Non Gamstop CasinoNon Gamstop CasinoNon Gamstop CasinoNon Gamstop CasinosNon Gamstop CasinosNon Gamstop Casinos
Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland
  Orange Standard

Orange Hopes For 2006

Article 1 ~ February 2006

What does 2006 hold for the Orange Order, an organisation dedicated to defending and upholding Protestant values and beliefs in a rapidly changing society, writes an Orange Standard reporter.

The turnout of Orangemen and supporters at the various 'Twelfth' venues in 2005, the feeling of optimism at demonstrations was so obvious.

Orange membership may not be at a record high, but the fact is that tens of thousands of men and women belong to an Institution which is rightly perceived by the overwhelming majority of the Protestant population as defending their interests.

It is an awesome challenge for the loyal orders, and one that they will face up to - no doubt at all on that score.

The Orange Institution is entitled to feel honoured that it is held in such high esteem by the Protestant people in this Province.

That is especially so when one considers that the Orange and Black Institutions exist today in a society which has experienced radical changes.

Northern Ireland is not the place it was in the 1950s, when its churchgoing statistics were the highest in the Western world. When its crime statistics were the envy of most countries, with people able to go about their daily tasks without the fear of crime and violence being perpetrated on them.

The increasing secularisation of Ulster society is there for all to see, with Sunday trading, entertainment, and many other inroads on what was such a God-fearing and orderly society.

The churches no longer command the same support and membership which was the norm just a few decades ago.

There are various reasons for this, not least the rampant materialism, a consumer-obsessed society which sees more merit in bringing children out for Sunday shopping than ensuring that they attend Sunday School.

The churches face greater competition than ever, and this has been the case since television arrived on the scene in the 1950s.

Sadly, it also has to be said that many of the Protestant churches no longer give unqualified support to the traditional Reformed stand on issues like opposition to Roman Catholic doctrines.

The ecumenical movement has unquestionably diluted the once formidable Protestant witness in Ulster. Some churches now appear to go overboard to accommodate the Roman Catholic viewpoint in a 'common Christian' viewpoint on various issues.

There was a time when clergy and ministers of the main Protestant denominations joined the Orange Order in large numbers. Some still do, but nothing like the numbers they once did.

Yet, in spite of all this, there is a lot to be thankful for as far as the Orange Order is concerned. An independent survey a few years ago revealed that total Orange membership in the six Northern Ireland counties is as high as it was in 1901.

Yes, there have been local trends and variations, notably in the Belfast area, due to movement of population. But the general picture is one that confirms the view that Orangeism is still a very relevant force in Northern Ireland affairs.

Organisations do not progress by resting on their laurels or becoming complacent, and the Orange Order is no exception.

The Order has been active in promoting its ideals and principles, not just to its own members and potential members, and will continue to do so.

It has been making use of the Internet and other modern facilities to put its case to a wider audience, and in this connection it is interesting that in Canada and other overseas countries, this innovation has achieved notable success, with an increasing number of people inquiring about the Orange Order and its beliefs.

Orangeism's strength and its appeal has rested to a large extent on its refusal to compromise or dilute its Biblical and gospel-inspired ideals.

Membership is still conditional on commitment to the Christian faith of the Reformed tradition, on regular attendance at place of worship, determination to bring up children in the Protestant Reformed faith, and to adhere to the moral principles of that religion.

There can be no compromise on such key issues, but that should not prevent the Orange Order from increasing its membership and its influence.

There is every reason to feel confident and optimistic about the Orange Order's prospects in 2006 - provided all brethren show commitment to the cause.

Back to Back ~ Orange Standard Home ~ Issue Index ~ Next Article

The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland
Schomberg House, 368 Cregagh Road, Belfast, BT6 9YE
T: +44 (0) 28 9070 1122 ~ F: +44 (0)28 9040 3700
Buy Online - the best way to buy

© Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland 2002-2006

Site Map

Web Design by www.truska.com