About the Order

The Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem (Lat. Ordo Supremus Militaris Templi Hierosolymitani — OSMTH, Magnum Magisterium branch) is a traditional, Christian, independent and strictly non-political chivalric association, acting on principles of lawfulness and openness.

In its inner spiritual life the Order rests on historical acts and succession:

the Latin Rule, written by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1129);
the Charter of Transmission (Carta Transmissionis), issued by the 24th Grand Master Jean-Marc Larmenius on 13 February 1324;
the General Statutes adopted at Versailles in 1705;
the Statutes of 1947 and subsequent decrees adapted to the norms of the modern age.

The Order honours the memory of, and is the spiritual successor to, the ancient chivalric brotherhood founded in the Holy Land in 1118–1119.

Legal, political and financial status

The Magnum Magisterium acts with full independence and strict observance of the law in each jurisdiction where its structures are established:

Outside politics. The organisation is not a political party or movement. It takes no part in political activity, pursues no political aims and supports no political forces.
Financial independence. Statutory, educational and charitable work is funded by voluntary contributions of members and lawful donations.
Openness. The Order has no connection with Freemasonry or with esoteric or secret societies. Its activity is transparent within the bounds of its statutes.

Spiritual foundation

The Order is open to Christians who profess officially recognised Christian confessions. In its educational and social work the Magnum Magisterium relies on the spiritual and moral values of the Christian tradition and on the ideals of charity.

Governance

The Magnum Magisterium is the supreme governing body of this historical line of succession, under the omophorion of the reigning Grand Master. National priories and related structures act in fraternal recognition within this international communion.