Wednesday 4 January 2012

MSM Rule: Chapter XV -Attendance at Chapters

CHAPTER XV - ATTENDANCE AT CHAPTERS

1. The brethren will attend chapter meetings of the Order whenever they are required to do so by the competent authority; If they are prevented from attending for some serious reason they will not fail to obtain a dispensation in good time, or if this is impossible, to make an explanation without delay; for politeness is a spontaneous expression of brotherly love for a knight. Command chapters will take place at least once a month; if possible at least eight days notice shall be given. The date will be chosen by the commander, in consultation with the chaplain, having regard for the convenience of the majority.

2. The chapter will begin with prayer. One of the brethren will then read a portion of the Rule, which will be commented on by the commander or the chaplain. Next, the commander will give the news of the Order and will deal with matters on the agenda; he will hear reports of activities and appor­tion the various tasks to be accomplished by the next chapter. Finally, there will be the prescribed prayers, the recitation of the Code of Honour and the blessing given by the chaplain, if present.

If a special chapter meeting is to follow immediately, the commander will say Loquamur de ordine nostro, and all those who are not members of the chapter will leave the room. The commander will then deal with matters reserved for this meeting, and will take counsel over the decisions concerning the government of the command. Next will follow the chapter of faults against the Rule: first of all by brothers at arms and squires, then, once these have gone out, by the donats and knights. The chaplain shall impose a slight penance as mentioned in Chapter 6, and then proceedings will be brought to a close with the verse adjutorium nostrum.

Except for postulants, no strangers may attend a chapter unless expressly invited by the commander. All that is said during the chapter and particularly during the closed meeting, must be regarded as confidential, following the monastic and chivalrous custom[1] (146), except as regards the ecclesias­tical Hierarchy.

3. The brethren must remember that a chapter is not an ordinary meeting where worldly matters are dealt with, nor an opportunity to discourse on any subject according to individual whims, but a sacred meeting under the eye of God, to consider questions relevant to His Reign.

Each shall therefore take care to behave irreproachably, to refrain from private conversation and to remain silent during the meeting except when called upon to speak.

The Brethren who have sought and been given permission to speak shall do so clearly, with moderation and without raising their voices; if it happens that two of them are of differing opinions on any question discussed, in chapter, concerning for example a new activity to be undertaken or not, they will defend their points of view calmly and with charity, without rancour or pride; and they will gladly submit to the decision of the commander, whatever it may be. For he who remains in humility and obedience is sure of never making a mistake.



[1] 146.       Rule of Templars

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