06/09/2012
As North Belfast Stays Quiet, Loyal Order Apologises For Music Outside Church
North Belfast was quiet last night for the first time after three nights of rioting.
The trouble had centred around parades in the divided part of the city and flared up on Sunday when local loyalists protested against a republican flute band being allowed to march.
But tensions this summer go back to the July 12 march when loyalist bands played a song known to have alternative anti-Catholic lyrics, outside a Catholic church.
A Protestant loyal order has now apologised for "any offence caused" by bands that played music outside St Patrick's Church on Donegall Street last month, in defiance of a Parades Commission ruling.
The Royal Black Institution said its anger was not directed at the Catholic church.
Father Michael Sheehan said: "I welcome this positive development and the sincere Christian spirit behind it."
He said he would give a fuller response next week.
In an open letter, the Institution said it had always had "good lines of communication" with the Catholic church and would like to foster those, but wanted to see the Parades Commission replaced.
It said: "Parading is embedded in the DNA of the Protestant community but the Parades Commission has shown an appalling lack of understanding about what that means.
"They consistently pander to the demands of people who have gone out of their way to be offended and whose aim is to remove all traces of the Reformed Christian Faith and cleanse Protestant culture from society."
(NE)
The trouble had centred around parades in the divided part of the city and flared up on Sunday when local loyalists protested against a republican flute band being allowed to march.
But tensions this summer go back to the July 12 march when loyalist bands played a song known to have alternative anti-Catholic lyrics, outside a Catholic church.
A Protestant loyal order has now apologised for "any offence caused" by bands that played music outside St Patrick's Church on Donegall Street last month, in defiance of a Parades Commission ruling.
The Royal Black Institution said its anger was not directed at the Catholic church.
Father Michael Sheehan said: "I welcome this positive development and the sincere Christian spirit behind it."
He said he would give a fuller response next week.
In an open letter, the Institution said it had always had "good lines of communication" with the Catholic church and would like to foster those, but wanted to see the Parades Commission replaced.
It said: "Parading is embedded in the DNA of the Protestant community but the Parades Commission has shown an appalling lack of understanding about what that means.
"They consistently pander to the demands of people who have gone out of their way to be offended and whose aim is to remove all traces of the Reformed Christian Faith and cleanse Protestant culture from society."
(NE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 June 2005
Three arrested in parade trouble
Three people have been arrested following an Orange Order parade in Ballymena on Monday. The incident, which occurred close to a Catholic church, saw a man and woman arrested and questioned about disorderly behaviour, while another man was arrested in connection with a driving offence.
Three arrested in parade trouble
Three people have been arrested following an Orange Order parade in Ballymena on Monday. The incident, which occurred close to a Catholic church, saw a man and woman arrested and questioned about disorderly behaviour, while another man was arrested in connection with a driving offence.
20 August 2012
Loyalist Band Cannot Pass Belfast Catholic Church
A loyalist band that was filmed playing outside a Catholic Church in Belfast on the twelfth of July have been told they cannot walk past the same church on another parade next week. The Parades Commission has banned the Young Conway Volunteers band from marching past St Patrick’s Church on Donegall Street next Saturday.
Loyalist Band Cannot Pass Belfast Catholic Church
A loyalist band that was filmed playing outside a Catholic Church in Belfast on the twelfth of July have been told they cannot walk past the same church on another parade next week. The Parades Commission has banned the Young Conway Volunteers band from marching past St Patrick’s Church on Donegall Street next Saturday.
13 August 2009
Rasharkin Parade Gets Green Light
It has emerged that a contentious loyal order parade in Co Antrim is to be allowed. And while a protest is expected to be staged by a residents' association based in the village of Rasharkin, the NI Parades Commission has again ruled in favour of the previously contested march.
Rasharkin Parade Gets Green Light
It has emerged that a contentious loyal order parade in Co Antrim is to be allowed. And while a protest is expected to be staged by a residents' association based in the village of Rasharkin, the NI Parades Commission has again ruled in favour of the previously contested march.
11 July 2002
SF to meet Parades Commission over Twelfth parades
A meeting is to take place between Sinn Fein and the Parades Commission over a number of controversial Orange Order parades that are to take place in north Belfast on July 12. A delegation from the party is to meet the commission on Thursday morning with regard to parades along the Springfield Road and Crumlin Road planned for Friday.
SF to meet Parades Commission over Twelfth parades
A meeting is to take place between Sinn Fein and the Parades Commission over a number of controversial Orange Order parades that are to take place in north Belfast on July 12. A delegation from the party is to meet the commission on Thursday morning with regard to parades along the Springfield Road and Crumlin Road planned for Friday.
12 October 2012
Loyalist Flute Band Arrested
Members of a loyalist flute band have been arrested on suspicion of provocative conduct. The band was filmed marching in circles outside a Catholic Church in Belfast. The Young Conway Volunteers flute band, which is based in the city’s Shankill Road, was accused of playing sectarian music outside St Patrick’s Church in Donegall Street on July 12.
Loyalist Flute Band Arrested
Members of a loyalist flute band have been arrested on suspicion of provocative conduct. The band was filmed marching in circles outside a Catholic Church in Belfast. The Young Conway Volunteers flute band, which is based in the city’s Shankill Road, was accused of playing sectarian music outside St Patrick’s Church in Donegall Street on July 12.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.