05/06/2026
The Legitimacy of The Grand Priory of Australia – Ordre du Temple de Jérusalem
In recent months, questions have occasionally been raised regarding the standing, authority, and legitimacy of The Grand Priory of Australia within the international structure of the Ordre du Temple de Jérusalem (OTJ). As Grand Prior, I believe it is important that our members, friends, and supporters understand the documentary basis upon which our authority rests.
The legitimacy of any modern chivalric order is ultimately derived from its constitutional instruments, statutes, letters patent, and lawful acts of recognition issued by the competent authority of that Order.
The attached Letters Patent speak clearly for themselves.
Letters Patent No. 31 of 2025, issued from the Magisterium of the Ordre du Temple de Jérusalem, formally proclaims and consecrates Australia as an active and faithful Grand Priory of the Order. This is not merely a statement of goodwill or fellowship; it is an official act of recognition issued under the authority of the Grand Master and Magisterial Officers of the Order.
Further, Letters Patent No. 32 of 2025 formally appoint, invest, and consecrate Chevalier Gregory J. Fellows KCTJ to the office of Grand Prior of Australia, conferring the rank and dignity of Knight Grand Officer of the Temple of Jerusalem (KGOTJ) and charging him with the governance and administration of the Grand Priory in accordance with the Statutes and Rules of the Order.
These instruments were duly issued under seal and signature by:
✠ The Grand Master of the Order
✠ The Grand Chancellor General
✠ The Grand Secretary General
and are expressed as acts undertaken:
“in accordance with the principal documents and traditions of the Order, and by virtue of the duties and prerogatives inherent to the functions in our office(s).”
Accordingly:
✅ The Grand Priory of Australia exists by virtue of formal Magisterial proclamation.
✅ The Grand Prior of Australia holds office by virtue of formal Magisterial appointment and consecration.
✅ The Grand Priory of Australia operates as a recognised constituent body of the Ordre du Temple de Jérusalem.
✅ Its members participate in the Order through a lawful and recognised jurisdiction established by Letters Patent.
These documents establish both the jurisdictional authority of the Grand Priory and the constitutional authority of its Grand Prior within Australia.
While every modern Templar organisation traces its heritage through various historical traditions and successions, legitimacy within a contemporary Order is determined not by internet commentary or personal opinion, but by the governing instruments of that Order itself. In this case, the authority is expressed through formal Letters Patent issued by the Magisterium and signed by the highest officers of the Order.
The Grand Priory of Australia therefore continues its mission with confidence, humility, and fidelity to the ideals of Christian Chivalry, humanitarian service, and Templar tradition, acting under the authority entrusted to it by the international leadership of the Ordre du Temple de Jérusalem.
As always, our focus remains not on titles or privileges, but upon service to God, service to humanity, and service to one another.
Non Nobis Domine, Non Nobis, Sed Nomini Tuo Da Gloriam.
