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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