12th
July 1999 Resolutions
THE FAITH: The Loyal Orange Institution
is committed to the Protestantism of Reformed Christianity.
The Ritual used in Lodges shows it to be God concentrated,
Christ centred and Bible based. The participation of Orangemen
in their churches, as clergy and laity, make them among their
most valued and respected members. Critics of the Institution
are often so deliberately negative in their assessment of
it that they deny the many positive contributions Orangemen
make to church and society.
We are determined to stand fast for the faith that is ours
by heritage and conviction. We urge our Brethren to act as
Orangemen must, with sensitivity towards others and with that
honesty and decency which has always impressed fair minded
people when they think of Orangemen.
THE STATE: The Loyal Orange Institution
has always recognised the need for Orangemen to be involved
in the total life of their country. It recognises that it
is the good citizen's responsibility to work for a well governed
and efficiently administered society. Orangemen make their
contributions in politics and often to the benefit of the
people they represent regardless of class or creed. They will
continue to do that in the Northern Ireland of the future
whatever its political shape or form.
As Orangemen we shall work for the making of the good society
which cares for the well being of all its people whatever
their needs, free from intolerance and injustice, and the
animosities and antipathies which have divided the people
here for far too long.
We believe that the link with Great Britain remains vital.
We are unionists who stand with those who are as anxious as
we are to maintain the Union of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland.
The Northern Ireland we strive for will respect the political,
cultural and religious aims and aspirations of its citizens
and treat them justly and equally. We want no preferential
treatment. We think no one should expect it because of their
religion, race or politics. We want fair dealing for ourselves
and everyone else. We feel that this is being denied us now
by our Government, through the imposition of the Parades Commission
and the attempt to put into Executive positions those who
are backed by armed terrorists.
The future for Northern Ireland can be bright but only if
the people think and act responsibly.
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