By Sarah Mac Donald - 21 February, 2014
Bishop Noel Treanor of Down and Connor led a Church delegation that held a preliminary meeting with leaders of the Loyal Orders on Wednesday.
Religious freedom in a secular society one was of the issues on the agenda at the meeting, which was held at the Orange Institution’s temporary headquarters in Belfast.
The group also listened to a presentation on the Orange Institution’s educational outreach programme and an overview of the REACH Project, which will see the development of two new interpretative centres in Belfast and Loughgall.
Bishop Treanor joined the Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, Edward Stevenson, as well as the Sovereign Grand Master of the Royal Black Institution, Millar Farr, at the meeting.
Other Loyal Order representatives included the Rev Alistair Smyth, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland; Drew Nelson, Grand Secretary; Jack Greenald, Grand Treasurer; Raymond Spiers, Assistant Grand Master; George Chittick, Grand Master of the County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast and Billy Scott, Imperial Grand Registrar of the Royal Black Institution
Bishop Treanor was accompanied by Fr Timothy Bartlett, Secretary to the northern bishops and Fr Michael Sheehan, Administrator of St Patrick’s Parish, Donegall Street, Belfast.
All parties agreed the meeting was helpful, and allowed a useful exchange of views. They committed themselves to further engagement.
