Orangeism, he told lodge members in Benburb, Co Tyrone, has a world-wide membership.

"The structure which is Orangeism has its basis in the coming together of men of goodwill who are determined to use what power and influence they can muster to ensure that civil and religious liberty is maintained.

"As members of the Orange Institution we are pledged to uphold the Protestant faith and liberty under the law. We are neither bigots nor extremists. Standing for tolerance and compassion towards all we also stand for the underlying principle of the Christian faith and the dignity and rights of the individual."


He said the qualifications of an Orangeman illustrate:

• Love of God - "a sincere love and veneration for his Heavenly Father. He should never take the name of God in vain".
• Faith in Christ - "steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, the Saviour of mankind".
• Authority of scripture - "he should honour and diligently study the Holy scriptures and make them the rule of his faith and practice".


Mr Stevenson said the standards set in the Orange qualifications are extremely high and much is expected of Orangemen.

"No man could live up to these standards in his own strength. It is only when we have our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour that He will give us the strength to do so. I trust today that that is your and my experience and that as well as carrying banners, erecting arches and displaying our emblems to witness to our faith and culture that our lives will be living witnesses to our protestant, reformed, evangelical faith.

"One of our emblems is the open Bible. Is your Bible opened and read? Many people who do not share our faith the only Bible they read is what they see of Christ through the way we live. Does your life bear a good witness for Jesus Christ?"

He said it was vital that civil and religious liberty is maintained in Ulster, and that the Christian faith, Reformed and Protestant, will be preached and taught here.

Turning to the Ulster politicfal situation, he urged unionist politicians to work more closely together in the future and stand together instead of the arguing and bickering that goes on between unionists of all persuasions while republicans press on towards their goal of a united Ireland.

"Every effort must be made to make our country happy, prosperous and outward looking, a good place for everyone who lives there.

"The Protestant religion must be a self-propagating faith whilst not denying the same rights to other religious persuasions.

Our members have always sought to play a positive role in their country."

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