THE Presbyterian Church in Dunloy, Co Antrim, has urged that an accommodation be reached between nationalists and the Orange Order that would allow contentious parades in the town take place "with dignity".
The statement from the Kirk Session of the Dunloy Church is viewed as significant, as it is the church to which the loyal orders march on their church parades in the town. Its appeal for compromise rather than confrontation was welcomed by the North Antrim SDLP representative, Mr Sean Farren.
The Presbyterian Moderator, Rev Harry Allen, endorsed the views of the Dunloy church and urged that all contentious parades be solved at local level without any outside interference.
Dr Allen said that the Dunloy Kirk Session did not want its church to be the focal point for any form of extremism. "They are happy to accommodate genuine parades for the purpose of worship, but they don't want their building to be used for extreme activity that is not really glorifying to God," he added.
The Kirk Session, In its statement, said it was concerned about events surrounding recent church parades. It said that in recent weeks there were hopeful signs of an understanding which could have resulted in church parades "taking place with dignity in Dunloy".
"And we urge all concerned to build upon the foundations which have been laid to achieve this end. Our ultimate concern is that members of the loyal orders who join in worshipping in Dunloy Presbyterian Church can do so in a peaceful manner," the statement added.
"We wish to state that we extend a continuing welcome to all who have been accustomed to taking part in parades to services of worship in our church," it said.
Mr Farren urged the Orange Order and the other loyal bodies to act upon the advice of the Dunloy Presbyterian Church. The message from the Kirk Session was a "very positive contribution towards achieving a solution to the problem of parades in the local area", he said.
"The statement recognises the need for consensus and accommodation," said Mr Farren who added it was in line with the original "Dunloy principles" which sought respect for all traditions.
"Should these basic principles be endorsed by the loyal orders and should they accept the need for mediation and consultation, an accommodation could be reached," he said.
