Negative criticism has always been the lot of the Orange
Order. It is an easy target for those who for their own reasons
deplore the existence of an organisation with the primary
aim to maintain and defend the Reformed Faith against those
who discount it, and undervalue Protestant beliefs, attitudes
and experiences, as a proper and sufficient expression of
Christianity in this day and age. The Order's Protestantism
has been declared to be divisive, adversely affecting an inclusive
Christianity, ecumenical and all-embracing in its outreach
to the world. When the Orangeman is described by his critics
he is often called a bigot for the reason that his organisation
excludes Roman Catholics and others from its membership; that
it is anti-Roman Catholic, intolerant of and determinedly
opposed to better cross community relations. When the evidence
is sought and and sifted it will not justify that judgement.
The Order, like the churches, has in its membership those
who subscribe to its openly declared beliefs, aims and aspirations.
These are not intolerant or illiberal. They are an expression
of positive attacks on their principles and practices. They
describe where the Order stands and in so doing must question
the stance of others. But this is to be expected for their
statements, too, question those who differ from them. A Protestant
organisation for Protestant people is no less legitimate and
desirable than a Roman Catholic Church organisation for Roman
Catholic people. But they are not called bigots and we are
undeserving of such a description with its most derogatory
implications. The evidence is everywhere of the Orangeman's
good relations with his fellow citizens regardless of class,
creed or colour. Their condemnations of behaviour unacceptable
in a good society is immediate, unequivocable and non-selective.
It is regrettable that so many of those who criticise the
Institution set a standard for it which they do not attain
in their church or organisation. Equally regrettable is their
refusal to read what the Order says about itself and what
it thinks on matters of consequence to every good citizen.
The ignorance of Orangeism, what it is and does, shown by
people who readily express opinions on it is deplorable and
an indictment of them for being less than fair in their judgements.
That is the more annoying when there is easy access to written
sources of information on an organisation which continues
to hold a proud place in the hearts and minds of people who
know the Order as it is and not as its critics demonise it.
We do not expect to avoid criticism in a society with decreasing
interest in organisations, and in the church and organised
religion, we ask only that we be better known and more sympathetically
treated. It would be nice if our critics were big enough to
recognise the most worthy contribution the Institution makes
to this society, even when they criticise what they dislike
about it. It is not to ask for much. Just the response of
honesty from those who say uncomplimentary things about us.
|
