Involvement

Preceptory is led by an Executive Committee. The organisation also has an Advisory Council.

Volunteerism is encouraged.

The following is an example of a historical oath or declaration.

In the name of the most holy, glorious and undivided Trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Amen.

Whereas our Christian forefathers, the Knights of Malta, who joined in a holy bond of brotherhood, to support all Christian kings and states against Turks and Infidels — we, the members of the Illustrious Order of Royal Black Knights will, as far as in our power lies, imitate their glorious acts and great achievements, with our lives and fortunes, to support and defend the Christian Religion against all foes whatsoever, her present majesty, Elizabeth II, her heirs and successors, so long as he/she or they maintain and defend the Protestant religion, and the present Constitution.

The Order of St John of Jerusalem began in 1048 before the crusades when Palestine was under Muslim control. During the crusades this order militarised and became known as Knights Hospitallers, of Cyprus, Rhodes, and most famously, of Malta. It is beyond doubt one of the oldest Christian organisations in the world and the world's oldest continuing order of chivalry.

The Order of St John was primarily concerned with healthcare, education and hospitality. This Order was also involved in fighting in the Crusades, and eventually had its own island territories, so that it became a recognised sovereign power.

Numerous accounts of its history have been written, so it is relatively easy to draw upon and condense several sources. Though the days of courtly chivalry are gone, the cause those knights fought for is still just as real, though spiritual and ideological, which is the battle between Christianity and ideas which are against it. The story of the knights is also very encouraging in the struggle against Islam, particularly the gallant defence of Malta against Turkish invasion.

Today there are various organisations or branches which follow after the original order. Some focus on religion, some on merit and some on healthcare, or some combination of these.

The Sovereign Order of St John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller, under the headship of Preceptory, emphasises the importance of spiritual and national wellbeing.