Orange Order slams Kirk as ‘a dismal failure’

Published on 04/07/2012 01:46

The “dismal failure” of the Church of Scotland to lead in matters of faith and morality has been criticised by the Orange Order.

The order also warned that Scotland is a “nation in turmoil” and raised concerns over the “separatist campaign”, in a series of resolutions for the current marching season.

But the Church dismissed the organisation as “out of date and out of time”.

Grand master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland, Henry Dunbar, urged members to back the Union. In the resolutions published ahead of the 12 July parade, the Orange Order called on the Kirk to stand up for protestant heritage.

They state: “We are dismayed by the dismal failure of our national church, the Church of Scotland, to exert influential leadership in matters of faith and morality. It is a sad reflection that in today’s society, many protestants now consider that the Orange Order is more in harmony with their values and aspirations than the Kirk.

The order also said it has watched the “separatist campaign” with “ever-increasing concern” and called on members to support the Union.

The Kirk rejected the claims and said it was promoting dialogue and core Christian values. Sally Foster Fulton, convener of the Kirk’s Church and Society Council, said: “The Orange Order has shown itself again and again to be out of date and out of time.”