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Presbyterian Moderator Dr Sam Hutchinson has issued the following statement with regard to the forthcoming Orange Parade at Drumcree.
Despite the strenuous efforts of many people over the last 12 months, a consensus with regard to the Orange Parade along Garvaghy Road has yet to be found. If no consensus is found a decision will have to be taken and imposed which is likely to aggrieve one or other section of the community.
No one knows, though many are fearful, what the immediate consequences of this decision will be. The commitments to a peaceful march and protest are to be welcomed. However it is often the case that in tense circumstances it is all to easy for the situation to turn violent. If that were to happen there is no doubt that our economy and our future will suffer and divisions will be widened which will make mutual understanding, respect, and agreement harder, if not impossible to achieve.
The right to march and protest are legitimate in a democratic society but even at this eleventh hour I ask both sides to again consider whether the exercise of their rights is the wise and proper option. For one side or the other to waive their rights would immediately diffuse this tense situation and the mood of gloom accompanying it. I would see such a gesture as a temporary respite and also as a responsible and positive step towards beginning a new dimension of bridge building.
I appeal for calm and patience and for everyone to obey the rule of law, and even more I would re-emphasise my call to prayer for our situation, since I have no doubt that the special contribution we as Christians must constantly make, is to offer fervent and believing prayer.
Finally I call on members of the Presbyterian Church to engage only in actions which are consistent with the Spirit of Christ, which uphold the credibility of our Church's witness and which further the ends of the gospel.
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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