What does the Orange Order stand for today?
It should be remembered that the Order 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. Members of the Orange Institution are pledged to uphold the Protestant faith and liberty under the law. They are neither bigots nor extremists. Standing for tolerance and compassion towards all they also stand for the underlying principle of the Christian faith and the dignity and rights of the individual.
The Orange Order is fundamentally a Christian organization. The Institution stands in the Reformed tradition as the various statements contained in the "Qualifications" illustrate:-
The Orange Association believes it is vital
The Orange Institution was the original provider of the community hall or leisure centre and Orange Halls continue to play a role in the life of the community.
We are at the forefront of preserving and promoting the unique culture of our people
The Religious Basis of the Order
The Orange Institution is a Christian organization.
As Orangemen our trust is in God and our faith and dependence is in Jesus Christ, the Saviour and Lord of mankind. Our purpose is to maintain the Christian faith by word and deed; to propagate and defend that faith which we have received from the Church of the New Testament through the faithfulness of the Protestant Reformers. It is Christ-centred, Bible-based, Church-grounded. By it we are molded in character and conduct.
The Orange Institution is set for the defence of Protestantism. This is true to the intention of Orangemen who are committed to the Christian faith with its Reformation emphasis on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as the Lord and Saviour of mankind. There are also the Protestant beliefs in freedom of conscience; the priesthood of all believers and the primary place and purpose of the Holy Bible in Christian faith and conduct.
We proclaim "Civil and religious liberty for all : special privileges for none". We do not deny to others their civil and religious liberties; we expect the same tolerance from them. We shall be strong for truth, for peace, for the making of a good, fair and just society to which we shall contribute liberally as good citizens.
The Tradition of Parades
The Loyal Orange Institution was formed in September 1795 and some ten months later it held its first Boyne Commemoration Parade on 12th July 1796. Parades therefore are very much part of the Orange tradition and heritage as two hundred years ago the founding fathers decided that parades were an appropriate medium to witness for their faith and to celebrate their cultural heritage. However the concept of parades by the community that gave birth to the Orange Institution was well established long before 1796 and it is a matter of historical record that parades were a feature of that community for many years prior to the formation of the Orange Institution.
The Protestant community is not in any way unique in that aspect. People the world over love to parade. There is a seemingly endless list of parades throughout the world ranging from the Carnival in Rio through Mardi Gras in New Orleans 4th July across the United States of America, Bastille Day in France, St. Patrick's Day in Dublin and New York to the Lord Mayor's Show in London.
There are a number of inherent factors behind the organizing of Orange Parades.
They are a witness for our faith and this is evidenced by parades to and from public worship.
Orange Parades are commemorative. Various events in the history of the people are commemorated by parades that take different forms. These range from the solemn remembrance of the fallen at the Somme to the cultural extravaganza that is the 12th of July commemorating the Glorious Revolution secured at the Battle of the Boyne. Those who glibly dismiss the Boyne Commemorations would do well to think of the benefits that flowed from the Glorious Revolution.
The Bill of Rights of 1689, the Triennial Act of 1694 and The Freedom of the Press Act 1695 are, among others, surely worth commemorating.
The parades are a glorious display of pageantry. The colour of the collarette or sash, the uniforms of the bands and the beautiful paintings on the banners combine to make an Orange Parade a visual kaleidoscope.
The Flags and Banners are full of religious, cultural, and political symbolism depicting, biblical scenes, famous people or events in history and in themselves portray the rich cultural heritage of our people in picture form.
The music provided by the accompanying bands is of a very high standard and you will find countless competition bands including world champions in the ranks, of flute, brass, accordion, and pipe bands participating in Orange Parades.
Having established the reason for and traditions of Orange Parades it follows that we should look at the actual parades and the participants.
Orangemen have proven that they can parade in a peaceful dignified manner and have complied with the legal requirement for organizing a parade. In a democratic society there must be the right to peaceful procession by law abiding citizens along traditional routes. That right obviously brings responsibilities. We are willing to meet those responsibilities but we demand our basic rights.
It should be remembered that the Order 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. Members of the Orange Institution are pledged to uphold the Protestant faith and liberty under the law. They are neither bigots nor extremists. Standing for tolerance and compassion towards all they also stand for the underlying principle of the Christian faith and the dignity and rights of the individual.
