Despite repeated statements on behalf of the Orange Order appealing for peaceful protest, tensions have been raised which are devastating normal life in that area. I want to pay a special tribute in this regard to the clergy working in Portadown for their pastoral care and integrity. I refer again to the word perception. In Northern Ireland it is more than a perception it is a reality that when many thousands of people become involved in protest, control is virtually impossible. When feelings of deep resentment appear there are always those too ready to transform principle into violence.
Sectarianism is a part of our history.
That sectarianism lurks below the surface and once protest becomes a reality sectarianism takes over and we face naked hatred, violence and injury even murder. The Church of Ireland has provided hospitality for this service for generations. There is no excuse and no reason which can be given or accepted for the reaction of the Portadown Lodges to the reasonable calls from this Church and from other Churches for the protest to end. They had made their point. There were other ways far removed from the worship of God to make their point.