-Caveat Lector- from: http://www.grandorange.org.uk/welcome.htm <A HREF="http://www.grandorange.org.uk/welcome.htm">WELCOME</A> ----- The GRAND ORANGE LODGE of IRELAND ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Order We are a Protestant fraternity with members throughout the world. Autonomous Grand Lodges are found in Scotland, England, the United States of America, West Africa, Canada and the Antipodes. Our name comes from William III, Prince of Orange, and is kept because his victory over despotic power laid the foundation for the evolution of Constitutional Democracy in the British Isles. When the inappropriately named Defenders attacked Protestant weavers and farmers in Armagh in 1795 the Orange Order which opposes tyranny and despotism in Church and State was re-organised. It is relevant today in a world beset by conflicting systems. In Northern Ireland it faces descendants of the misnamed defenders, Sinn Fein/I.R.A. May these pages help you to understand our position better. May we all discover the Truth which sets us free. The Making of the Order In his book "The Narrow Ground" A.T.Q. Stewart says: "Because the Orange Institution has often been held to be the cause of fermenting sectarian strife it has long ago been forgotten that its birth was not the cause but the consequence of prolonged and severe sectarian conflict lasting over 20 years in a part of Co Armagh. The Loyal Orange Institution was founded after the Battle of the Diamond on September 21, 1795. When the skirmish ended, the Protestants formed a circle, joined hands and declared their brotherhood in Loyalty to the Crown, the Country and the Reformed Religion. Captain John Gifford, of the Royal Dublin Militia, stationed at Portadown, was present in Sloan's Inn at Loughgall when it was founded, and it is claimed that he made up the Oath and drew up the rules. Amongst others present were James Wilson of the Dyan, Thomas Sinclair of Derryscallop and James Sloan, the Innkeeper who was regarded as the first leader. As more of the gentry joined, the Institution grew so rapidly that District and County Lodges were formed. It was soon recognised that there should be some uniformity of practice and on 12th July 1796 at Portadown the idea of a Grand Lodge was mooted. Wolsey Atkinson of Portadown was appointed Secretary and requested to issue printed Lodge warrants as opposed to the previously handwritten "James Sloan" versions. And so the beginnings of the Order we know today. The Religious Basis Of The Order The Orange Institution is a Christian organisation. 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 moulded 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. REV. CANON DR. S.E. LONG, M.TH., J.P. What does Orangeism stand for today? It should be remembered that the Order has a world-wide membership and that wherever its Lodges exist there is to be found a brotherhood of men pledged to uphold the ancient concept of the Protestant faith and liberty under the law. They are neither bigots nor extremists. They are pledged not to "injure or upbraid any man because of his religious beliefs". they stand for tolerance and compassion towards all men, but they stand also for that underlying principle of the Christian faith, the dignity and rights of the individual, against the tyranny either of a soulless state or of an authoritarian Church. 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 in Ulster, that the Christian Faith, Reformed and Protestant, will be preached and taught here; � that the British connection will be maintained; �that every effort will be made to make the Province happy, prosperous and outward looking, a good place for everyone who lives in it; and �the Orange Institution takes no pleasure in anything that curtails the liberties of the individual. It has the utmost respect for the rule of the law and the Christian ethic. It never condones violence or bigotry. It stands for the great principles in faith and conduct. While it accepts the fact that the Protestant Religion must be a self-propagating faith it will not deny the same rights to other religious persuasions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Present Structure of Grand Lodge. <pyramidal structure> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ About the Order | Office Holders | Press Releases | Publications Parading Traditions | Battle of the Boyne | Orange Charities | Orangelink e-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance�not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. 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