One very unique program that is a part of The Good Samaritans of the Knights Templar Foundation {GSKT} is entitled “The Knights of State”. From their beginning in 1118, the Knights Templar was structured as a religious order of the Roman Catholic Church, reporting directly to the Pope and holding a unique “immunity” from matters of the national states in those times while also having Templar Envoys that dealt with various nations where the Templars held properties and had presence. However, over time, the Knights Templar have evolved into being an ecumenical order, not belonging to or being a part of any specific Church nor reporting to any particular Head of State. And in that regard, the Good Samaritans of the Knights Templar Foundation, while founded by Templars and supported by Templars, is totally separate and distinct from the Knights Templar Order, instead being a Charitable Organization and Foundation classified as a 501.c.3 tax-deductible Public Charity by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States of America.

The Good Samaritans of the Knights Templar Foundation seeks primarily to raise funds for charitable purposes in support of other existing organizations also possessing IRS 501.c.3 approval, to include organizations with Internal Revenue Service approval to serve charitable purposes both within the USA and/or in foreign nations. In that regard, GSKT found itself over time needing a diplomatic presence and structure to work with and liaison with foreign nations, and having none. But what GSKT did have is a broad range of colleagues within the Diplomatic Corps and at International Agencies and embassies who are willing to give of their time and talent in service to such charitable efforts. These fine patriots, “citizens of the world”, who value service to humanity and civilization as a key to the future of the world, have volunteered to assist GSKT as we enlarge our international contacts and linkages with various foreign governments and international NonGovernmental Organizations [NGO’s]. They have been formed into a Diplomatic Corps for GSKT that has been entitled “The Knights of State”. Each is approved for such status by the GSKT Board of Directors and is authorized to use the title of “Knight Envoy, GSKT” or “Knight Diplomat, GSKT”, or “Knight Ambassador, GSKT”. In addition, each is authorized to wear the appropriate insignia reflecting their status and each receives their diplomatic assignments from the GSKT Board of Directors.