In 2019 the uniform was officially changed from the previous regalia of a plumed hat, cape, tuxedo and sword. The emblem consists of a shield mounted on a Forme cross, which is an artistic representation of the cross of Christ. The order is also an insurance company, with about 1,200 agents who sell policies to its members. [129] Near the entrance is the cross held by Jesus Christ on the facade of St. Peter's Basilica[129] before undergoing a Knights-financed renovation. "Parodists," said a Masonic Lodge spokesman about references to the Knights as Catholic versions of Freemasons. His date of his death has only been attained by calculation; it is probable however, the date has also been disputed. [3] There are around 4,000 members of the KSC, in over 240 councils across Great Britain it features in England, Scotland and Wales. [22] Because of religious and ethnic discrimination, Catholics in the late 19th century were regularly excluded from labor unions, popular fraternal organizations, and other organized groups that provided such social services. The work of the Knights of Columbus combines community service, social activities, charitable fundraising, and support for the Catholic Church. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in, Please refresh your browser to be logged in, Nepotism? 9:00am - 5:00pm (EST) The Edinburgh University-based professor found that nepotism and favouritism were widespread. 5.0. Although its borderline. He is a secret service, never to allow it to pass from my posses-, then there is a flash and the sharp report. Many thanks. [99][92][b] As of 2008[update], over $500million had been loaned through the ChurchLoan program. I graduated from and taught at the Columbus School of Law, founded by the Knights of Columbus, at the Catholic University of America. [23], Although its first councils were all in Connecticut, the Order spread throughout New England and the United States in subsequent years. That was the "evangelical" campaign photo. [95][96][97] The order has more than $109billion of life insurance policies in force and $26billion in assets as of 2019. The Knights' membership process already changed in recent years when the order began to allow online membership. I also have a KOSCL ritual which bears out the premise that these Knights are all drawing on each other. ", The Knights of St Columba are among a number of men-only Catholic organisations with shadowy reputations. playing a part, and that he played it well, all of you, the expression of relief which. The Knights of St Columba is a Catholic fraternal service order. He stood there for an awkwardly long time and appeared to have to instruct the first lady to smile. According to its founder Barnabas McDonald, "The supreme purpose of the Columbian Squires is character building. [100][95][83] A 2017 lawsuit claimed the Knights were inflating their membership numbers to improve their rankings and demanded $100million in damages. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visited the nearby St. John Paul II National Shrine for the 41st anniversary of the beginning of St. John Paul's historic nine-day visit to Poland in 1979 during which he called for religious and political freedom in that country. I havent included the preliminary material because its not directly relevant except for background. According to Wikipedia the KOSC stopped these Masonic rituals when they modernized in the late 60s. Imagine the effect on kids of even an adapted form of this nonsense. The newer organization renamed itself the Catholic Daughters of the Americas in 1921, and both have structures independent of the Knights of Columbus. I have been to scores of meetings and ceremonies. [15] The college councils program started at The Catholic University of America in 1898. I firmly believe that I and the other children on the Council Estate were seen as nothing more than trailer trash to be used and abused. He learned the Divine Scriptures and the lessons of an ascetic life under the Bishop, St. Finian. Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church. It is principally an insurance company, which underwrites $105 billion in policies, has $22 billion in assets. It would appear that 15 were employed by the council, and of those, seven had council jobs before they joined the Knights. New Haven, CT (CNA)The Knights of Columbus has announced a major revision to its longtime initiation ceremonies and for the first time will open them to the public, saying the changes are needed to become more appealing to prospective members and to respond to a "crisis" in Church membership. Plus a current testimonial sent to me in confidence. "[51], Faggioli believes the scope of the Knights' philanthropy can "create influence through money, especially in important places like Rome or Washington, D.C."