12th July 2000 Resolutions

THE FAITH: As Orange Brethren we are proud of our Protestant Reformed Evangelical Faith.

•   It is Personal - Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
  
•   Biblical - The source of our beliefs.
  
•   and Practical - It directs and guides our thinking and actions.

While deploring the misuse of "Protestant" as a secular, social and political term, we are most concerned by the weakening of Protestantism, especially by those who fail to stand fast in their Faith.

We regret the conduct of those Protestant clergy and Laity who are less concerned with the promotion of the Faith of their particular denominations, than with the ecumenism which brings them into close relations with Roman Catholic Clergy and Laity.

Realising our own weaknesses and inefficiencies we are determined to continue to witness to our Protestant Faith in a positive and practical way amid the uncaring and irreligious society of today, ever seeking to encourage others to Faith in Christ.

THE STATE: Although the Northern Ireland Assembly has been reinstated there is no indication that Sinn Fein/I.R.A. has any intention of decommissioning weapons and explosives.

When, in the near future, that refusal is maintained, there is an obligation upon unionist members of the Assembly and the Executive to act in accordance with their pledges and withdraw from a position unacceptable to the greater number of law abiding citizens. In that event the Orange Institution will support Her Majesty's Government and our elected representatives in Parliament in devising a workable modest system of governance similar to that granted to the people of Wales.

Notwithstanding, we remain committed to the maintenance of the Union and the defence of our Unionist Heritage.

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