Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is a global Catholic fraternal service order founded by Blessed Michael J. McGivney. It was established on March 29, 1882, as a mutual benefit society for working-class and immigrant Catholics in the United States, with the primary goal of providing financial assistance to members and their families.

History and Purpose

The organization began as a response to the absence of social safety nets for Catholics, who often faced discrimination in mainstream fraternal and labor organizations of the time. Father McGivney aimed to create an alternative that combined Catholic values with fraternalism, fostering pride in both Catholic and American heritages. The Knights of Columbus have since expanded internationally, establishing councils around the world to promote Catholic causes through philanthropy and support for Catholic institutions.

Charitable Activities

Charity is a core principle of the Knights of Columbus. Their charitable efforts include:

• Disaster Relief: The organization provides assistance to victims of natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes, dating back to the early 20th century.
• Support for Persecuted Christians: Between 2014 and 2018, the Knights gave over $20 million to support persecuted Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East.
• Refugee Aid: They have contributed to refugee relief, including aiding those on the US-Mexico border and in Ukraine during the conflict.
• Coats for Kids Program: Over 1 million coats have been donated to needy children since the program's inception in 2009.
• Ultrasound Program: More than 1,500 ultrasound machines have been donated to pregnancy centers in the US and Canada to support pregnant women.

Financial Services and Insurance

The Knights of Columbus operates a highly rated insurance program exclusively for its members and their families. This program includes life insurance, annuities, long-term care insurance, and disability insurance. The organization is also recognized for its ethical sales practices and has consistently received top ratings from A.M. Best for its financial strength.

Membership and Structure

Membership is limited to practicing Catholic men. As of 2024, the organization reported over 2.1 million members worldwide, with more than 17,000 local councils. While women and boys cannot join as full members, they may participate through auxiliary groups like the Columbiettes and the Columbian Squires, respectively. The organization is structured into four degrees, each reflecting a core principle: charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.