The Church Of Ireland General Synod 1999

Reprinted from the Church of Ireland, General Synod Book of Reports 1999

JOINT STATEMENT BY THE ARCHBISHOPS OF ARMAGH ON DRUMCREE

PR24/98 23 June 1998

As Archbishops of Armagh we share the widespread concern and fears of many people regarding this year's parade by the Orange Order at Drumcree.

We recognise the depth of feeling within the Order and within the local nationalist community on this issue.

At this critical time for all the people of Northern Ireland we urge both the Orange Order and the local community on the Garvaghy Road to use every means possible to seek accommodation. To ensure that there is no threat to human life and no danger of damage to property we urge them to act with restraint, to act peaceably and within the law so that the rights of both traditions may be respected and expressed with dignity.

We are conscious of the tension which this event evokes and pray that a new awareness of the rights and duties of all our communities may be evident at this time.

We urge all with influence in both communities to do all they can to encourage respect for the feelings and aspirations of others.

We pray for a peaceful and just outcome to all controversial events this summer in the name of the vast majority who yearn for a peaceful and stable future for Northern Ireland.

OPEN LETTER TO THE PORTADOWN DISTRICT OF THE ORANGE ORDER FROM THE DIOCESE OF ARMAGH ON 25 JUNE 1998 REGARDING ANNUAL DRUMCREE SERVICE

Church House, Armagh
25 June 1998

As the date for the attendance of Portadown Lodges at morning service in Drumcree Parish Church approaches, we write to you as clergy with special responsibilities in the Church of Ireland diocese of Armagh. We have shared with our clergy colleagues in ministering to the people of this diocese through many years of turmoil and civil unrest. We are conscious of the conflicting pressures under which people have lived through years of uncertainty and violence in this Province and we recognise the pain and the courage of victims and their families.

We pay a genuine tribute to the responsible leadership and example which have been set by members of the Orange Institution on occasions in the past.

Attendance at a service in which we worship Almighty God is a great privilege. The traditional attendance at Drumcree Church by Portadown Lodges has gone on for many years. It is the practice of the Church of Ireland that attendance at divine worship is open to anyone and we welcome the opportunity afforded by Drumcree Church for members of the Order to worship God.

We are also conscious of the perception of this event in the Province and beyond. Over recent years you are as aware as we are of the controversies which have arisen due to the parade of lodges on their return from divine worship over some routes. We deeply regret the circumstances which have arisen in recent years and the ways in which those circumstances have led to inter-community violence and division. As you are also aware the Archbishop has made strenuous efforts in the past few years to ameliorate this situation through contacts with the Order and others in the local community.

We believe that attendance at a service of the Church of Ireland carries with it privilege and responsibility in equal degrees. While as Churchmen we cannot control events beyond the confines of Church property we are deeply conscious that unrest and disruption on a return from such worship degrade the spiritual and indeed the sacred nature of that worship. In particular it also places immense pressures on the parish of Drumcree, its rector and people who faithfully worship in their Church throughout the year.

The Church of Ireland does not wish to be associated with such divisiveness. We appeal to the Portadown Lodges to do all in their power to respect the privilege of worship and by their dignified behaviour both on their way to Drumcree Church and on their return to act peacefully and within the law. In this way such dignified conduct would show the 'more excellent way' of Christian love and forbearance.

We write as clergy who understand the pressures on all sections of this community at this difficult time. the right to parade is established and accepted as indeed is the right to make a public protest - peacefully and within the law - but so also is the sacredness of worship and the well-being of this entire Province and all its people.

Yours in the service of Jesus Christ

+ Robert Armagh, Archbishop of Armagh
Herbert Cassidy, Dean of Armagh
Raymond Hoey, Archdeacon of Armagh
Colin Moore, Rural Dean of Mullabrack
William Neely, Rural Dean of Tynan
Terence Scott, Rural Dean of Tullyhogue
Derick Swann, Rural Dean of Dungannon

25 June 1998

ARCHBISHOP EAMES CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES

PR26/98 Thursday 2 July 1998

I have been horrified and disgusted to learn of the attacks on eight Roman Catholic churches across Northern Ireland during the night. I utterly condemn these wanton sectarian attacks and, on behalf of the Church of Ireland, offer my sympathy to Archbishop Brady, the clergy and people of the parishes concerned. I urge all within the Protestant community to disown and condemn these clear attempts to heighten further the tension of these days.

