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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.
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