Grand Secretary joins Newcastle celebrations

Grand Secretary joins Newcastle celebrations

18 July 2018

THE Grand Secretary of the Orange Order has called for “new tactics and new alliances” as it keeps the Order relevant for future generations.

Speaking at the Twelfth demonstration in Newcastle last Wednesday, the Rev Mervyn Gibson used the analogy of a “beautifully revamped” Newcastle, which had changed over the years but at the same time retained its character.

“Change is not something that comes easy to Ulster men and women,” he said. “It’s because of our character we tend to be suspicious of change.

“However, change is inevitable. Nothing stands still. This applies to our personal life; as well as the environment in which we live. 

“It applies to society – the norms of the past have been replaced by norms shaped and informed by this generation.

“The political reality of this country today would have been unthinkable 30 years ago. But we are where we are. We live and work in the world today; not yesterday, our future starts from here.

“There is no point in fighting yesterday’s battles today because it doesn’t change things. It is futile to use strategies and tactics we once used in another time to deal with the difficulties and opposition we face today.

“The Orange Institution needs to be an organisation that is fit for purpose in this and future generations —  fit to defend and promote all we hold dear. Our faith; our heritage; and our British citizenship.

“For too long we allowed others to set the agenda and we responded — and there were good reasons for our response. However, the time is right to accept the challenges that change has brought about. It’s not change that we necessary like but it’s where we are. We have to deal with realities and not how we would like it to be.”

He continued: “There is no watering down the truths of the Gospel on which we stand. We have been crystal clear on our stance regarding Biblical truths. The world may have moved from God’s word on these matters, but the Orange Institution remains committed to the whole counsel of ure – there can be no ambiguity.

“Equally, there is to be no compromise on our cherished position within the United Kingdom. Nationalists and republicans seek to use border polls and Brexit to worry us into a United Ireland. Well, they couldn’t murder us, bomb us, intimidate us into a United Ireland – they are certainly not going to bribe us, cajole us or frighten us into a United Ireland.

“History has shown our resolve to defend our religion and laws. It has shown the length we are prepared to go to remain British. British we were born and British we will remain.

“How we defend and promote these faith and political truths requires new thinking; new tactics and new alliances. The principles and message remain the same, but how we defend and promote them needs to be made fit for purpose in a world that would be unrecognisable to our fathers and mothers, let alone our grandfathers and grandmothers.”

Rev. Gibson said the Grand Lodge wanted to respond positively to the opportunities change presents.

“People are interested in who we are; not as a relic of the past, but as a living organisation that is a key stakeholder in wider society,” he said.

“There is a great opportunity to promote the Institution as a tourist asset, such actions do not diminish our place in society, nor what we believe but create opportunities that allow us to share who we are and articulate the economic benefits of what we do.”

Rev. Gibson said he had just that morning had breakfast with the Republic’s Minister for Tourism, Brendan Griffin, and spoken about the common cause of promoting the Boyne and other sites for the tourist market. 

“We never viewed ourselves as having something to offer the tourist market – that’s what the Newcastle promenade is for,” he said.

“But times have changed, and the Orange family on this island has a rich history to share and tell. If we do not share our story no one else will. Because it keeps the Orange Institution relevant, it helps promote who we are and what we are about. Rev. Gibson added: “I believe the Orange Institution is in a good place, we are moving forward; we are adopting to changes in society, without compromising our beliefs. We continue to play an active and positive role in civic society.

“The Orange Institution wants to see a prosperous and peaceful Northern Ireland where all traditions and cultures are valued and respected.”