STATEMENT

The Most Reverend Dr Robin Eames, Archbishop of Armagh

Saturday 4 July 1998

As Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh whose diocese includes the parish of Drumcree, I am well aware of and have been involved in the intense talks aimed at seeking some solution to the real potential for confrontation and serious community violence next Sunday. Everyone recognises that the outcome of such confrontation will effect community relations across this Province and beyond. Even at this late hour genuine efforts must continue to seek a solution in which both traditions in Portadown can feel their principles are recognised and respected. I believe such an outcome would have the support and respect of the vast majority of people in both traditions. It would also be the true Christian approach.

I am well acquainted with the depth and intensity of feelings within both the Nationalist and Loyalist communities in Portadown. Sadly trust does not exist at present. On both sides those feelings run deep and both contain the ingredients for disaster for both communities far beyond Portadown.

Northern Ireland cannot afford a yearly period of such confrontation. I am convinced neither community wants such an annual crisis.

The arguments on both sides are well documented. There are responsibilities and opportunities as well as genuine feelings of hurt and denial on both sides. In recent years the Orange Order has voluntarily reduced the number of its parades in the area and feels further concessions will be an erosion of genuine principle. The Order believes that a Parade to and from its worship is an expression of its culture and ethos. In recent years Nationalists on the Garvaghy Road have felt that recognition of their rights has been ignored. I believe there is a need for these feelings to be examined in detail and addressed in the longer term.

Such emotions are a cameo of the real challenge to all of us in Northern Ireland - a challenge which holds the key to either a future of generosity and understanding or a future of division and uncertainty.

As a Church leader I have a responsibility to the wider community beyond my denomination and that responsibility I have sought under God to exercise in the name of reconciliation. As a Church leader I have a responsibility to uphold the teaching of Christ and the integrity of the Church of Ireland.

On Sunday the Portadown Lodges will attend a regular statutory service of the Church of Ireland as they have done since 1807. The attendance at such a service is open to anyone. During that service the worship of Almighty God will call for the recognition of the ultimate reaction of all who hold the Christian faith - a recognition of the sovereignty, love and forgiveness of God. Such worship is a deeply personal experience of our love for God. I believe it is also the supreme opportunity to be reminded of our responsibilities as Christians to the community. We are called always to seek 'the more excellent way' of Christian love and forbearance. Such principle lies at the centre of Church of Ireland worship. In the light of all the circumstances with which we are familiar and in the possibility that all efforts to reach a local accommodation fail I do not believe such a service can or should ever be associated with confrontation or violence.

Therefore as Archbishop I appeal to the Orange Order in Portadown and to the residents of the Garvaghy Road to pause and consider even now the dangers of this time. I believe accommodation is still possible but it will require courage and vision on all sides. I ask the Orange Lodges of Portadown to give prayerful consideration to the significance of attendance at worship of Almighty God and in the light of that privileged responsibility not to make Sunday an occasion of confrontation.

STATEMENT BY THE ARCHBISHOP OF ARMAGH ON CONTINUING PORTADOWN STANDOFF

PR37/98 10 July 1998

The following statement has been released by The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Dr Robin Eames.

Once more Northern Ireland has been plunged into confrontation, anger, despair and fear. Once more the outside world looks on with disbelief. In our streets and homes fear reigns. Our security forces again are placed in impossible situations. Angry words and threats fill the air. Our economy, our tourist industry and our employment prospects have taken a definite step backwards.

Any Christian may well ask "Where is Christ in all this?"

As genuine efforts continue round the clock to find some way out of our crisis, I utterly condemn all attacks on homes of Roman Catholics by those claiming to represent loyalism.

I utterly condemn all attacks and intimidation of Protestants by those claiming to represent some form of Republicanism. I utterly condemn all attacks on the RUC and Army.

At this late hour I appeal to everyone to draw back, give us space and recognise that unless there is some solution to the impasse we will face a disaster in which everyone of us will be the loser.

In God's name - let us find reason before it is too late.