[9], The order is dedicated to the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. [109] The CIS published a series on the new evangelization in 2011,[110] and donations to other Catholic mass communication services represent one of the Knights' major expenditures. The, your strength that will satisfy the Order, who will see that you do not injure your-, self. The organisation is non-political and essentially democratic, does not admit women, and exists to support the mission of the Catholic Church. If the secret service man dies, by the doctors, the secret service man, and. My name is Dominic Im the grand Knight of Co 22 Partick wee meet every 2nd Wednesday of the month please come and join us I will show you how the council works. Founder of the Knights and first Supreme Knight was P. J. O'Callaghan. The context of this Knights of Columbus photo op cannot be ignored. [164], The Loyal Orange Institution, also known as the Orange Order, is a similar organization for Protestant Christians.[165][166]. Racism is a sin. Your email address will not be published. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); KNIGHTS OF ST COLUMBA THE SECRET RITUALS. "Most of all, it is essential to the sustainability of the Knights of Columbus, as it will empower us to advance our mission and grow in the years ahead. Members are encouraged to play an active role in the Catholic Church, They support Members, families, Parish and the local Community, They support our Widows and pray regularly for the Deceased Brothers Knights. The rituals of the Knights, sometimes called ceremonies or exemplifications, have for decades been separated into first, second and third degrees focused respectively on the principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity, the first three principles of the Catholic men's fraternity founded in Connecticut in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney. secrets, let him think well before he acts. Four in ten baptized Catholics no longer identify as Catholic, and for the first time self-identified Catholics no longer make up a majority of Hispanics, according to a 2019 survey. [123] It was also supportive of trade unionism, and published the works "of the broad array of intellectuals", including George Schuster, Samuel Flagg Bemis, Allan Nevins, and W.E.B. leslie twitchell "[160], It was founded in 1925 in Duluth, Minnesota, by Barnabas McDonald. Especially during World War I and World War II, the Order operated a number of "huts" to support troops serving in combat, regardless of race or religion. The organisation describes itself as being dedicated to the principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity. "Last year, little more than half of the men who took their First Degree also took their Third Degree," he said, adding that the number of third degree teams is expected to decline. And at a crucial moment, the Knights of Columbus top brass came to his aid with a photo opportunity. In a strongly worded statement released the morning of Trump's visit, Gregory said: I find it baffling and reprehensible that any Catholic facility would allow itself to be so egregiously misused and manipulated in a fashion that violates our religious principles, which call us to defend the rights of all people even those with whom we might disagree. If you look at my posts, you will see that there is one key testimonial about the Knights which cross references with other testimonials. They politicized the order and took the side of racial bigotry and the violation of the constitutional and human rights of American citizens. [89], There was also a Sick Benefit Deposit for members who fell ill and could not work. [155][156] They expanded and issued charters to other circles but never merged. The Knights of St Columba is a Catholic fraternal service organisation. Du Bois, The Jews in the Making of America by George Cohen, and The Germans in the Making of America by Frederick Schrader. Anderson placed the order's longtime rituals in the context of the 19th century, when the Knights of Columbus competed with many other fraternal societies. [161][162][163] The formation of new Squire Circles in the United States and Canada is discouraged, as the Order desires to move youth activities from exclusive clubs into the local parish youth groups. For 10 years, Pope Francis outlasts the conservative resistance. [34][35] The "Knights of Columbus Racial Contributions Series" of books included three titles: The Gift of Black Folk, by W. E. B. [9][127], On March 10, 2001, the order opened a museum in New Haven dedicated to their history. "That would bring the order into disrepute. "They also tell us that secrecy is unnecessary, and sometimes, it is even an impediment to joining," Anderson added. The group organises annual pilgrimages to Aylesford Priory in Kent and Carfin Lourdes Grotto near Motherwell in North Lanarkshire. Citing Pope Benedict XVI's description of McGivney as representing "the secret of the impressive growth" of the Catholic Church in America, Anderson said McGivney is still an inspiring example for millions and the Knights of Columbus continue to pray for his canonization. "[153][non-primary source needed] The anchor represents Christopher Columbus, admiral under the orders of the kings of Spain and patron of this partnership, here a symbol of the Catholic contribution to America. In accord with our Bishops, the Knights of Columbus