CHURCH of Ireland bishops and community leaders in Northern Ireland have been meeting senior members of the Loyal Institutions - including the Grand Master of the Orange Order, Edwards Stevenson - in an attempt to avoid disturbances during the height of the marching season, which begins on Monday and culminates with parades and bonfires on 12 July.

Members of the Church of Ireland's Northern Ireland Community Relations Working Group met representatives of the Orange Order at Church of Ireland House, Belfast, on Monday this week, "to actively listen to one another's views". The informal talks ranged from issues around parading, attacks on Orange Halls, and faith and society.

The Working Group, and the Orange Order representatives, agreed that further engagement should follow, and they are to meet again after the Twelfth of July period.

On Tuesday, during her three-day visit to Northern Ireland, the Queen said: "I know there are many challenges ahead, and peacemaking is not always an easy task, but you have come this far by turning the impossible into the possible, and, as you face the future and difficulties that may appear insurmountable, always remember that the thoughts and prayers of millions, including my own, are with you."