OPEN LETTER TO THE PORTADOWN DISTRICT OF THE ORANGE ORDER FROM THE DIOCESE OF ARMAGH ON 24 AUGUST 1998 REGARDING ANNUAL DRUMCREE SERVICE

Church House, Armagh
24 August 1998

Before the attendance of members of the Portadown lodges at Morning Prayer in Drumcree Parish Church on Sunday 5 July, we wrote to you to express our concerns regarding the implications of your attendance at public worship of the Church of Ireland. In that letter we emphasised the connection between the sacredness of the worship of Almighty God and the subsequent conduct of those attending such a service. While we did not receive a reply to that letter, we read in the media that our letter "had been noted".

The events which followed your attendance at that service have been well documented and transmitted across the world. The decision of the Parades Commission to prevent a march along the Garvaghy Road was a lawful decision made according to the legislation of this country. We fully recognise the right to march and the right to protest - but such rights must be exercised in a peaceful and lawful manner. What occurred at Drumcree in the days and nights following 5 July could never be described as either peaceful or lawful.

While we accept the statements issued on behalf of the Order that you wished to maintain a peaceful protest, some members of the crowd made use of the occasion to engage in vicious and brutal attacks on the security forces which could have resulted in loss of life. It is totally unacceptable that a home-made sub-machine gun with 20 rounds of ammunition, a number of crossbows with bolts carrying explosives, catapults, ball-bearings and other weapons should be discovered close to the church and a gunman be filmed firing shots at the police.

We regard all violence especially in the vicinity of a church as wholly unacceptable, and something which has brought shame on the purpose of your attendance at a service of divine worship. It is intolerable that the events surrounding your annual visit to Drumcree Parish Church should bring such shame on the Orange Order and on the name of the Church of Ireland throughout the world.

As clergy of the Diocese of Armagh, we categorically and emphatically dissociate the diocese and the Church of Ireland from all actions which are conducted in an unlawful or non-peaceful manner.

We understand that your protest continues and that it is your intention to maintain a presence "as long as it takes". We note that you have ignored the plea of the Archbishop and many others to leave the Drumcree area having made your protest.

We ask you once again to end the protest NOW.

The Church of Ireland as a part of the Christian Church cannot be associated with words or actions which deny the teaching and example of Jesus Christ.

Yours in the service of Jesus Christ

+Robert Armagh, Archbishop of Armagh
Herbert Cassidy, Dean of Armagh
Raymond Hoey, Archdeacon of Armagh
Colin Moore, Rural Dean of Mullabrack
William Neely, Rural Dean of Tynan
Terence Scott, Rural Dean of Tullyhogue
Derick Swann, Rural Dean of Dungannon

24 August 1998

ARMAGH DIOCESAN COUNCIL MOTION ON DRUMCREE - 7 SEPTEMBER 1998

At a meeting of the Armagh Diocesan Council on Monday 7 September 1998 the following resolution was passed unanimously:

"The Diocesan Council of Armagh supports the Archbishop in his tireless efforts to find a solution to the problems surrounding the annual parade of Portadown District Orange lodges to Drumcree Parish Church.

It notes with particular horror the fact that this year, despite the best efforts of the Orange Order, guns and other explosive weapons were used against the security forces, thereby posing a threat to life.

While recognising that the present situation has arisen from deeply held differences of outlook, the Diocesan Council repeats the call of the Archbishop and many others for the Orange Order to cease its protest now and for the Garvaghy Road Residents' Coalition to draw back from further confrontation, in order to lessen sectarian tension and to promote community peace."

PR44/98 20 October 1998

We worship in and belong to one of the most historic dioceses in the Church of Ireland. Our foundations date back to the origins of the Christian Church in this island: to the mission and ministry of St. Patrick himself. This Synod Hall together with the Cathedral in which we worshipped this morning, itself dedicated to St. Patrick, stand on a hill which will be for ever identified with Patrick’s main church and his mission to the people of Ireland. That mission was a simple and direct challenge to this island home of ours to turn to the teaching of Jesus Christ. The perception of that ministry was one of courage, vision and Christian love. For centuries this diocese has been proud to be linked to that heritage of faith. Across the world Armagh diocese has been accorded a special place because of its historic foundation and visitors from many nations each year have come here attracted by that great perception of history and holiness. Perception ...

