The Future

By George Patton

Two hundred years after its foundation there are those who question the need for such an organisation. They claim that in this enlightened age Orangeism is simply an anachronism.

What then is the relevance of the Orange Order not only today but in the future? The simple answer that the world needs, possibly more than ever, a body that advances the ideals and principles of the Orange Institution.

The Orange Order is a Protestant Brotherhood, pledged to defend the Reformed faith against all errors and encroachments. This is a positive position. Too many people are brainwashed into thinking that the position of Orangeism is negative. Within lodges, families, groups or individual contact within our churches, and throughout society Orangemen and women must lift up the standard of peace.

In an age when even professed church leaders question historic facts and tamper with Biblical truths Orangemen must not lower their standards.

Once Orangemen allow themselves to betray Biblical Protestantism they deny their raison d'etre.

The late Bishop Kerr factually writes: "The Orange Order is a powerful incantation of tolerance pressing on every member the duties of brotherly kindness and charity, and forbidding the upbraiding of any man on account of his religious beliefs. While the Order stands certainly against unbiblical or false ecumenism, it stands for the truth, proving it in love

It has, however, also been a powerful instrument for binding Protestants together. In various ecclesiastical congregations members have grown to understand and even appreciate the differences.

The Orange Order is a patriotic brotherhood.

Wherever Orangeism flourished its members sought to play a positive role in their country. Members have held high positions. The Duke of Cumberland was Grand Master of England. Prime Ministers like Sir John A. Macdonald in Canada, Sir Simon Frazer of Victoria in Australia, as well as those in Northern Ireland, peers of the realm, members of parliament, military men like Sir Sam Hughes of Canada; others, along with captains of industry, business leaders, and trade union officials have all played their part.

A common strand through the membership, when it has been at its best, has been service in the community, and such service is motivated by the Orange principle of God. First, it was not, and could not be, a shadowed patriotism. For true Orangemen assert that our country shall be righteous as well as strong. "The throne is established in righteousness".

There are different ways of using energy to influence society. Society can be defined as an automatic group of individuals with a loyalty to the same species, organised in a corporate manner - that society might be larger, or smaller than the Orange Order.

Commitment should be manifest in the way Orangemen tackle social issues.

Politically the Order is still vital.

Within the Institution, members must take a more positive role in the land. This would extend to every local level, including trade union groups. It is not possible, for everyone to be active in each sphere, but the lodge should be more behind those whose work gives a lead in society.

To maintain the liberties, civil and religious, which Orangemen cherish in an immoral age, they need to be careful of their priorities. In things essential they need unity, in things doubtful liberty, in all things charitable.

Orangeism is not about the Twelfth of July or numbers on the books, it is about living out the faith and principles every day of every year.

Orangemen must be more assertive, taking every opportunity to promote the image and ethos of the Institution in order that they can attract those who are of like mind. Lodges must, by their work for, and interest in the community both at local and national level make themselves relevant.

Modern society is image conscious therefore the Order's image must be right and this is the responsibility of each and every member. It is the example shown by the local member that will colour their image of the organisation and either make it attractive or something to be avoided.

By individual example and by showing the relevance of the Institution Orangemen can move forward. Various social activities, quizzes and sports improve the appeal of the Institution especially to the young but will also provide an added dimension for existing members - after all the Order is a fraternal society and it should make every effort to strengthen the bonds between members.

With the bicentenary of the Institution Orangemen look forward to a new century, prepared to move forward with confidence. There is a tremendous opportunity to be grasped by an organisation whose principles will remain as important in the 21st century as they were in 1795.