Orange Order lifts ban on members entering Roman Catholic churches after rule change as anti-sectarian groups hail ‘big step’
Nil By Mouth praised the 'highly significant move' from the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland to overturn its long-standing ban on members from entering the religious buildings
ORANGE Order members CAN now enter Roman Catholic churches after a rule change overturned a long-standing ban.
Anti-sectarian campaigners have hailed it as a 'big step' to improving relationships between faiths in the country.
The rule prohibited Orangemen and women from attending any services at RC churches, including funerals and weddings.
But Nil By Mouth have praised the move from the Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland.
Director Dave Scott told the Evening Times: "This is a highly significant move by the order.
"I know from our work that the ban could cause a lot of tensions within families and friendships so the fact it is being lifted is both welcome and positive.
"It also recognises the realities of our day to day lives in Scotland were people marry and build relationships across old religious and cultural boundaries.
"It’s important that we recognise this is a big step for those involved in the Order to take and we should welcome it as a constructive measure toward improving relationships between faith and cultural groups in Scotland."
It is believed that the decision to make to change was agreed at a Grand Lodge meeting in February.
The revision has now been communicated to members - but has reportedly been met with a mixed response.
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A member of a Glasgow lodge said: "The change was rushed through two months ago. Some of the membership are up in arms.
"There was an argument about it and it could have a drastic affect on the organisation."
University of Edinburgh sociologist Dr Michael Rose has backed the move.
He said: "From what I understand there is a strong majority who said it was time for the ban to go.
"It is getting rid of a rule which people were not comfortable with, an anti-Catholic message instead of a pro-Protestant one.
"I think it is a good move, a sensible move, but there will be traditionalists who will remain suspicious."
The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland declined to comment.
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Last year, a priest was spat on outside his church as Scotland's largest Orange Walk went by.
Yob Bradley Wallace gobbed on Father Thomas White at St Alphonsus Church on London Road, Glasgow.
Wallace was recently jailed for 10 months but Father White fears similar attacks could occur again as marches continue to pass his church this year.
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