For generations this diocese has commissioned and sent out into the world clergy, teachers, doctors, nurses and others to work for Christ. They have gone to Africa, Asia, South America and the Indian sub continent. Our missionary outreach has been one of our proudest achievements. As you will see from your Synod papers that tradition continues today. As I have just said, in recent times I have visited sons and daughters of our Church working in Africa and South America in the name of Christ. A perception of our diocese as a place of missionary outreach. Perception ...

For generations our parishes throughout this diocese have provided our people with the privilege of worship and Christian fellowship through many changing circumstances: times of peace, times of social need, times of war and in recent years, times of fear and suffering because of terrorism. A perception of faithful, loving ministry and care. Perception ...

Members of Synod: I have to ask a question today. In spite of the many positive things I have reviewed a few moments ago, what is the perception of hundreds of thousands when they look at our diocese this morning? For many who read the headlines, watch TV or listen to the radio in this country and right across the world the perception can be summed up in one word - Drumcree.

For so many neither our history, our missionary outreach nor our faithful parish ministry is of any account when compared with that word. Across the world the images of Drumcree Church, its spire, its graveyard, its grounds and its parish hall have been portrayed not in terms of St. Patrick, not in terms of Christian ministry, not in terms of missionary outreach - not even in terms of the love of Jesus Christ - they have been portrayed as the scene of violence, sectarianism, mass gatherings and disorder. The world does not see the normal picture of Drumcree Parish Church which we know exists - a picture of Sunday worship, Christian education of children and preparation for Confirmation, pastoral care of the elderly or generous giving to many good causes. That picture is not known. Instead, the very term ‘Drumcree’ conjures up images of violence and protest. It instils apprehension across this Province. It represents to the outside world scenes which are far removed from a Christian Gospel of love, peace, forgiveness and reconciliation. Perception ...

For the past few years the Sunday before the twelfth of July at Drumcree has become a matter of dread. The repeated occurrence of violence at the height of what we call ‘the marching season’ at Drumcree has made the parish church a part of tragic folklore. It has become the mecca for confrontation. The ripples have spread throughout Ireland. In this Province allied activities ‘in support’ of protest have brought community unrest, division, injury and even death. In the rest of Ireland bewilderment, condemnation and frustration have ensued. Within the Church of Ireland it has driven wedges between people. Such is the perception - and the reality ...

Since 1807 the Orange Lodges in Portadown have attended morning service at Drumcree. They have been welcomed by the parish and its people. They have had the fellowship of the parish extended to them. Parishioners have identified with the Order and the attendance of the Portadown Lodges at that service has been a customary part of the parish calendar. It is important to understand that this is not a special ‘Orange Service’. As the Rector of Drumcree has pointed out it is a normal Sunday morning service attended by parishioners as well as the Portadown lodges.

It has been suggested by some people that either this service should be banned or members of the Orange Order should not be admitted. This is NOT the way of the Church of Ireland which is a welcoming Church whose doors are open to all. As Archbishop I uphold that principle.

In the past few years the rector and people of Drumcree have found themselves hostage to a situation which has received global attention. They have been surrounded by many thousands of people who have nothing to do with the parish of Drumcree. They have witnessed their parish becoming the symbol of civil unrest and violence. For weeks normal parish life has been impossible. The strain on the Rector the Reverend John Pickering and his wife, Olive, is intolerable. I have provided what pastoral support I can to them both but the fact remains - few would envy them their position each July.

This year the legally constituted Parades Commission ruled that the Portadown Lodges should re-route their return from the 5th July service. That ruling was unacceptable to the lodges. They chose to mount a protest on the hill of Drumcree which has continued in various forms ever since. Many thousands from all over Northern Ireland came in the early stages to support them. Despite the declared intention of the Order to maintain a "peaceful protest", elements of the most sinister nature have used that protest to make attacks on the security forces. Night after night the media portrayed violence of a sickening and horrific nature and always in the background was the picture of Drumcree Parish Church. This violence has continued and recently a police constable was killed in Portadown by a blast bomb thrown by loyalist supporters. Those scenes are utterly, completely and totally unacceptable in any civilised society. They are most certainly totally unacceptable to the Church of Ireland. Without the slightest hesitation I condemn and refute that violence. Without the slightest hesitation I condemn those involved in such violence. Without any hesitation in the name of this Diocese I condemn all the violence which emanated from the protest at Drumcree whether it occurred on the hill or elsewhere in the Province. Our Diocesan Council has supported this condemnation in a resolution passed at its September meeting and offered its sympathy to the bereaved and injured. It is totally unacceptable to this Diocese and to the wider Church of Ireland that any protest following a service of divine worship should be allowed to become a cover for attacks on the police, on individuals or on property anywhere in this Province. I ask this Synod to join me in condemning that violence in the name of the Church of Ireland.

