What does Orangeism stand for today?
It should be remembered that the Order has a world-wide membership.
The structure which is Orangeism has its basis in the coming
together of men of goodwill who are determined to use what
power and influence they can muster to ensure that civil and
religious liberty is maintained.
Members of the Orange Institution are pledged to uphold the
Protestant faith and liberty under the law. They are neither
bigots nor extremists. Standing for tolerance and compassion
towards all they also stand for the underlying principle of
the Christian faith and the dignity and rights of the individual.
The Orange Order is fundamentally a Christian organisation.
The Institution stands in the Reformed tradition as the various
statements contained in the "Qualifications" illustrate:-
- LOVE OF GOD - "a sincere love and veneration
for his Heavenly Father. He should never take the name of
God in vain".
- FAITH IN CHRIST - "steadfast faith in Jesus
Christ, the Saviour of mankind".
- AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE - "he should honour
and diligently study the Holy Scriptures and make them the
rule of his faith and practice".
We are committed to the cause of Civil and Religious Liberty
for all. It is our desire to live at peace with all men and
to ensure that all men have peace in which to live.
The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland believes it is vital
- that civil and religious liberty is maintained in Ulster,
that the Christian faith, Reformed and Protestant, will
be preached and taught here.
- that the British connection is maintained.
- that every effort is made to make our country happy, prosperous
and outward looking, a good place for everyone who lives
there.
- that the Protestant religion must be a self-propagating
faith whilst not denying the same rights to other religious
persuasions.
Our members have always sought to play a positive role in
their country. We have had Leaders in Political Life as well
as in Finance, Industry and Education and we have had hundreds
of thousands of ordinary people who living out their faith
and principles have made their local community, their country
and indeed the world a better place.
The Orange Institution was the original provider of the community
hall or leisure centre and Orange Halls continue to play a
central role in the life of the community with over 1,000
different activities carried on in our Halls.
We are at the forefront of preserving and promoting the unique
culture of our people.
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