Post by Sir Benedict on Jan 15, 2015 20:05:47 GMT
Currently, the Order does not have any ranks of membership, although ranks are specifically mentioned in the Constitutional Charter. Here is a decree I wrote up that will introduce ranks into the Order:
While I know ranks are not absolutely necessary, I think it would be a nice touch (and not to mention most of the other chivalric orders have them). If we were to go with ranks, this proposal is the best way to do it in my opinion because it gives higher ranks to those who hold a higher station or do more to serve the Order. If this decree were to go into effect, favoritism would not be an issue.
What do you guys think? I want us to reach a consensus before I decide on anything, or at least just hear your opinions.
Although all members of the Equestrian Order of Saint Thomas are equal, the Order, like other chivalric institutions, wishes to make use of various ranks and degrees of membership in order to recognize and honor those members who have served the Order in a special way beyond that which was required of them. Therefore, the following degrees shall be the official ranks of membership within the Order:
Knight
The rank of Knight shall be the first and lowest rank of membership within the Order. All new members shall be inducted into this rank. Members of this rank shall have permission to use the postnomial letters “KST” if male or “DST” if female.
Knight Commander
Knight Commander shall be the second rank of membership within the Order and shall be limited to those who have been elected as officers of the Order or have been appointed to serve as the Order’s Prelate. Members of this rank shall have permission to use the postnomial letters “KCST” if male or “DCST” if female.
Knight Commander with Star
The third rank of membership within the Order, Knight Commander with Star, shall be limited to those who have been elected to lead the Order as its Grand Master. Members of this rank shall have permission to use the postnomial letters “KC*ST” if male or “DC*ST” if female.
Knight Grand Cross
The fourth and highest rank of membership within the Order shall be that of Knight Grand Cross. Membership in this rare and prestigious degree shall be limited to those members of royal or imperial dignity who protect and represent the Order as Patrons. Members of this rank shall have permission to use the postnomial letters “KGCST” if male or “DGCST” if female.
Promotion in rank shall be certified and recorded by the Order’s Chancellor.
Knight
The rank of Knight shall be the first and lowest rank of membership within the Order. All new members shall be inducted into this rank. Members of this rank shall have permission to use the postnomial letters “KST” if male or “DST” if female.
Knight Commander
Knight Commander shall be the second rank of membership within the Order and shall be limited to those who have been elected as officers of the Order or have been appointed to serve as the Order’s Prelate. Members of this rank shall have permission to use the postnomial letters “KCST” if male or “DCST” if female.
Knight Commander with Star
The third rank of membership within the Order, Knight Commander with Star, shall be limited to those who have been elected to lead the Order as its Grand Master. Members of this rank shall have permission to use the postnomial letters “KC*ST” if male or “DC*ST” if female.
Knight Grand Cross
The fourth and highest rank of membership within the Order shall be that of Knight Grand Cross. Membership in this rare and prestigious degree shall be limited to those members of royal or imperial dignity who protect and represent the Order as Patrons. Members of this rank shall have permission to use the postnomial letters “KGCST” if male or “DGCST” if female.
Promotion in rank shall be certified and recorded by the Order’s Chancellor.
While I know ranks are not absolutely necessary, I think it would be a nice touch (and not to mention most of the other chivalric orders have them). If we were to go with ranks, this proposal is the best way to do it in my opinion because it gives higher ranks to those who hold a higher station or do more to serve the Order. If this decree were to go into effect, favoritism would not be an issue.
What do you guys think? I want us to reach a consensus before I decide on anything, or at least just hear your opinions.