The Orange Order is fundamentally a Christian organization. The Institution stands in the Reformed tradition as the various statements contained in the "Qualifications" 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".
The Orange Association believes it is vital
- that civil and religious liberty is maintained in Ulster, that the Christian faith, Reformed and Protestant, will be preached and taught here.
- that the British connection is maintained.
- that every effort is made to make our country happy, prosperous and outward looking, a good place for everyone who lives there.
- that the Protestant religion must be a self-propagating faith whilst not denying the same rights to other religious persuasions.
The Orange Institution was the original provider of the community hall or leisure centre and Orange Halls continue to play a role in the life of the community.
We are at the forefront of preserving and promoting the unique culture of our people
The Religious Basis of the Order
The Orange Institution is a Christian organization.
As Orangemen our trust is in God and our faith and dependence is in Jesus Christ, the Saviour and Lord of mankind. Our purpose is to maintain the Christian faith by word and deed; to propagate and defend that faith which we have received from the Church of the New Testament through the faithfulness of the Protestant Reformers. It is Christ-centred, Bible-based, Church-grounded. By it we are molded in character and conduct.
The Orange Institution is set for the defence of Protestantism. This is true to the intention of Orangemen who are committed to the Christian faith with its Reformation emphasis on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as the Lord and Saviour of mankind. There are also the Protestant beliefs in freedom of conscience; the priesthood of all believers and the primary place and purpose of the Holy Bible in Christian faith and conduct.
We proclaim "Civil and religious liberty for all : special privileges for none". We do not deny to others their civil and religious liberties; we expect the same tolerance from them. We shall be strong for truth, for peace, for the making of a good, fair and just society to which we shall contribute liberally as good citizens.
The Tradition of Parades
The Loyal Orange Institution was formed in September 1795 and some ten months later it held its first Boyne Commemoration Parade on 12th July 1796. Parades therefore are very much part of the Orange tradition and heritage as two hundred years ago the founding fathers decided that parades were an appropriate medium to witness for their faith and to celebrate their cultural heritage. However the concept of parades by the community that gave birth to the Orange Institution was well established long before 1796 and it is a matter of historical record that parades were a feature of that community for many years prior to the formation of the Orange Institution.
The Protestant community is not in any way unique in that aspect. People the world over love to parade. There is a seemingly endless list of parades throughout the world ranging from the Carnival in Rio through Mardi Gras in New Orleans 4th July across the United States of America, Bastille Day in France, St. Patrick's Day in Dublin and New York to the Lord Mayor's Show in London.
There are a number of inherent factors behind the organizing of Orange Parades.
They are a witness for our faith and this is evidenced by parades to and from public worship.
Orange Parades are commemorative. Various events in the history of the people are commemorated by parades that take different forms. These range from the solemn remembrance of the fallen at the Somme to the cultural extravaganza that is the 12th of July commemorating the Glorious Revolution secured at the Battle of the Boyne. Those who glibly dismiss the Boyne Commemorations would do well to think of the benefits that flowed from the Glorious Revolution.
The Bill of Rights of 1689, the Triennial Act of 1694 and The Freedom of the Press Act 1695 are, among others, surely worth commemorating.
The parades are a glorious display of pageantry. The colour of the collarette or sash, the uniforms of the bands and the beautiful paintings on the banners combine to make an Orange Parade a visual kaleidoscope.
The Flags and Banners are full of religious, cultural, and political symbolism depicting, biblical scenes, famous people or events in history and in themselves portray the rich cultural heritage of our people in picture form.
The music provided by the accompanying bands is of a very high standard and you will find countless competition bands including world champions in the ranks, of flute, brass, accordion, and pipe bands participating in Orange Parades.
Having established the reason for and traditions of Orange Parades it follows that we should look at the actual parades and the participants.
Orangemen have proven that they can parade in a peaceful dignified manner and have complied with the legal requirement for organizing a parade. In a democratic society there must be the right to peaceful procession by law abiding citizens along traditional routes. That right obviously brings responsibilities. We are willing to meet those responsibilities but we demand our basic rights.