But, Members of the Synod, condemnation is not enough. We must go further. We must ask searching questions of ourselves and of others.

We in the Church of Ireland have a long and proud record of loyalty to our country and respect for law and order. How tragic it is that the name of one of our parishes now has world wide connotations of disloyalty and lawlessness. We in the Church of Ireland have a long and proud record of service in the security forces. Many members of this diocese have paid the supreme sacrifice at the hands of republican terrorists, because they were members of the RUC, the UDR and now the RIR. It is shameful that abuse, insults, gunfire and bombs are directed against the security forces by so-called ‘loyalists’.

The agony of Drumcree is indeed a defining moment for all of us in the Church and in society at large. It has become a cameo of the worst agonies of Northern Ireland.

Before the Portadown Lodges attended the service on 5 July a letter was sent to them in the name of the Archbishop, the Dean, the Archdeacon and the Rural Deans, reminding the members of the Christian responsibilities attached to attendance at divine worship and urging them to act peaceably and within the law. No reply was received to that letter. During the protest I made several personal appeals for the protest to end. In that I was joined by individuals, Churches and civic groups. From within the Order also voices were raised appealing for an end. In the days following the 5 July service and since I have asked on several occasions for the protest to end. Again a letter was sent on behalf of this diocese asking for its termination. Again no reply was received. The Portadown Lodges chose to ignore all of those appeals - and the protest has continued. Efforts to gain some local accommodation have failed. No direct dialogue has been possible in this sad situation. Within Portadown violence has threatened lives and business premises and there have been sectarian attacks on shops owned by Roman Catholics. The business community has suffered great damage. Despite repeated statements on behalf of the Orange Order appealing for peaceful protest, tensions have been raised which are devastating normal life in that area. I want to pay a special tribute in this regard to the clergy working in Portadown for their pastoral care and integrity.

I refer again to the word perception.

In Northern Ireland it is more than a perception - it is a reality - that when many thousands of people become involved in protest, control is virtually impossible. When feelings of deep resentment appear there are always those too ready to transform principle into violence. Sectarianism is a part of our history. That sectarianism lurks below the surface - and once protest becomes a reality sectarianism takes over and we face naked hatred, violence and injury - even murder.

The Church of Ireland has provided hospitality for this service for generations. There is no excuse and no reason which can be given or accepted for the reaction of the Portadown Lodges to the reasonable calls from this Church and from other Churches for the protest to end. They had made their point. There were other ways far removed from the worship of God to make their point. They have chosen otherwise.

Nor were those scenes representative of many members of the Orange Order in this diocese who are faithful members of their parishes. So many of them have taken the trouble to contact me during the past months to express their disgust, their frustration and indeed their anger. For them those scenes were the total opposite of their perception of what the Orange Order stood for. We are aware of much debate at present within the Orange Order. That is a matter for the Order. It is very easy to pass judgement from afar. I do not believe denunciation of the Orange Order as a whole because of events at Drumcree is helpful. It is very easy to condemn from the comfort of positions far removed from the realities, the tensions and the pressures of a situation. Such condemnation has filled the air-waves and the news media over Drumcree. Total denunciation of the Orange Order because of what has occurred at Drumcree does nothing to help honest, decent members who need to make their minds up on serious issues at this time. I encourage those members - speak up, make your voices of decency heard. The crucial question that must be asked is ‘What is the Order to stand for?’ What does it see as its Biblical principles? What does it see as its Christian duty? Is defence of the Reformed tradition enhanced or furthered by what has happened? That is a matter for them and for their individual judgement.