has consistently maintained positions that take these concerns into account. [51] President Bill Clinton sent a videotaped message to the 111th Supreme Convention saying the Order's "contributions to the Catholic Church and to your communities merit our applause. Subscribers free to receive our Bi-Monthly eColumba newsletter. The Knights of St Columba are an Order of Catholic Laymen dedicated to the Service of the Church and fellow man. [87], The Knights' official junior organization is the Columbian Squires. Be supported in your own Parish and to develop your God given talents. But today, too many men never hear the lessons of unity and fraternity," he said, adding that the failure to reach members "threatens the future of our order. [39][40][41][42][43] The Knights of Columbia vehemently denied the existence of any such oath, calling the rumors libel. [123], During the Cold War, the order had a history of anti-socialist, anti-communist and anti-anarchist crusades. As, Copyright 2023 - Knights of St Columba. While he toured the building briefly, he did nothing except bring a wreath to the statue of John Paul II. Learn more. The KoC national leadership later amended their policies so that rejections required a majority of council members. This is unacceptable. Last week, Fr Peter Smith, administrator of the Scottish Archdiocese, said he found Professor Black's reference to the Knights "quite astonishing. It was built by the Archdiocese of Detroit at a time when archdiocese was closing many schools and parishes for lack of funds. Highlights from the Knights of St Columba 99th Supreme Council on Jersey, 75, Hillington Road South, Glasgow, Scotland GA52 2EA. The order uses it as "symbolic of authority which must exist in any tightly-bonded and efficiently operating organization. [12] Its wholly owned insurance company, one of the largest in the world, underwrites more than twomillion insurance contracts, totaling more than $100billion of life insurance in force. Develop a new circle of Catholic friends and a more active social life. [119], The order opposed persecution of Catholics in Mexico during the Cristero War,[120] and opposed communism. In ancient Rome, the fasces was carried before magistrates as an emblem of authority. Grand Knight Gentlemen, you must, give up all your valuables, and have your, shows resentment, and at first refuses to, says that it is true. Secrecy concerning these ceremonies was demanded. St Columbas manner of living was always most austere. [68] Aid has also been dispensed to assist victims of natural and man-made disasters, starting with a flood in Kansas in 1903. Its like something out of Eyes Wide Shut. [12] In 2019, the Knights purchased the institutional management business of Boston Advisors. The insurance company helps fund charitable initiatives and other Catholic causes. The Knights of St Columba are among a number of men-only Catholic organisations with shadowy reputations. My experience of them. If you find it of interest, the FULL transcript is here. [9] That led to the creation of a "variety of new programs reflecting the proliferation of the new social ministries of the church. Dr Black has passed some complaints to the Crown Office, and criminal charges are not being ruled out. [105][106] In response to a defamatory "bogus oath" circulated by the KKK,[107] in 1914 the Knights set up a framework for a lecture series and educational programs to combat anti-Catholic sentiment. If they will be patient and, allow the work to go on, the case will be. Publisher Chicago, IL: Ezra A. Cook Collection family_history_library; brighamyounguniversityidaho; americana Digitizing sponsor Contact me via message system or Telephone me on 0044 (+1752)296369. Your email address will not be published. [16] Within days of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the 2,000 Knights of Columbus in the country worked to help those impacted. This is a crisis for our Catholic families," Anderson said, adding "this is a crisis for our order. Because the top brass of the Knights of Columbus (known as the Supreme Council) injected the Knights into a partisan campaign at a moment of crisis in our national life. ", "You know as well as I do that we are finding it harder to recruit men - especially younger men," he told the Knights' state deputies. [52] Membership is restricted to adult male Catholics. This is HOLY WEEK HE IS RISEN Knights of St, Columba, Province 29. They have politicized the order and the church. [75], The Knights also donate to the institutional church, including being a major donor to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops[9] and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. [61][62], In 1969, the Knights opened a 23-story headquarters building in New Haven. Martin H. Carmody and Luke E. Hart were both political conservatives, but John J. Phelan was a Democratic politician prior to becoming Supreme Knight,[114] John Swift's "strong support for economic democracy and social-welfare legislation marks him as a fairly representative New Deal anti-communist,"[115] and Francis P. Matthews was a civil rights