Knights of Columbus

Built on the concepts of charity, unity and fraternity, Knights of Columbus is a Catholic organization that offers financial aid to members and their families. Referred to as a "fraternal benefit society," Knights of Columbus took the church custom of "passing the hat" to collect money for struggling parishioners and evolved it into modern insurance. Knights of Columbus offers a variety of insurance plans and annuities. Under life insurance, a permanent life insurance plan offers coverage for life, for a limited time frame or for two people. This policy also has the option of a dividend payout. In addition to permanent life, there's an option for term life where the policy is good for a specific amount of time and is available in seven different levels. Long-term care plans and annuities are also available through the Knights of Columbus organization.

History

The state of Connecticut officially chartered the Knights of Columbus as a "fraternal benefit society" in 1882, thanks to the work of Father McGivney, then assistant pastor of St. Mary's Church in New Haven. Over 17 years, Knights of Columbus established orders in every U.S. state, five Canadian provinces, Mexico, and the Philippines. Throughout WWI and WWII, the organization was very involved in supporting U.S. troops by offering them refuge, economic and spiritual support, as well as by buying U.S. war bonds.

In 2007, the Knights of Columbus celebrated its 125-year anniversary. The organization has grown to include more than 13,000 councils and 1.7 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan. Father McGivney, founder of the organization is currently being investigated by the Vatican for sainthood.

Ratings

For 33 consecutive years, the Knights of Columbus has received A.M. Best's highest independent insurance rating of "A++" (Superior). The amount of in-force business under the Knights of Columbus name has doubled over the past 10 years to over $67 billion.