Latest news with #Orangeism
Belfast Telegraph
a day ago
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Orange Order hits out at ‘inaccurate, sensationalist and divisive' media coverage
Releasing a statement on Monday evening, the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland (GOLI) criticised the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life, BBC NI and the Irish News. The statement also criticised recent coverage around the cancellation of a cross-community sports event at North Down Cricket Club last week and said this newspaper had 'erroneously reported the cost of policing the 2025 Twelfth'. Responding to the statement from the organisation, a spokesperson for the Belfast Telegraph said: "The Belfast Telegraph reports on issues across Northern Ireland without fear or favour and will continue to do so. 'We are members of the Independent Press Standards Organisation and any complaints about our journalism can be made directly to us. "In relation to the Twelfth, we featured extensive coverage, as we do every year, including three separate supplements across the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life. "We have investigated one factual inaccuracy brought to our attention by the Orange Order statement and are happy to correct it as soon as possible.' In their statement, the Orange Order referenced a story published in the Sunday Life at the weekend on the back of a political row around the cancellation of children's sports event organised by North Down Cricket Club in Comber – branding the story 'victimisation'. The organisation also criticised media coverage of the Portrush Sons of Ulster band parade which took place during The Open golf tournament on the north coast, claiming it 'provided another opportunity for sections of the media to demonise the unionist community and our culture'. Criticising BBC NI, the Orange Order said their reporting of the cancellation of the North Down Cricket Club in Comber was 'relentless and unbalanced' and said the broadcaster's coverage of the Twelfth continued to "marginalise Orangeism". Responding in a statement on their website, a BBC NI spokesperson said its coverage of the Twelfth reflected "their scale and significance for those taking part". "We provided extensive, cross-platform coverage of the Orange Order's 12 July events," they added. "Our multiple news reports were informative and impartial.
Belfast Telegraph
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Orange Order chief Rev Mervyn Gibson: ‘We don't need to celebrate our culture by putting someone's effigy on a bonfire'
With more than six decades of Twelfth celebrations under his collarette, the Grand Secretary of the Orange Order has seen great change in society, yet he believes 'Orangeism' in Northern Ireland 'is only growing stronger'.
The National
05-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Banning Orange marches would be bad idea
As a republican socialist from an Irish Catholic tradition who supports Celtic FC, Scottish independence and a united Ireland, it should go without saying that I fundamentally disagree with the pro-Union, pro-monarchy ideology of the Orange Order. But I also fundamentally disagree with the notion of banning the Orange Order, for both practical and principled reasons. Practically, it would not diminish sectarianism. It would have the opposite effect. Numbers attending these annual rituals have declined steeply during my lifetime. Until recently, most people were unaware of the existence of Kneecap and Bob Vylan. Today, thanks to the ham-fisted authoritarianism of Keir Starmer, the BBC and the police, their popularity has soared along with their notoriety. READ MORE: Court bid to block Palestine Action terrorist ban fails There are also broader principles at stake. By demanding that the state use its powers against organisations we find offensive, we legitimise the accelerating trend towards repression sweeping the globe. The overwhelming vote in the House of Commons this week to ban Palestine Action is a chilling warning of what we are up against. Those of us who support an independent Scotland should not mimic the right. Authoritarianism is a hallmark not of strength and confidence but offweakness. The green, white and orange tricolour was adopted as the national flag of Ireland by the insurgent republican movement in 1919 to symbolise peace and unity across the religious and cultural divide. Like it or loathe it, Orangeism is part of the identity of a significant minority of Scots. A confident, modern nation should be prepared to live with that. It should guarantee protection of the rights of minority groups irrespective of whether they meet with our approval. Yes, many people are offended by Orange marches. No doubt I will be deluged with objections that those involved in the Orange Order are bigots and knuckle-draggers who don't belong in a forward-looking Scotland. The behaviour of some who turn out to support marches – invariably intoxicated – has contributed to the stereotype. The truth is many Orange Order members are embarrassed by the conduct of those they call the 'hangers-on' because it undermines their quest for respectability. To tar everyone with the same brush because of the moronic behaviour of some is unfair – and the same point applies to all organisations, from football clubs to political parties. It also fails to understand the complexities of identity, community, friendship, loyalty and tradition. I grew up and spent most of my adult life in some of the poorest parts of Glasgow where Irish republicanism and Orange loyalism have long co-existed side by side. I've attended Orange funerals. I stood on Poll Tax human barricades alongside staunch loyalists and ardent Irish republicans. I raised money outside Celtic Park with striking miners from Ayrshire who were careful to conceal their King Billy tattoos. I had members of the Orange Order, along with Irish republican activists, display posters in support of my socialist candidacy in a council by-election in Govan years before the peace process in Northern Ireland. (Image: David Wardle) Yes, there is a core of anti-Catholicism in the Orange tradition. Importantly, for the official Orange Order, it is directed at the institution and the doctrines of the church, rather towards individual Catholics And even then its criticisms are mild in tone and content compared, for example, to the views expressed by Richard Dawkins, and many others of an atheist persuasion. Ten years ago, there was a great outpouring of support among liberals and leftists for the Paris-based magazine Charlie Hebdo after 12 of its employees were massacred by two Muslim gunmen. The cartoons that provoked the atrocity were more brutally offensive by far in their depiction of Islam than any criticism of Catholicism ever made by the Orange Order. But the 'Je Suis Charlie' upsurge was not an expression of agreement with the vile cartoons. It was a defence of the right of free expression. There are more insidious and dangerous forces to be concerned about than the dwindling and ageing membership of the Orange Order. Who do we proscribe next? Nigel Farage and Reform UK? Or is Nigel, with his millions of voters and huge public profile, too big to ban? So, like Keir Starmer, do we just concentrate on the easier targets? These are just the questions we need to address before playing with fire. Much of the wisdom of the ancient Greeks is still highly relevant today, so be very careful what you wish for, as they warned.
