12th
July 1995 Resolutions
THE FAITH: The Orange Institution is set
for the defence of Protestantism. This is true to the intention
of Orangemen who are committed to the Christian faith with
its Reformation emphasis on a personal relationship with Jesus
Christ as the Lord and Saviour of mankind. There are also
the Protestant beliefs in freedom of conscience; the priesthood
of all believers and the primary place and purpose of the
Holy Bible in Christian faith and conduct.
For two centuries the Orange Institution has stood firm for
the faith which is both of the early church and the Protestant
Reformation; and in its practical support of the churches
committed to the proclamation of this faith.
Our resolve is to use our brotherhood with greater enthusiasm
and zeal and with the Protestant churches to confront people
with the claims of Jesus Christ on their lives and to have
them enjoy the advantages of knowing Him.
THE STATE: The political philosophy of the
Orange Institution has been stated precisely, and constantly.
It is unionist. The culture of Orangeism is so obviously British
that there can be no doubt of its commitment to the Union.
The determination to ensure its continuance is as strong as
ever. We abhor the very suggestion of a united Ireland however
new, modern and accommodating it has promised to become. We
are not going in that direction.
We refuse to accept the Framework Document as a way forward
for unionists. We share the view that the document was an
attempt to placate Sinn Fein, the S.D.L.P. and the United
States Government. The distrust we have of our Government
in its dealing with those whose antagonism to unionism is
patent has been well founded. Its treatment of the unionists
and all other peace loving people, and its willingness to
bow to the pressures of foreigners to parley with republicans
whose pedigree in terrorism is unequalled, is to be condemned.
Such attitudes will have far reaching consequences.
In view of the blatant sectarian nature of the contents of
the "Proposals for Change" Document published by
the Department of Education we call upon all concerned people
to use all their power to oppose these disastrous proposals
and we call upon the Government to stop encouraging sectarianism
through the financing of the Council for Catholic Maintained
Schools.
We resolve to support vigorously the unionist cause as proper,
legitimate and beneficial for this country. We recognise the
necessity of a positive defence of unionism. We deplore any
negativism which makes us appear to be self indulgent, self
serving and incapable of facing up to the challenges of a
divided society.
We can live with our neighbours, sharing the responsibilities
of good citizenship at every level. Real and lasting peace,
free from threat, suspicion and distrust, is our goal. We
hope to share it with all other good citizens.
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