The Orange Order's role in Northern Ireland society will
almost certainly increase as Protestantism and Christianity
faces new pressures.
The days when the Orange Order was perceived to be solely
a bulwark against militant Roman Catholicism and triumphalist
republicanism have gone.
Of course the Order still has to protect Protestantism against
the traditional opponents. But the rapid slide into secularism
and materialism and the decline in religion means that Orangeism
will have to show the same determination in making a stand
for Protestant principles in the face of this onslaught from
materialism.
Already big inroads have been made into changing the face
of Sundays in Northern Ireland. And secularists are also attempting
to remove the religious input into various aspects of Ulster
society.
The Protestant voice on many important issues needs support,
and the Orange Order is ideally equipped to play that vital
role.
Protestant clergy and laity must speak up when enemies of
Christianity seek to remove or water down Christian festivals
and anniversaries.
Already one can see the effects of this in parts of mainland
Britain where the festival of Christmas is being replaced
in some areas by 'Winterval'.
This year it was more difficult than ever to purchase Christmas
cards containing gospel and Biblical verses and sentiments.
Ulster is under attack fro new forces seeking to destroy
the Protestant ethos and traditions, and these must be confronted
with the same resolution displayed down the years by the Loyal
Orders.
Given the numerical strength of the Order, and the evidence
that it is still a leading force in Northern Ireland, there
is every confidence that it will not be found wanting.
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