I want to speak directly to Church of Ireland members of the Orange Order at this time, particularly those in our diocese. I do so in a pastoral sense as Archbishop and I ask you to accept my sincerity.

I know and respect so many of you. We have often talked together on matters of mutual concern. Many of you play important roles in your parishes and worship there each Sunday. You see loyalty to Church and Order as serious matters of daily life. You take your Christian belief seriously. Many of you are asking deep questions at this time. I worry when I read general criticisms of the Order and think of what I know of you as people. I know your feelings at present. I know your concerns. I know that while so many of you deplore the violence in your heart of hearts you believe your rights are being denied. You feel that at present your community has given, given, given and that there must be a line in the sand. While you deplore violence you honestly believe that Protestantism is being attacked from many sides. Like me you have so many vivid memories of the past 30 years of the Troubles. I have buried relatives of many of you who have been murdered. I have ministered to you and your families often in times of unbelievable distress. You find it hard to accept a great deal of the Peace Process. You want peace - but you want the security that your beliefs and way of life will be protected in the future. But there are right ways and wrong ways to express a point of view...

Every effort was made up to the last minute to gain agreement about a return route. The Church as well as government, political and other agencies were involved. I believe agreement was possible. I believe agreement could have been reached. But I have to say that the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition was equally determined in its respective position. It was acting to a strategy carefully-prepared and well-planned over several years. Intransigence is the word the media use frequently. A gesture from the Garvaghy Road group could have broken the deadlock. A gesture from the lodges could have had the same result. It takes two sides to make an agreement. But I cannot help feeling that a gesture from either could have led to success.

The problem of Drumcree can be solved by two groups: the Portadown lodges and the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition. So far agreement has not been visible. Both sides are adamant in their attitude.

I believe that a peaceful solution to this tragic situation which respects both points of view would have a significant, lasting and profound effect on life across this island. Many possible formulae for a solution have been and continue to be discussed. But what we need is a real will on the part of both parties to find a just solution. Standing back and relying on positions which deny any give and take will lead to nothing.

What we need is a solution which both parties can live with. They should remove from their thinking words like ‘victory’. The high moral ground awaits a local solution which is honourable and decent. That solution could lie in the addressing of all grievances in the Portadown area through a local Civic Forum. I am aware of those grievances. Members of the Church of Ireland have had to leave their homes in the vicinity of Garvaghy Road. The fear that has been generated in the area is not confined to one community alone.

But the question of a return parade from Drumcree is one thing - the position of the Church is another. I have to ask: which is more important for the Portadown lodges: the worship of Almighty God in a church, or a march down Garvaghy Road?

Worship in the Church of Ireland is open to anyone seeking the presence and blessing of Almighty God. When we say ‘Welcome in the name of the Lord’ we are extending Christian fellowship to friend and stranger. ‘Welcome’ is in this sense a deeply Christian concept. It is in that sense that I ask you to understand what I say next.

The events at Drumcree before and after the service in previous years must be taken into account before the visit of the Portadown lodges would be welcomed at a service in the parish church next July by the Church of Ireland at large. I want to see the Christian welcome extended to all. I want to see Christian hospitality extended to all. But having done everything in my power to encourage agreement locally, to urge the current protest to end and to state the outright opposition of the Church to the violence at Drumcree and elsewhere I am entitled to ask for three pledges about how that ‘Christian welcome’ can and I hope will be extended next year.

the avoidance of any action before or after the service which diminishes the sanctity of that worship.

obedience to the law of the land before and after the service.

respect for the integrity of the Church of Ireland by word and action and the avoidance of the use of all church property or its environs in any civil protest following the service.

I uphold the right to march. I uphold the right to protest. I uphold the right to attend church. But these must be done peaceably and within the law.

The Church of Ireland teaches respect for what we commonly call ‘law and order’. Despite deep feelings about the Parades Commission on the part of the Orange Order, its decisions have the weight of law. The way to revise this position, if desired, is by a change in the law through parliament or eventually through the Assembly. That is democracy. Until then the law is the law. We cannot be personally selective in our attitude to the law, no matter what our personal feelings may be.

Those three pledges I have requested are the ingredients of what I believe to be a ‘Christian welcome’ to anyone. Our churches are open for worship. But we have a duty to respect and put before everything else the sacred things of God.

