The Knights of Columbus (K of C) is a global Catholic fraternal service order founded by Michael J. McGivney on March 29, 1882. Membership is limited to practicing Catholic men. It is led by Patrick E. Kelly, the order’s 14th Supreme Knight. The organization is named after the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus. The organization was founded in March 1882 as a mutual benefit society for working-class and immigrant Catholics in the United States. In addition to providing an insurance system for its members, its charter states that it endeavors to promote such social and intellectual intercourse among its members as shall be desirable and proper.” It has grown to support refugee relief, Catholic education, local parishes and dioceses, and global Catholic social and political causes The Knights promote the Catholic view on public policy issues, including opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion.”