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."