally presumed to have no
conflict with the Templar Order, as long as such does not pursue any anti-
humanitarian or anti-religious agenda, or any unlawful purposes against rights
or the rule of law. Members of any unapproved organization may be required to
renounce any title or office granted by it, as determined by Templar experts on a
case by case basis.

Acceptance is Not “Recognition” – Acceptance or tolerance by the Templar
Order of membership in any other organization shall not be construed and may
not be claimed as any type of “recognition” of such other organization.


On Knighthood in Other Chivalric Orders

The Temple Rule authorizes to recruit new members “where you know to be
gathered Knights… if there is anyone who wishes to serve and join” the Templar
Order (Rule 12). Verifiable legal legitimacy of one’s previous Knight or Dame
title is required (Rule 57). The Templar Order can thus accept one who is
already a titled Knight or Dame in good standing of another legitimate Order of
Chivalry.
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Any allegiance given to another legitimate Order of Chivalry is generally
presumed to have no conflict with the Templar Order, as long as such is
dedicated to and faithfully upholds the ancient Code of Chivalry. Members of
any unapproved Order may be required to renounce any title or office granted
by it, as determined by Templar experts on a case by case basis.

This policy is primarily to avoid association with “fantasy orders” of
illegitimate self-styled “knighthood”. Note that SMOM is accepted for proven
juridical and chivalric legitimacy. As exceptions, OSMTH and SMOTJ are
accepted for demonstrated merit as charitable “other organizations”. Masonic
Degrees or Masonic Bodies named “Templar” are accepted as they correctly do
not claim to be an Order of Chivalry nor claim to confer knighthood.

Acceptance is Not “Recognition” – Acceptance or tolerance by the Templar
Order of membership in any other organization shall not be construed and may
not be claimed as any type of “recognition” of such other organization.


Traditional Ages for Accepting Young Members

The Temple Rule established guidelines restricting how to “receive children”
into the Templar Order. First, “he must nourish until such time as he can carry
arms vigorously… Then the mother and father may lead him to the Order… and
it is much better if he does not make the Vow [of Chivalry] when he is a child
but when he is of age” (Rule 14).

The Chinon Parchment (1308 AD), recording the Vatican’s examination of the
major Templar leaders of France, evidences that the general age of admission
into the Templar Order was “17 years of age or thereabouts” [7].

In the modern era, the age of a High School (Secondary School) “Senior” or
graduate is typically 17, which is the average “age of consent”, of “legal
capacity”, and of obtaining a driver’s license in many jurisdictions; The age of a
College (University) “Senior” or graduate is typically 21, which is the average
age of legal alcohol consumption in many jurisdictions, and is the age for a
“concealed carry” firearms license in most jurisdictions.

Therefore, authentic to Templar history, the Order practices the following policy
for young members: Persons under age 17 can be admitted as a Squire or
Lady in Waiting only with parental consent, with at least one parent joining
the Order; Persons age 17 and above can be admitted as a Sergeant or
Adjutante; Persons age 21 and above can be elevated to Knight or Dame.



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Academic Source References

[1] Henri de Curzon, La Règle du Temple, La Société de L’Histoire de France,
Paris (1886), in Librairie Renouard.

[2] Emile Leon Gautier, La Chevalerie (1883); Translated in: Henry Frith,
Chivalry, George Routledge & Sons, London (1891); Reconstructed from
historical sources since ca. 1066 AD.

[3] Douglas Harper, Online Etymology Dictionary, Pennsylvania (2001),
“Lodge”.

[4] London Encyclopaedia, 1st Edition, Thomas Tegg, London (1829), Volume 6,
“Commandery”, p.253.

[5] The Vatican, The Catholic Encyclopedia (1911), The Encyclopedia Press, New
York (1913), Volume 12, “Priory”, p.428.

[6] Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, New York (1911), Volume 22,
“Preceptor”, p.274.

[7] Pope Clement V, Chinon Parchment (1308), Vatican Secret Archives,
“Archivum Arcis Armarium” D 217-218; Replica Parchments, Processus Contra
Templarios, Scrinium, Venice, Italy (2008).