Belfast Telegraph
31-05-2025
- General
- Belfast Telegraph
In pictures: Junior Orange Association hold centenary celebration in Lisburn
A centenary parade through Lisburn saw the next generation of young members lead celebrations. Though 'informal lodges' were in place prior to 1925, the purpose of the youth organisation is to provide 'a structured environment for young members from ages 8-16 to learn about the principles of Orangeism develop their character, and potentially transition into the adult Grand Lodge'. The parade began at 12pm from Wallace Park and made its way around the streets of Lisburn. It included a 'special Colour Party' comprised of representatives from each Junior Orange County and the participation of the Junior Orange Women's Association of Ireland, alongside visiting Lodges from England and Scotland. Following the parade, members and supporters gathered back in Wallace Park for an afternoon of celebration featuring food stalls, fun fair attractions, historical exhibitions, and an awards ceremony recognising standout participants. Grand Master Joseph Magill expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating: 'This centenary is not just a celebration of our past 100 years, but a bold declaration of our continued mission to support and inspire future generations. 'We look forward to welcoming members and friends to Lisburn for what promises to be a day of unity, pride, and joyful remembrance.' The day will conclude with a return parade at 3:30 PM, as Lodges depart in an orderly fashion to their designated transportation points, marking the close of an historic occasion. Prior to the event, two teens spoke to the Belfast Telegraph about being in the organisation, keeping alive their connections to the previous generation and how the pastime is anything but 'old-fashioned'. They spoke of joining the Orange Order being a tradition that has been passed down through generations and 'having fun with friends' while parading. The teenagers said the Order still resonates with them and they don't view it as 'old-fashioned'.
Belfast Telegraph
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
‘Order is not old-fashioned… it's important to learn about our culture': Junior Orange Association to mark 100 years with parade
Two teens spoke to the Belfast Telegraph about being in the organisation, keeping alive their connections to the previous generation and how the pastime is anything but 'old-fashioned'. Junior lodges from across the island of Ireland, as well as visiting contingents from Liverpool, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland, and England, will gather at Wallace Park for a midday parade through the town. Alongside traditional music, banners and uniforms, the event will include a return parade in the afternoon, with family activities, food stalls, funfairs and exhibitions taking place in the park throughout the day. Though 'informal lodges' were in place prior to 1925, the purpose of the youth organisation is to provide 'a structured environment for young members from ages 8-16 to learn about the principles of Orangeism, develop their character, and potentially transition into the adult Grand Lodge'. Organisers say this milestone moment shows that the Orange tradition is being carried forward by young people who don't see it as 'old-fashioned' at all. Adam Craig (15), from Kells and Connor, Ballymena, is a member of Ferniskey Junior Lodge 265 and will be taking part in the parade. He joined in 2015, following a long family line of Orangemen. 'My dad, uncles and grandparents were all members,' he said. 'Our family has always been part of Ferniskey LOL 115. 'My favourite thing is taking part in parades and having fun with my friends. I've made mates from other lodges right across Co Antrim and further afield.' Adam is especially looking forward to the centenary event: 'It's a landmark occasion and it will be great to see all the lodges come together for one parade. It's good for the public to see us too. It might even encourage other kids to join.' Asked whether he sees the Orange Order as something from the past, Adam is clear: 'No... it's still appealing to young people because it's good to learn about our culture and heritage.' He added that activities beyond the parades — including swimming, bowling and trips to Glasgow Rangers matches — keep it engaging. That message is echoed by Ben Templeton (13), who joined the newly formed Duke of Edinburgh Memorial Junior Lodge 621 in 2022 and now serves as its deputy master. 'I wanted to join because my father and late grandfather were both members. From I was able to walk I would've walked with them in the parades and carried the strings,' he said. For Ben, lodge life isn't just about marching; it's about teamwork, learning and shared experiences. 'We meet on the first Friday of each month. And after our meeting we do football, hockey, dodgeball. We've been on trips together too. Fundraising has also been a big part of it, which helps bring families and members closer.' Ben believes the Order continues to resonate with young people and, like Adam, doesn't think it's 'old-fashioned': 'There's still appeal. It's important that we carry on our traditions and learn about our culture. 'Normally our annual parade is in Portrush, which is always brilliant, but Lisburn is going to be a lot bigger. More bands, more lodges, and a lot more planned in Wallace Park. It's going to be a big day and I hope everyone taking part and watching enjoys it.' Colin Crawford MLA, Deputy Grand Master of the Junior Grand Lodge of Ireland, says the centenary is not just a celebration of the past but a strong signal about the future: 'This is a proud moment, not only for the Junior Orange but for the wider Orange family. 'Junior Orangeism has helped nurture values of faith, tradition and service in young people since 1925, and it continues to be relevant today.' While girls are not included in the Junior Orange Association, they have their own separate organisation. 'The Junior Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland are boys' lodges. There's a sister organisation, the Junior Orange Women's Association of Ireland, which is the girls' lodges. It sort of mirrors the adult structure,' said Junior Grand Master Wor. Bro. Joseph Magill. 'The girls' organisation will be participating [on Saturday]; it's had a number of new girls' lodges in the past few years. 'Whether it be the Junior Boys or the girls in the Junior Orange Women's Association of Ireland, it's just been a real phenomenal few years of growth for us.'
