Order of St. Thomas

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The Order of St. Thomas (OST) is a religious order in the Liberal Catholic Tradition. Originally a street outreach group, the Order was brought into The Liberal Catholic Church, formally approved and received on the 30th of May, 2004. The Order was founded by Br. David (Dave) Lindley, who since 1986, has dedicated his life to serving others through street and community outreach.

Originally founded in Nashville, Tennessee, the Order now has its headquarters in Elmhurst, Illinois.

The Order has two branches of membership, one for Friars (derived from the Latin word for "brother"), and the other for Knights. Both groups undergo periods of Postulancy, before making either yearly or life vows. A Postulant chooses whether he or she will be a Friar, which is more contemplative, or a Knight, which is more outreach oriented. Both Friars and Knights follow the Order's "Guiding Document," which outlines the Friar or Knight's behavior and duties, which may include praying the Seven Ray (Franciscan) Rosary, and the Divine Office as amended and approved by the Church.

The OST has Five vows, which include: Simplicity of life, Purity of heart, Obedience, Non-violence, and Universal citizenship.

The Order is governed by the Director General and the General Assembly, which is made up of vowed members of the Order. The General Assembly meets every two years to discuss issues pertaining to the Order.

Membership is open to both men and women, whether married, in a relationship, or single.

In April, 2008, Br. Dave severed ties with the Liberal Catholic Church International due to a dispute over his desire to be consecrated a Bishop, and he formed an alliance with the Reformed Liberal Catholic Church.

[edit] External links

• The Order of Saint Thomas
• St. Michael's Abbey