I look forward to continuing my discussions with the Portadown lodges and with others in the Order simply because a way must be found, a solution must be found and in the name of God, in the name of all the people of this Province, a way will be found to solve Drumcree. I say again as I have said often in the past: I offer the services of the office I hold to do anything I can under God to solve this problem. But my bottom line is:

2. The integrity of the Church of Ireland.

If the Portadown lodges cannot agree to the three pledges, many, many people will question their motives for attending worship at Drumcree. True worship of Almighty God leads to clear results in the lives of all followers of Jesus Christ. He himself said "you shall know them by their fruits" (St Matthew 7 v.16). St Paul was very clear about this: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5 v.22). Those are sombre words. But they are words at the centre of the Christian Gospel.

There is a right on the part of the whole of society to be protected from the sort of behaviour we have seen following this service in the past. There is certainly the moral right of a Church seeking to reflect the love of God to be respected in every way by those who attend worship. We recognise that members of the Loyal Orders attend services across the Province each year and in the vast number of cases such events occur peacefully and without trouble. Nevertheless it is important to state quite clearly a simple but an important fact: irrespective of history -

The Church of Ireland does not own the Orange Order

The Orange Order does not own the Church of Ireland

At a time when there should be fresh hope for the future, tragically there is a climate of fear in parts of this Province. Quite apart from uncertainties connected with the political processes, fear grips too many hearts. That fear stems from many sources. It is not confined to any one section of the community. The knock-on effect of the Drumcree situation has brought genuine fear not least to the people of Portadown. There is frequent use of the word ‘triumphalism’ at present. But in fairness I have to speak of the fears of Church of Ireland members of this diocese living in certain areas, particularly along the border. The ‘triumphant’ display of Tricolours, the presence of posters and slogans on walls of a party republican nature are not only offensive but threatening to Church of Ireland members in isolated areas. Are such emblems in tune with the spirit of the Belfast Agreement? What effect are they intended to have on Protestants? Murals, posters and slogans are equally visible in predominantly Protestant areas. What effect are they intended to have on Roman Catholics? On both sides of this community, such party sectarian displays are denying the spirit of the Agreement.

It is all too easy to dismiss everything said on behalf of one community as propaganda, but until the general apprehensions of communities are taken seriously stability will not be easy.

Members of Synod, what we are talking about at this moment is of prime importance for the whole community. It is a grave issue. It is a problem to which, though we might wish it to be otherwise, there are no simple and easy answers. Let me assure the many critical voices we have heard recently that if there had been simplistic answers they would have been addressed a long time ago. But we are talking about these issues as a Christian Church which is part of the community and made up of ordinary people seeking the will of God for their lives. Therefore we must place our questions in the Christian context. This means we must think of words such as healing, prophecy, forgiveness, reconciliation, prayer, love and discipleship. Those words make huge demands on us. Those words call us back to Christian basics. Above and beyond any human agency seeking a solution to Drumcree is what we must call the Christian dimension, the Christian attitude. In a phrase: What is the will of Christ?

In the name of Jesus Christ I am willing to make a fresh attempt to find healing and reconciliation. My most senior diocesan colleagues and myself will shortly issue an invitation to the Rector and Select Vestry of Drumcree Parish Church, representatives of the Orange Order and of the Garvaghy Road Residents’ Coalition to meet us separately or collectively to discuss the situation afresh. If desired, we can later include representatives of the wider Church of Ireland or other interested parties. We are willing to listen. We are willing to try again to help to find healing and peace.

There must be healing at Drumcree. There must be forgiveness at Drumcree. There must be reconciliation at Drumcree. When I think of my own personal agony and indeed torment over the pain, the suspicion and the deep, deep emotions in many hearts concerning all we associate with the hill of Drumcree and the Garvaghy Road I have prayed constantly for guidance. Central to that prayer is the question: "What is the will of Jesus Christ?".

As I have prayed I saw another hill in another place and at another time. I saw the Crucifixion at Calvary.

After Crucifixion comes Resurrection. After Calvary came the empty tomb. After Good Friday came Easter morning.

