THE Rev Stephen Dickinson has made his views on the Chinese Dragon display in Tandragee very public. I would like to challenge him on several of the issues he raised.
The Chinese Dragon Display actually takes place on the 11th of July and not the 12th. Tandragee District Lodge has had no input into the week's festivities leading up to the 12th of July. This has been entirely the remit of Tandragee Community Association, of which I am a committee member.
One of our main objectives was to make the pre-12th festivities much more family orientated, and to eradicate the annual "booze up" which inevitably follows many 11th night bonfires.
The Chinese Dragon display was to be incorporated into a fancy
dress parade as part of an evening of family fun climaxing with a display of fireworks, also of Chinese origin.
Perhaps Mr Dickinson wants to ban these as well. I do not believe my Christian faith will be in any way compromised by watching a fancy dress parade containing a Chinese dragon.
Mr Dickinson claims that this is verging on blasphemous and of course he is entitled to his opinion. However, if we are to follow his reasoning, perhaps we should ban Santa Claus, Easter eggs and bunnies, Samba bands, the All-Blacks from performing the Hacka, just to name a few.
What happens if a child turns up for the fancy dress parade dressed as Casper, the Friendly ghost? Should we call them blasphemous and ban them as well?
The decision to allow the Chinese dragon to take part in the festival was not taken so we as a committee could avail of funding.
We have not forgotten our Christian faith and on the 9th July we have organised a service of praise and thanksgiving.
Proceeds from the service will be forwarded to Newry Hospice. In conclusion, I am strong in my faith and firmly reject Mr Dickinson's accusations.
Committee member
Tandragee Community Association
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