"Is OSMTH an Order of the Catholic Church?" No. Our members hail from different Christian denominations and the Order is an ecumenical organization.

"Are Templars free-masons?" No. OSMTH is not a masonic organization.

"Can a Hindu become a member?" One of the cultural aims of the Order is to represent and defend the values of the Christian civilization. Accordingly, full membership is open to Christians. It is important to stress, though, that we consider the Christian civilization as one among many great civilizations worthy of preservation, not one necessarily superior to all others. Accordingly, we appreciate and cherish the contribution of non-Christian friends and supporters, true companions on our road. At the Priory level, especially in the USA, non-Christian supporters are associated members of the Order ("Companions"): they attend all functions and participate freely in the life of the Order, but do not have further obligations, especially of religious nature, and cannot hold office.

"Are Templar groups hideouts for spies?" Among the many groups claiming a Templar identity, born of the romantic revival of Templarism, there have been undeniably some groups that served as cover-ups for covert and questionable operations. One of the fundamental tenets of OSMTH is that its members must be good and law-abiding citizens, of course with the proviso that the laws be compatible with their christian values and with human rights in general.

"Is OSMTH an esoteric cult?" Absolutely not. The neo-Templar world counts hundreds of small and large organizations, ranging from gastronomic societies and university student fraternities to organizations dedicated to the study and teaching of mystical-esoteric disciplines. There are indeed esoteric sects that also claim a Templar identity, but OSMTH has nothing to do with that. OSMTH is an Order inspired by and based on the chivalric and spiritual-ethical aspect of Templarity.

"What can OSMTH do for me?" Wrong question. Membership in OSMTH means a commitment to collaborate in the Order's charitable efforts. Membership does not provide an opportunity for solipsistic admiration and self-glorification, in accordance with the famous Templar motto "Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomini Tuo da gloriam" (Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to Your Name give glory).

"Who are the members of the Order?" Full membership is open to any christian man or woman of good will and who has demonstrated a sustained and outstanding commitment to public service. This could be an honorable record in the Armed or Police forces, a distinguished career in public service or education, accomplishment in the arts and sciences, a history of dedicated volunteer work. Many of our members are in public office, including the clergy, or in the liberal professions. However, service and dedication are by no means limited to the so-called "elite." Frequently people with more unassuming professions and homemakers prove to be true bastions of civility, decency and dedication in our society. These silent heroes have a place of honor among us. Among the most prominent members of the Order there are several Congressmen, the Sergeant-at-Arms of the US Congress, former counsellors to the President of the USA, a former Attorney-General of the USA, members of the European High Aristocracy, heads of Scottish clans, Bishops of the Anglican, Lutheran and Orthodox Churches, diplomats and officials of several countries, of the United Nations or of intergovernmental organizations, and over one hundred Admirals and Generals in several countries.

"How can I, a common citizen, be a member of an Order? Don't I have to be an aristocrat?" Membership in OSMTH requires dedication to service. Although some of our members are members of the aristocracy, a nobiliary title is NOT a requirement of membership. Conversely, membership in the Order does not mean that one receives any nobility title. In fact, the appellation "Knight" and "Dame" are the traditional appellatives used in the Order as a reminder that our members commit themselves to chivalric behaviour. They should not be confused with the titles bestowed by Sovereign powers.

"How can I become a member?" By contacting one of the member Grand Priories or by co-optation by a member of the Order. [additional details]