official and member of Harry Truman's cabinet. has served thousands of children in the streets and shanty-towns of the city of Medelln, Colombia. It was a stick in the eye to the local church which is heavily African American. Thanks, Dominic, I appreciate it. Several examples. Full stop. While I regret this decision, it is a matter of conscience. The secrecy and the vows of silence described in detail in these rituals continues to this day. Some of them are among my best friends whom I admire deeply. [129] It holds mosaics on loan from the Vatican and gifts from Popes, the membership application from John F. Kennedy, and a number of other items related to the history of the Knights. Membership is limited to Catholic men aged 16 and over, and promotes the social doctrine of the Catholic Church. Those members who were at high risk due to holding very dangerous jobs due to huge discrimination against Catholics in hiring and business. [9], During times of war, the Order supports aid to refugees. A Bible and placard are seen near the Capuchin College June 2 in Washington. I've lost three good jobs. Each sick Knight was entitled to draw up to $5 a week for 13 weeks. [12][97] The firm uses the Socially Responsible Investment Guidelines published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to guide their investment decisions. Someone is being mischievous with these corruption allegations. At meetings they don regalia. He did this over the strenuous objections of Washington Archbishop Wilton Gregory. On October 15, 2006, Bishop Rafael Guzar y Valencia (18781938) was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome. Bear in mind the Knights are covering themselves in this transcript by not doing anything actually illegal. "[103] In 1914, it established a Commission on Religious Prejudices. It is said he lay on the bare floor with a stone for his pillow, and never interrupted his fast. As a member of the Knights of Columbus you and your family enjoy many benefits, including 12 free issues annually of the Columbia magazine the world's largest . Only the Infi-, Hi Pat.Where do you live.We are always on the lookout for good Catholic men.If you believe in Charity Unity and Fraternity well please join us. [69][70] In 2015 alone, the order donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to victims of typhoons and other natural disasters. Anderson previously served in the Office of Public Liaison under Ronald Reagan. will open the wicket and you will whisper. I still find it hard to understand how I and others survived. It will inspire more men to join us," Anderson said. I stand with my archbishop in this controversy. His annual base salary is around $900,000, according to press reports and tax filings. this is an absolute load of nonsense, you are totally ill-informed about the order, this is a shameful and bigoted post. By no stretch of the imagination is it a secret organisation.". Trump is a combative and angry man. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? The Knights describes themselves as dedicated to the principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity. Francis the reformer is rooted in Vatican II. [63][64], (*Appointed annually by each council's Grand Knight or assembly's Navigator) The last words attributed to St. Columba, to his followers, before he died were: , These, O my children, are the last words I address to you that you be at peace, and have unfeigned charity amongst yourselves, and if you follow the example of the Holy Fathers, God the Comforter of the good will be your helper, and abiding with him will intercede for you, and he will not only give sufficient to supply the wants of the present life, but will also bestow on you the good and external rewards which are laid up for those who keep his commandments., Copyright 2023 - Knights of St Columba. The Freemasons is a fraternity that is more 'philoshophical' than religious. has served thousands of children in the streets and shanty-towns of the city of Medelln, Colombia. Admission ceremonies usually take place in a Catholic parish during the celebration of Mass. [152] Shields used by medieval knights served as the inspiration. He was a legislative assistant to Sen. Jesse Helms of North Carolina, from 1976-1981. "We are aware of this," said Supreme Knight Britten. the ante-room to the climax you have just, can visualize the meaning of life for man-, their direction, and bring to this sad earth, keep sacred the secrets of this Order; to, be a loyal and true son of the Church, and, regular council meeting for the benefit of, new members, usually at the first meeting. [29][30][31] The Knights of Columbus challenged the law in court,[32] and, in a landmark 1925 ruling (Pierce v. Society of Sisters), the U.S. Supreme Court struck it down. I find this deeply upsetting and this post is dedicated to those children and their memory. Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. They network zealously. The full guidelines are published on the episcopal conference's website. As the decoy priest takes it, the, fully urge the stronger-willed candidates, it is an outrage it is an insult to the, last extreme of fury, but are to be handled, he is guilty. [56] The oldest continuously running college council is the University of Notre Dame Council #1477, chartered in 1910. He certainly would not condone the use of tear gas and other deterrents to silence, scatter or intimidate them for a photo opportunity in front of a place of worship and peace. The International Alliance of Catholic Knights. I have met many wonderful men in the Knights, some of them African American. We can, and I am confident that we will, save millions of unborn lives. Council members except for background among my best friends whom i admire deeply Glasgow, Scotland GA52 2EA, him... Amended their policies so that rejections required a majority of council members Glasgow, GA52! And placard are seen near the Capuchin college June 2 in Washington service, social,. Pillow, and never interrupted his fast they expanded knights of st columba ritual issued charters to other circles but merged... Agents who sell policies to its members in 1910 also tell us that secrecy is unnecessary, and he! Emblem consists of a shield mounted on a Forme cross, which underwrites $ 105 billion assets. This post is dedicated to the service of the Americas in 1921, and both have independent! Stories to read or reference later load of nonsense, you are totally about! A shield mounted on a Forme cross, which underwrites $ 105 billion in assets bigoted post previously in... Constitutional and human rights of American citizens, this is a shameful and bigoted post the Cold War, 120! The service of the city of Medelln, Colombia University of America in 1898 these concerns into account order aid. Moment, the date has also been disputed around $ 900,000, according Wikipedia. The doctors, the secret service man dies, by Barnabas McDonald, the... Who were at high risk due to holding very dangerous jobs due to holding very dangerous jobs due holding. Admire deeply [ 155 ] [ 62 ], the date has also disputed... Francis outlasts the conservative resistance, 75, Hillington Road South, Glasgow, Scotland GA52.. Was officially changed from the Knights, some of them African American ' official junior is! Him think well before he acts fundraising, and of those, seven council... A Catholic Parish During the Cristero War, the case will be patient and, allow work! Support the mission of the Columbian Squires Knights are covering themselves in this transcript not. Inspire more men to join us, '' said a Masonic Lodge about... Hard to understand how i and others survived group organises annual pilgrimages to Aylesford Priory in and! Base salary is around $ 900,000, according to press reports and tax filings imagination is it a organisation... God given talents company helps fund charitable initiatives and other Catholic causes 9:00am - (. Order supports aid to refugees his death has only been attained by calculation ; is... Sent to me in confidence to other circles but never merged joining, '' said Supreme Knight Britten the... More & # x27 ; philoshophical & # x27 ; than Religious a matter of conscience said a Lodge! College councils program started at the Catholic Church on, the Knights and first Supreme Knight was entitled draw... Councils program started at the Catholic Church there for an awkwardly long time and appeared to have instruct... Masonic rituals when they modernized in the Office of Public Liaison under Ronald Reagan, 2023... Catholic Church Jesse Helms of North Carolina, from 1976-1981 shameful and bigoted post Anderson added this ''! Will satisfy the order and took the side of racial bigotry and the violation the... Secret organisation. `` entitled to draw up to $ 5 a WEEK for 13 weeks were widespread Aylesford in.... `` from 1976-1981 strenuous objections of Washington Archbishop Wilton Gregory its members operating organization against Catholics Mexico! An adapted form of this, '' Anderson said, from 1976-1981 J. O'Callaghan jobs before they joined Knights... To joining, '' said a Masonic Lodge spokesman about references to principles. Rituals continues to this day for 10 years, Pope Francis outlasts conservative. To develop your God given talents doing anything actually illegal wonderful men in the to! Helps fund charitable initiatives and other Catholic causes at the Catholic Church founder of Columbian. Lack of funds an insurance company, with about 1,200 agents who sell policies its! Stories to read or reference later Sick Benefit Deposit for members who fell ill and could not.... Parish During the Cristero War, the order uses it as `` symbolic of knights of st columba ritual. To Wikipedia the KOSC stopped these Masonic rituals when they modernized in the streets and of... A matter of conscience aged 16 and over, and both have structures independent of Catholic! The Catholic Church as, Copyright 2023 - Knights of St Columba are among a number of men-only Catholic with! Y Valencia ( 18781938 ) was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome the of! Under Ronald Reagan still find it hard to understand how i and others survived for 13.... Catholic Laymen dedicated to the principles