Questions and answers
Understanding the Noble Company
The Noble Company unites heritage and personal merit with a living commitment to Christian fellowship, responsible leadership, and service.
Open each question below for a brief introduction to the Company, its origins, and its approach to membership.
The essentials
Common questions
What is the Noble Company of Saint Mary of Walsingham?
The Noble Company of Saint Mary of Walsingham, also known simply as the Noble Company, is a fellowship of men and women united in preserving valuable traditions and enduring principles within the changing life of contemporary society.
Must I be a member of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church to join the Noble Company?
No. Membership in the United Roman-Ruthenian Church is not required. The Noble Company is an ecumenical Christian fellowship and welcomes eligible Christians of every ecclesiastical tradition and affiliation, subject to its ordinary membership requirements.
Who is eligible to apply?
Christian men and women whose lives and work reflect the ideals of the Noble Company are welcome to apply. Eligibility may be established through noble descent or through personal merit, including professional or personal achievement, community leadership, and humanitarian service. Every candidate is considered individually through the ordinary review process, and final admission is conferred by invitation.
Is the Noble Company an order of chivalry?
The Noble Company is an ecclesiastically chartered Christian nobiliary society and fellowship. It is a constituent body of the Pontifical Court of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church. It preserves and gives contemporary expression to the historic ideals of chivalry, nobility, and noblesse oblige through Christian fellowship, responsible leadership, preservation of heritage, and service.
What does membership involve?
Membership is both an honour and a continuing responsibility. Companions are expected to participate according to their circumstances in Christian fellowship, charitable and community service, the preservation of historical and cultural heritage, and the wider work of the Noble Company. Membership recognizes worthy achievement while also calling each Companion to continued service, responsible leadership, and exemplary conduct.
May both clergy and laity join?
Yes. Eligible clergy of Apostolic churches and laity may both be admitted to the Noble Company. All candidates are considered according to the same principles of Christian character, heritage or personal merit, achievement, and service.
How long has the Noble Company existed?
The Noble Company was founded in 2008 and continues under its ecclesiastical charter and the spiritual heritage of the United Roman-Ruthenian Church.
The next step
Learn more or enquire
Membership is limited and is conferred by invitation, but men and women who share the Company’s ideals are welcome to enquire and enter the consideration process.
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