DECLARATION OF THE CHANCELLERY OF THE OSMTHU REGARDING THE OSMTJ CONCLAVE OF TOMAR AND THE ASSAULT ON THE PORTUGUESE GP BY THE GM
Lisbon, September 24, 2023
The Magisterial Council of the Ordo Supremus Militaris Templi Heirosolimitani Universalis (OSMTHU), through the Office of the Chancellor, declares that the OSMTHU was in no way involved in the serious incidents that took place in the city of Tomar, Portugal, during the International Conclave of the OSMTJ – Martinez Obedience, the 22 and 23 of September 2023. The Templar city of Tomar is held in high esteem by all serious Templar branches and on that same weekend no less than three different independent groups held meetings there. The OSMTHU was invited as guest for the OSMTJ Conclave and took part as an observer in but two meetings on the 22nd., being completely absent during the proceedings of the 23rd of September.
It has come to our knowledge that during a private meeting on the 23rd. of September between Luis Martinez, Master of the OSMTJ – Martinez Obedience and his Grand Prior of Portugal, Sister Alexandra Pissarra – host of the Conclave – there was an altercation between the two and Luis Martinez assaulted Grand Prior Alexandra, pulling her arm, twisting her elbow, and causing a shoulder injury that left her almost unconscious. This unprovoked aggression was witnessed by a member of the Portuguese Grande Priory and a member of the Belgian Grand Priory.
Sister Alexandra Pissarra has a serious medical condition that has accompanied her all her life. She suffers from Double Scoliosis with curvatures, congenital in origin and not operable. She suffers from the risk of falls or any sudden movements that could lead to loss of mobility.
After being treated in her hotel and slowly recovering from the utter shock and injuries – shock that was visible, as Grand Prior Alexandra arrived back at her hotel shaking, crying and in a general state of confusion and disbelief – she was taken to the local police to file a report and press charges. Report 000466/23.0 PBTMR for “Assault and Offence Against Physical Integrity” (article 143º of the Portuguese Penal Code, subject to fine plus up to 3 years incarceration). A few minutes later, Luis Martinez was visited by the police at his hotel, where he was duly questioned, and his identification taken.
The OSMTHU, through its Chancellor, first hand witness to the aftermath of this intolerable incident, declares:
- Absolute and vehement repudiation of this unworthy and condemnable assault on all counts.
- Unjustifiable that a man – even more so one who claims to be a Templar, to which he adds a title of leadership, title that should be founded on the highest ethical and human standards and yet – surpasses all principles of behavior and seeks to resolve a personal disagreement by violently assaulting a woman, violating her personal integrity.
- We express our deepest regret for this event, which neither reflects the values nor the modern Templar practice, distancing ourselves vehemently and unequivocally from those who provoked, justified, and protected it.
- It is one of the highest duties of Chivalry to “defend the weakest, women, and widows,” according to the Ancient Codes. Nowadays, a woman does not need a man to defend her and can protect herself. However, she should not be subject to aggression from ruffians who cannot control their testosterone and are incapable of displaying the courtesy and valour of a Knight.
- This violent assault, perpetrated on the Portuguese authority chosen by the assailant to lead his organization, is an affront to all Portuguese, their right to autonomy and self-determination regarding national associative organizations, and an unacceptable, overbearing interference in national affairs.
- Unacceptable that Luis Martinez, an invited guest in Portuguese soil, free to enjoy the most sacred place that the Order of the Temple bequeathed to Humanity, behaves in a profane, irrational, ignorant, and disrespectful manner during a supposed “Order Convention,” frivolously and entirely uninformed about the Order’s ethos and name, that he uses as a bumper sticker, culminating in a brutal and unprecedented assault that defines his character and utter lack of preparedness.
- This aggression casts a long shadow of shame on the OSMTJ – Martinez Obedience, threatening, in the eyes of the world, to drag all true Templars from all lineages into a deep mudhole of scandal and humiliation.
The Magisterial Council of OSMTHU wishes to advise the OSMTJ – Martinez Obedience to reconsider its situation and association with this individual, remembering that participation in the global Templar community requires maturity and the full embrace of the Order’s values every day of our lives, at every moment. You should choose if you stand with the Order or stand alone, protecting the indefensible. Women beaters should find no safe harbor in the Temple.
Until further developments, the participation of any members or structures of OSMTJ – Martinez Obedience in events within the OSMTHU ecosystem, including the Templar Corps International, is prohibited.
Luis de Matos
Chancellor
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