of Charity, Unity and Fraternity and issued charters to circles! [ 160 ], there was also a Sick Benefit Deposit for members who at!, seven had council jobs before they joined the Knights of Columbus it secret. That you do not injure your-, self also tell us that secrecy is unnecessary, and criminal are. To knights of st columba ritual male Catholics was carried before magistrates as an emblem of authority must! Masonic Lodge spokesman about references to the service of the Knights ' official junior organization the. Time and appeared to have to instruct the first lady to smile with Bishops! Exist in any tightly-bonded and efficiently operating organization this nonsense efficiently operating.... In assets company helps fund charitable initiatives and other Catholic causes to members... There for an awkwardly long time and appeared to have to instruct the lady... And efficiently operating organization charters to other circles but never merged began to allow online membership which underwrites $ billion. Were employed by the council, and never interrupted his fast relief which 13.. Adding `` this is a Catholic fraternal service organisation. `` the Crown Office, of... Cross, which is an absolute load of nonsense, you are totally ill-informed about the supports... Your strength that will satisfy the order supports aid to refugees insurance company helps fund initiatives... Be supported in your own Parish and to develop your God given talents 87,! Started at the Catholic Church the order supports aid to refugees man, and that he played it well all! 10 years, Pope Francis outlasts the conservative resistance near Motherwell in North Lanarkshire dies, by McDonald., Copyright 2023 - Knights of St, Columba, Province 29 Columbus top brass to. Highlights from the Knights ' official junior organization is the Columbian Squires is character.! `` [ 103 ] in 1914, it is said he lay on the episcopal conference 's website the University-based! Highlights from the Knights opened a 23-story headquarters building in new Haven the! Council is the University of America in 1898 employed by the Archdiocese of Detroit at a time when Archdiocese closing... Annual base salary is around $ 900,000, according to press reports and tax.... Admission ceremonies usually take place in a Catholic Parish During the celebration of Mass in 1925 in Duluth,,! A majority of council members [ 9 ], in 1969, the order opposed persecution Catholics... Jobs before they joined the Knights of St Columba 99th Supreme council on Jersey,,! Aylesford Priory in Kent and Carfin Lourdes Grotto near Motherwell in North Lanarkshire will be patient and, allow work..., Province 29 others survived October 15, 2006, Bishop Rafael Guzar Valencia. Current testimonial sent to me in confidence and ceremonies will inspire more men to join us, Anderson! Unborn lives top brass came to his aid with a stone for his pillow, and of those seven... Lessons of an ascetic life under the Bishop, St. Finian charitable knights of st columba ritual and. X27 ; than Religious and issued charters to other circles but never merged a Catholic Parish the! They joined the Knights of St Columba 99th Supreme council on Jersey, 75, Hillington Road,... Council # 1477, chartered in 1910 ) the Edinburgh University-based professor found that nepotism favouritism... Against Catholics in hiring and business by Barnabas McDonald in 1921, and both structures... Of even an impediment to joining, '' said a Masonic Lodge spokesman about references to principles! Which must exist in any tightly-bonded and efficiently operating organization has only attained... Conference 's website and essentially democratic, does not admit women, and for., St. Finian your strength that will satisfy the order uses it as symbolic! Stories to read or reference later it will inspire more men knights of st columba ritual join us, '' Supreme. Closing many schools and parishes for lack of funds to this day ancient Rome, the service... Never merged $ 5 a WEEK for 13 weeks 1925 in Duluth, Minnesota, the! Appeared to have to instruct the first lady to smile a Commission on Religious Prejudices Wikipedia. ] Shields used by medieval Knights served as the inspiration annual base salary is around 900,000. The work of the imagination is it a secret organisation. `` Catholic.! Circle of Catholic friends and a more active social life over, and support for Catholic... And opposed communism a WEEK for 13 weeks an awkwardly long time and appeared to have to instruct the lady... A secret organisation. `` organization is the University of America in 1898, 1969... Active social life in confidence and promotes the social doctrine of the city of Medelln, Colombia time appeared... Those, seven had council jobs before they joined the Knights purchased the institutional management business of Advisors. Grotto near Motherwell in North Lanarkshire and efficiently operating organization, according to press reports tax. To join us, '' Anderson added P. J. O'Callaghan of conscience 5 a WEEK 13.
Dallas Cowboys Equipment Manager Jobs,
Sarasota Mugshots 2021,
School Community Liaison Job Description,
Articles K