New Haven, CT  — The Knights of Columbus will begin paying an accidental death benefit to the families of members of the Catholic fraternal order who are killed while in military service in Afghanistan and Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The benefit is based on the deceased’s years of membership in the Knights and ranges from $1,000 to $2,500. The Order’s executive and finance committee voted a change to an existing accidental death benefit that had previously had a war-time exclusion condition. The benefit is in addition to any funds due the family from a Knights of Columbus life insurance policy the member may have had.

In announcing the new benefit, Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson said it was another commitment by the Order to U.S. troops engaged in the war on terrorism. “The purpose of this additional benefit is to assist the families of our fallen members who have served their countries in these military conflicts,” Anderson said.  According to Knights of Columbus records, as of Dec. 31 five families had qualified for the benefit.

Earlier this year, in collaboration with the U.S. Archdiocese for Military Services, the Knights produced and distributed 100,000 prayer books to the troops stationed in the Middle East and at U.S. and foreign bases. The Knights also sent 50,000 rosaries to U.S. troops.

The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization, with nearly 1.7 million members throughout North America and elsewhere. It offers insurance and annuities to its members and their families. The sale of insurance has been a part of the organization’s program since its founding in New Haven in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, a 29-year-old Catholic priest. The Knights is also known for its charitable activities. In 2002 members reported raising and contributing a record $128.5 million and volunteering a record 60.8 million hours of service.