The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has made a Possession Order pursuant to the provisions of Section 26 (2) of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1996 in respect of glebeland adjacent to Drumcree Church at Portadown which is vested in the Representative Body of the Church of Ireland (RCB).

The Possession Order enables formal possession of the land to be taken into the temporary custody of the security forces with a view to preserving public order at Drumcree and its immediate environs. A similar Order was made and the land taken into possession in 1999.

While recognising the independence of local Select Vestries in relation to the day to day operations and management of parochial church property and the effect of the Possession Order on the glebeland, the RCB has made it clear that it deplores any use of Church of Ireland property for political purposes, violence or demonstrations. It is to be earnestly hoped, therefore, that some local accommodation may be found, satisfactory to all parties, which will avoid any further violence or civil unrest at Drumcree this year.