Lambuth University Opens the Processus contra Templarios to the Public

When the Vatican Press released Processus contra Templarios (Prosecution Against the Templars) last October, there was a cloud of speculation as to what the book contained and who was going to obtain one of the 799 publicly available copies. Many of those who purchased the text did not want any publicity, and the Vatican did not release a list of those who obtained a copy.

Lambuth University in Jackson, TN has taken a different route. Last Friday, Lambuth unveiled the university's acquisition of Processus copy number 241 . Joining Stanford, Cornell, and the University of Manchester (UK); Lambuth is one of the few institutions that has made the acquisition public knowledge. They’ve even gone a step further and invited the public on campus to celebrate the addition to their library. I made my way to Jackson yesterday to see the documents for myself. I never thought I would ever get the chance to view a copy, especially just two hours from home.

Processus is housed in a simple wood and glass case in the front of the Luther L. Gobbel Library. The University acquired the text after trustee Steve Brooks donated the funds to purchase the set. When ask what motivated Brooks to acquire the text, library staff members simply said he thought it would be a good addition to the library.

The library’s staff seemed a little overwhelmed at the prospect of having such a rare text in their care. Chief of Circulation Elaine Walker admitted she didn’t know much about the Templars before the acquisition but admits, “The Knights Templar and I have spend a the last few months getting to know each other.”

Yesterday’s event at the Gobbel Library was like a meet and greet with the text. Walker did a short presentation about the history of the Templars and the import of the text. Then the Library's Director Pam Dennis opened up the Processus for everyone’s examination. The staff passed out white gloves for everyone to take a peek at the documents.

The main book contains commentary and trial transcripts in English and Italian. The set also came with an exact reproduction of the Chinon Parchment. Water spots, pin pricks, and all other imperfections were all there. The only thing that the Vatican press did not include with the set was a translation of the Chinon Parchment. The transcript of the original Latin available within the main text in a more easy to read format.

Lambuth’s goal is that the text be made available to researchers and all those interested in examining it. I applaud Lambuth for opening their resources to me and the rest of the world. There will be a day very soon I'll be back to spend with the Processus.