Unionists must seek a common voice – Order
THE Orange Order, in its Twelfth resolutions to be proposed at 19 demonstrations next month, backs a unified approach for those who support the Union.
The main resolution states that to further the cause of the Union, the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland calls on unionist representatives to work and seek a common voice on the central issue that matters to the unionist people.
"As an institution we celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, which established civil and religious liberty and allowed the evolution of modern constitutional democracy.
"We join with the Grand Orange Lodges in England and Scotland in remaining firm for the Union of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
"The Union provides all the people of the United Kingdom with stability and opportunity and is a heritage worthy of being passed down untarnished to future generations."
On spiritual matters the Orange institution, as a Christian organisation, affirms its belief in "the one true sovereign God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit".
"We believe that there is only one Mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, the only King and head of His church.
"We believe that for individuals to have hope for time and for eternity it is necessary for them to come to faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
"We strongly urge men and women to 'search the Scriptures' which are able to make them wise unto salvation, so that through the work of the Holy Spirit they may be led to saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the only Saviour of mankind."
The Order also reaffirms its devotion and loyalty to the British throne and to the Queen.
"We re-affirm our support for the 1701 Act of Settlement, which forms the basis for the civil and religious liberties which we and others throughout the British Commonwealth continue to enjoy as nations, and clearly state our opposition to any attempt to repeal this Act."
- The 19 Twelfth demonstrations, organised by the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, are: Belfast, Lurgan, Brookeborough, Waringstown, Newtownards, Kilkeel, Hillsborough, Ballygowan, Cookstown, Ballygawley, Newtownstewart, Antrim, Ballymena, Bushmills, Broughshane, Ahoghill, Garvagh, Portrush and Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal (on Saturday, July 10).
The Independent Orange Order will hold its Twelfth demonstration at a North Antrim venue.
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Tuesday 29 May 2012
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