Supreme Knight Carl Anderson Shares Good News

Spiritually, statistically, and financially, the Knights of Columbus are in a good place, as reported by their Supreme Knight, Carl Anderson, in his State of the Order address.

WASHINGTON (Catholic Online) - On August 5, 2008, more than 2,000 Knights and family members attended the Supreme Convention's opening business session, while even more attended via television on EWTN. Supreme Knight, Carl Anderson, shared is annual report with the delegates, providing a reflection on the history, as well as a report on the current state of the Order, and its future.

As the Supreme Knight stated, this was a year of record achievements. Among the statistics that he listed, he reported on the following:

• Membership at an all-time high of 1,763,182.
• A total of 13,485 councils, including 244 new councils.

Reports on the Insurance Program were equally encouraging. "Unlike so many other companies," Anderson said, "the Knights of Columbus is financially stronger than it was one year ago."

• Total insurance in force at more than $66 billion, with more than 1,651,151 life certificates in force.
• A surplus up 4.1 percent from 2007 to $1.75 billion.

The Order's dominance in the Catholic fraternal arena, as reported by the Knights of Columbus newsroom, allows it to move forward with new ventures. These new initiatives were announced by the Supreme Knight, including:

• New insurance products including a new member annuity available Sept. 1.
• A new Website, www.fathersforgood.org, and publications to promote and enhance fatherhood.
• A new film biography of the Order's founder, Father Michael J. McGivney.
• Collaborations with the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See on events marking the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Vatican.

Life issues maintained a high profile in the remarks make by Anderson. He told the Knights that "defending life and defending marriage constitute two of our most urgent tasks." He further emphasized to the meeting that "the defense of marriage is an issue of the greatest importance."

Reminding the listeners that the Knights of Columbus would remain nonpartisan, the Supreme Knight went on to say that it was time for Catholics to "stop creating excuses for voting for pro-abortion politicians."
He went on to say, "We will never succeed in building a culture of life if we continue to vote for politicians who support a culture of death."

In his conclusion, Supreme Knight Anderson reminded the Order that the Holy Spirit's strength is present to carry them forward. "We strive to be a people of life and a people for life committed to building a culture of life.

"We resolve to protect the basic building block of society -- the family based upon the marriage of a man and a woman. We continue our works of charity to aid those in need and who suffer, bringing them hope and comfort. In these ways and many others, being strengthened by the Holy Spirit, we will continue "Building the Civilization of Love Through Charity, Unity and Fraternity."

Anderson's final words were a call to action. "The love of Christ urges us on," he said. "Let us begin now."

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