The Loyal Orange Institution, with its proven commitment
to the Union, has appealed to the Unionist parties to work
together for their common cause of Unionism. Their attitudes
to the Belfast Agreement, positive and negative, divide them,
- the Institution says in one of its Twelfth resolutions.
"While we regret division, which is often open antagonism
one of the other, we believe the Agreement, being unable to
remove the threat of violence by some who are signatories
to it, cannot give us the fair and just government we need
and want. Until there is proof that the IRA is gone, and its
terrorist activities ceased there should be no place for Sinn
Fein in the government of Northern Ireland," the resolution
asserts.
"We have been given ample reason to doubt the sincerity
and honesty of the Government of the United Kingdom working
in tandem with foreign governments and we have deep concerns
about their proposals for our future.
"Bitter experience has taught us that their attempts
to buy off Irish nationalism and Irish republicanism has been
to the disadvantage and hurt of the Unionist people and the
Union.
"We deeply deplore the increasing lawlessness of our
society. We regret that the implementation of the Patten proposals
on policing have contributed to the present most frightening
situation for so many of our people.
"We join with all good citizens in utterly condemning
the anti-social behaviour of criminals, arsonists, vandals
and thugs who injure people and destroy property for their
pleasure and profit.
"We believe in a pluralist democracy premised on tolerance,
civil and religious liberty for all with special privileges
for none. In exercising our right to freedom of peaceful assembly,
we manifest our faith in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ,
as revealed in the Holy Scripture. We do so in the perfect
respect of the rights and freedoms of others," the resolution
adds.
In another resolution on faith, Orangemen pledge determination
to continue, and strengthen their witness to the faith which
is their heritage from the first Christians and the Protestant
Reformers.
"By our presence and practice in Church and Society
we prove ourselves to be men of God, motivated by our Christian
faith, determined to share that faith with others.
"We deplore the secularism, so prevalent now with its
Godlessness, its denial of the value and usefulness of religious
belief and its refusal to live by the standards of conduct
which are its legacy from Christianity.
"We see this situation as a challenge to us all to prove
that our faith functions, that it is relevant and necessary,
for a life to be lived for God and people selflessly, sacrificially
and happily. By our testimony we shall seek to persuade others
to turn to Christ and to enjoy the benefits of faith in Him.
It is truly said of Orangeism that 'a good Orangeman is a
good Christian'."
A third resolution on loyalty - reaffirms devotion and loyalty
to the throne and person of Her Majesty the Queen.
"As Her Majesty this year celebrates the Golden Jubilee
of Her Coronation we join in the continuing tributes to Her
devotion and services to the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.
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