For the Church the implications of Drumcree run deep. It is no exaggeration to say that the Church in this diocese has suffered agonies over Drumcree. But there must come out of the suffering and dilemmas healing which contains new understandings and new beginnings. There can be no winners. There can be no victors. There must be - and there can be - a new start for Drumcree, for Portadown, for Northern Ireland.

A NEW NORTHERN IRELAND

There is a great struggle going on at present for the minds and hearts of people in the ‘new’ Northern Ireland which is emerging around us. After years of violence and suffering the pace of recent developments has been amazing. Throughout the world and throughout history all peace movements have involved decisions and attitudes which have demanded so much from people. Northern Ireland is no exception. To accept traditional opponents as equal partners, to accept the release of terrorist prisoners, to accept the implications of true equality and the removal of not just our own grievances but those of other communities demands real efforts of courage, faith and trust.

The movement to peace in Northern Ireland is now a fact. There can be no turning back if we are to see a future of confidence and justice for all our people. This will involve sacrifice, accommodation and understanding. For victims and their relatives it means in particular giant steps of acceptance and understanding. Their feelings must be taken into account at all times. They must not be forgotten. I have seen too many broken bodies and ministered to too many shattered families ever to forget the courage, dignity and sacrifice of so many people in their loss.

But the future beckons. There must be life after Drumcree. There must be confidence as we move forward.

The movement to peace is slowly but surely marginalising Drumcree. It is pushing aside old animosities and feelings. But the pace of peace must never reach the point where genuine principles, genuine apprehensions are ignored.

What Northern Ireland needs above all else at present is a new sense of purpose and direction and a confidence that the real feelings of each community will find an equal place, equal respect and equal treatment in the years to come. Here the government must play its part by ensuring equality for all. But within the Protestant community there has to be a new recognition of the dangers of allowing the statement of its ideals to become one of violence, negative protest, verbal intimidation and intransigence. It must find a positive, realistic, courageous and confident means of expressing its views. Whether they realise it or not a fragmented and weakened unionist community lacking in self-confidence would not be welcomed by nationalists. Both communities have their regrets as well as their fears. Both communities have their hopes. Those aspirations do not need the force nor the threat of arms to ensure survival. They must turn their back on that negative past.

It is important to realise the significance of all that has happened in Northern Ireland in a relatively short period of time. The speed of events after years of violence and division has been breathtaking to say the least of it. Now it is a question for most people of catching up with events, understanding their significance and addressing attitudes which are needed if we are all to move forward. During those long years of ‘the troubles’ we could not afford the luxury of thinking what the real cost of peace would be. We were numbed by the misery and loss. Now quite suddenly we have to readjust - not just to the chance of peace, but to the reality of peace. Basic to that process is the fact that attitudes are just as important as actions. Trust has been the real casualty for so long. Now trust must be built up. Unionists must be able to trust nationalist, nationalists must be able to trust unionists. Republicans must come to understand more clearly what makes unionists the people they are and vice versa.

Today Northern Ireland faces a period of heart-searching and decision. Re-adjustment and the coming to terms with a rapidly changing scene is not easy for many people. Memories run deep. Experience of the past can be both positive and negative. Reconciliation is not a fact - it is a process and a long process at that.

But we must as a community move on. We cannot stand still. We have much community and personal baggage to leave behind us. A future beckons - a future which is ours for the taking - and the making. If courage and decency saw us through the dark days then even more courage and decency are called for now.

To put it another way: there is a price to pay now for the benefits of a future of peace, stability and hope.

People look for leadership. They seek a sense of direction. Uncertainty must give way to confidence. Confidence must bring a new dawn of promise for us all - and for our children.

Let us pray that soon the world will perceive us to be a people of real decency, honesty and purpose. A people who have suffered greatly - but a people on the move holding a vision which the world can envy.

Return to General Synod 1999 Index

Further information from:

THE CHURCH OF IRELAND PRESS OFFICE
Church of Ireland House
61 - 67 Donegall Street
Belfast BT1 2QH

Tel: (028) 9023 2909
Fax: (028) 9032 3554
Email: The Press Office

Home | Site Index | Search | Text only

Copyright © 1997-2007 Church of Ireland Central Communications Board

Contact us

Last update to this page was on 29 October, 2003