12th July 2006 Resolutions

THE FAITH: The basis of our Orange Institution is the Christian Faith with its emphasis on the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ and his word and the beliefs and practices of Christ and the Protestant Reformers.

Everything we think and do should be governed by our faith in Jesus Christ with character and conduct evidence of that faith. Nothing matters as much as a man's relationship with God, and nothing affects his life more than that faith in Jesus whose love of God and of His fellowmen set the example in how we should live to be worthy of His name.

To be a true Orangeman is to be a committed Christian. Anything we say or do that contradicts this commitment to Christ our Lord and Saviour, brings discredit on ourselves; has a bad effect on our brotherhood and lessens its value in the community of which we are a part.

In these days when the Christian Faith is devalued, ignored and attacked we have to recognise that it is absolutely necessary that we as Orangemen set such an example in Christian living that people see in us the strength and benefit of faith, and the weaknesses and inadequacies of selfish secularism.

Too often the charge is made that we fall far short of those attributes which were those of Jesus, among them a tolerance of attitudes and actions condemned by Him and by the aims and aspirations of Orangeism from its beginnings.

We are required by who we are to be a credit to Christ and the Christianity which shows in that exemplary behaviour which makes us recognisable as His men.

Our resolution then is to be Orangemen true to our faith and determined to keep the vows and promises made at our initiation to the brotherhood.

LOYALTY: That we, the Orangemen assembled at …………………………………………………..in
commemoration of the 316th Anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne do hereby reaffirm our devotion and loyalty to the Throne and Person of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Her other Realms, Defender of the Faith. We congratulate Her Majesty on her 80th birthday this year.

We are mindful this year of the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme in 1916, and reflect on the many thousands of lost and broken lives which came about during that battle. The loyalty of Ulster at that time was such that the 36th Ulster Division was raised to fight for King and Country, doing so with the greatest courage and valour on the 1st of July 1916 and at other times throughout the Great War. The heroism of the Ulster Division cost a terrible price, with 5,500 men wounded or killed in the first two days of the Battle. At home the news of loved ones lost in action brought heartbreak to many families. We pledge ourselves to remember those who gave their lives and to hold their memory for future generations, so that their loyalty, courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

The loyalty of Orangemen across the British Empire should not be forgotten either, since brethren from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, England and Scotland were among those who
served with honour, many of them failing to return to their homes, their loved ones and the lodges from which they had come. We would encourage continued efforts to ensure that
those soldiers from what is now the Republic of Ireland, who similarly served with honour in the 10th, 16th and 36th Divisions and other units, and whose memories have for too long been neglected, are not forgotten, and we commend the Irish Postal Service for issuing a stamp commemorating this notable anniversary.

THE STATE: Orangemen, with other unionists, fully support the Union between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

Direct Rule is not a satisfactory way to govern Northern Ireland within that Union. The people of Northern Ireland have the right to be governed on the same democratic principles as the rest of the people of the Kingdom. As a result of Direct Rule many Northern Ireland Office decisions are dictatorial and we fear for the consequences on the well being of our people and our children. There are crises in education, health, water, policing and other areas which must be addressed.

Any future devolved government must be based on proper democratic principles and must not include anyone who does not subscribe to those principles in both word and deed.

As Orangemen we want a peaceful society in which people can live happily together regardless of creed, class, colour or race.

Our slogan remains, "Civil and religious liberty for all: special privileges for none". The Loyal Orders have suffered numerous attacks on our halls, parades and commemorations on a prolonged basis, but we are determined to continue our rightful witness for our faith and culture. We continue to oppose the unjust and discredited Parades Commission and call for its disbandment as a priority.

At a time when the Blair Government and the Bush Administration seek to combat terrorism and install democracy in diverse countries; Northern Ireland, continues to suffer a democratic deficit.

The imposed choice before the people is whether to include terrorist spokespeople in government or continue the charade of Direct Rule with illegal input by Dublin Ministers in the internal affairs of Northern Ireland.

When Magna Carta has been chosen as the most significant date in British History, Orangemen call upon Northern Ireland people to unite to throw off the shackles of terrorism and urge both Westminster and Washington to extend to us the right of the people to hire and fire their governor.

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