The Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem (OSMTH) is a modern-day ecumenical Christian knighthood. Our official name is Ordo Supremus Militaris Templi Hierosolymitani, Latin for “The Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem”, and often shortened to the initials OSMTH or SMOTJ. Our Order was founded on the principles first adopted by the original Templar Knights in France in the Year 1118 and carried out in those early days from their home in the Temple of Solomon in the Holy City of Jerusalem, provided for them by then King of Jerusalem Baldwin, the Second. In these modern times, OSMTH is international in nature with members from over 40 nations, ecumenical Christian in our religious beliefs welcoming Members of all Christian religions, and focused on matters of human rights, political and religious freedom, and humanitarian aid to the world's less fortunate. We are officially recognized by the United Nations in Special Consultative Status and furnish OSMTH Official Delegations to the United Nations in New York City, Vienna, and Geneva. IMPORTANT MESSAGE REGARDING THE TRAGIC EVENTS IN NORWAY, JULY 2011 Message from OSMTH Like the Knights Templar of old, we operate as a modern-day worldwide network of educated professionals in such widely diverse protocols as senior government officials, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, senior clergy, military officers, physicians and surgeons, engineers, historians, and humanitarian aid caregivers. OSMTH represents many of the most respected and credible senior officials in their home nations, providing both a highly respected body of expertise, an influential voice to support commitment to the less fortunate of the world, and to promote the time-tested chivalric ideals of honor, honesty, civility, tolerance, care for our fellow man, and support for ecumenical religious faith throughout our individual nations and throughout the world community. Read More About Us International Templar Order Deplores Senseless Acts in Norway An Open Message Following the Killings in Utøya, Norway July 24, 2011 The International Order of the Knights Templar, known throughout the world as Ordo Supremus Militaris Templi Hierosolymitani (OSMTH), expresses its deepest sympathy to the people of Norway for the horrific events of Friday, July 22. International Grand Master Patrick Rea, International Grand Commander Robert Disney and the Grand Prior of Norway, Stein Tennebø, as well as all members of the Order deplore the senseless acts of terrorism allegedly committed by Anders Behring Breivik and send our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased, their friends and the people of Norway. OSMTH (Swiss Registry, CH-660.1972999-4) is an Ecumenical Christian Confraternal Order and accredited United Nations Non-Governmental Organization. As such, it is the only Knights Templar organization recognized as a non-governmental organization (NGO). OSMTH is known for building bridges throughout the world for peace and understanding. Members of OSMTH stand ready to lend a hand to the people of Norway in whatever capacity that their services are needed. We all watched in horror and dismay as the shocking images came out of Utøya, Norway – innocent children and adults literally slaughtered at the hands of a rampaging right-wing fundamentalist. This can only be described as a national tragedy of international consequence. Christ's message is one of love, understanding and tolerance of all peoples in the World. How Anders Behring Breivik so misunderstood and corrupted Christ's message is beyond reason or belief. It would appear from various media reports that Anders Breivik belonged to an ultra-right-wing fundamentalist group intent on ridding Europe of its immigrant population. The group "The European Military Order and Criminal Tribunal (the PCCTS - Knights Templar)" bears no relation philosophically or by affiliation to OSMTH – the Knight Templar International. As a non-political organization, our works are often carried out in partnership with and for the benefit of all peoples regardless of faith, creed or ethnic background. Although a Christian Order, OSMTH is not a church, fundamentalist group or missionary organization - we do not give spiritual guidance nor judge those who follow another path of faith. We are not modern day "Crusaders". We express our Christian faith through our good works. Again, OSMTH wishes to extend its sincere condolences to the people of Norway, and most especially the families and friends of those poor lost souls. This is a time of great, great sadness … we grieve with you. Our prayers go with those who were taken away, and those who bear their loss. The Members of OSMTH – the Knights Templar International Non Nobis, Domine, Non Nobis, Sed Nomini Tuo Da Gloriam