Big Knight out for Templars to mark UN move
Images © Rosslyn Templars
An ancient and secretive society linked to the Holy Grail has staged a conference in an East Lothian hotel.
The Knights Templar held a gathering at the Templar Lodge Hotel in Gullane to mark the society’s official recognition by the United Nations (see below).
The Knights Templar was an order of warrior monks, who were responsible for great advances in medicine, architecture and finance, and who excavated holy sites around the world. By the 13th century they are said to have become the richest private organisation of the Middle Ages, harbouring priceless treasures.
According to legend, the Knights discovered the Holy Grail in Jerusalem and later brought it to Scotland where it was buried in the vaults at Rosslyn Chapel.
The
modern day Knights Templar are involved in charity work and historical research,
although their practices and rituals are still shrouded in secrecy.
The UN has given the Templars "special consultative status" on peace talks in the Middle East, as they continue to carry out work in Jerusalem, where the order was founded in 1152.
The conference, Templars Ancient and Modern: Peace in the Holy Land, was addressed by current Templars including Mr McGowan, deputy general secretary of the International Order.
Evening News
2nd December 2002
Non Government Organisations associated with the United Nations
The article states that Knights Templar have been granted 'special recognition status' by the United Nations as a Non Government Organisation (NGO's). To read the conditions which require to be met by those seeking consultative status click here to download a pdf file
The latest list of NGO's recognised by the United Nations can be downloaded as a .pdf file by clicking here or on the previous links. Strangely, the Knights Templar do not appear to be on the latest list but that is probably an oversight.