12th July 1998 Resolutions

THE FAITH: The contribution of the Orange Institution to the maintenance of Protestantism has been considerable and is continuous. As Orangemen we must show the value and importance of our Christian faith in the way we live, and in attitudes, aspirations, words and deeds that are Christ-like in their form and substance.

The pattern the Lord Jesus Christ set for living to the full was in His utter dependence on God; and His total selflessness in His dealings with people. His standard of faith and conduct is not always apparent even in those who claim to take seriously their commitment to Christ and to Christian principles of personal and community behaviour. We can present a public face which misrepresents Chirst; discredits Christianity and repels people because we lack His sincerity, sensitivity and generosity in our dealings with them. So that as Orangemen we are shamed before the world when we do not properly present our Christian faith to others openly and attractively.

We are resolved to try much harder to ensure that our commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and the high standards of conduct enshrined in Orangeism are honoured by each of us in their true and honest observance.

There is obvious need for the influence of the Orange Institution in a world where there are many philosophies, religious and secular, competing for the hearts and minds of people.

Because we are convinced that the Christian faith has all the answers to the needs of humanity, we, as Orangemen, are resolved to work and witness to that faith with greater sensitivity and renewed vigour. As brethren in the unity of our brotherhood we accept life with humility and patience, making allowances for each other because we respect one another.

THE STATE: We can not tell what the future holds for us as citizens of Northern Ireland in the wake of the Referendum and the Assembly Elections. We must all do what we can to help make this a country well governed, fair, just, peaceful and prosperous. In spite of doubts and dislikes over prospects and people, it is not good to take counsel only of our fears.

We have hope for the future and are agreed that Northern Ireland will remain in the Union; that no decisions taken here or elsewhere will be allowed to break the link.

Positive participation in an Assembly working for the good of Northern Ireland will ensure that the full strength of unionism is concentrated in every debate, discussion and decision taken at Stormont. Unionist togetherness then is essential if the unionist cause is to be vigorously advocated and pursued, if we are to safeguard our heritage, preserve our British culture and show to the world that we are a proud, fair-minded, tolerant and honourable people anxious to co-operate with all other law abiding citizens for the good of our country.

Our Orange Order motto remains, "Civil and religious liberty for all: special privileges for none".

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