The recent very enjoyable and informative television programme
on the Orange Order in Ghana was a public relations success
for the organisation.
A lot of the credit must go to Drew Nelson, who excelled
with his friendly and relaxed style. He was an instant 'hit'
with the African brethren and sisters and the whole thing
presented the Orange Order in the best possible light.
The film was a real eye-opener for many people here, and
like many Orangemen, I have picked up the vibes, as people
who are not members have expressed great surprise, and delight,
at the fact that the Order is truly a non-racial and inclusive
in its membership.
Most Orangemen should have been aware of this already,
although I have to admit that I have met brethren who were
not aware of the Orange Lodges in Ghana and Togo, or those
in Canada comprised of First Nations folk - 'red' Indians
as they used to be called.
Now the emphasis in Northern Ireland must be to build on
this programme, and that means helping in a practical way
the brethren in Ghana and Togo who witness so bravely for
the Orange and Protestant cause in the African continent.
Their membership is a valued one for world Orangeism and
proves that the Order has no racial or national barriers
to admission.
Most Orangemen belong to countries in the United Kingdom
or those which were former Dominions in the British Empire,
like Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
But the Order also has brethren in the United States, in
Africa, and the Republic of Ireland.
And inquiries in recent years have reached Schomberg House
from Poland and other European nations, so there is a real
opportunity for expansion.
Things are really looking up for the Order. There are signs
of a real revival in Canada, where a new Lodge is being
formed in Windsor. Last year we had the impressive new Lodge
in Birmingham, Alabama on parade, and in recent years we
have had Lodges formed in Wales, which once had a number
of Lodges. Australia too is on the march and very promising
reports have been coming from that great country.
The expansion in England and Scotland has been impressive,
with new Lodges in both countries, and all this is a challenge
to Irish Orangeism, birthplace of the first Lodges.
The Order is attracting more media attention than ever,
and in a world where former values are being challenged,
and where secularism and materialism are increasing, the
Orange Institution is able to point to its uncompromising
stand on the great Biblical and scriptural truths.
It is absolutely essential that all Orangemen and Orangewomen
play their part in promoting the Order in these exciting
times and maximising the opportunities available for expansion
in membership and influence.