Orange leader criticised by church council

The Diocesan Council of the Church of Ireland has criticised Portadown Orange Order leader Mr Harold Gracey for refusing to condemn…

The Diocesan Council of the Church of Ireland has criticised Portadown Orange Order leader Mr Harold Gracey for refusing to condemn the violence surrounding this year's Drumcree protest.

The council unanimously passed a motion stating it was deeply concerned about events before and after the church service on July 9th.

"It was particularly saddened the district master of Portadown LOL No 1 refused to condemn the violence or dissociate the protest from paramilitary involvement," said a spokesman.

"The council urges that a renewed effort be made to find a resolution to this problem which annually brings shame on the name of Christ and his church in the eyes of the world."

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However, the Portadown Orange Order's press officer, Mr David Jones, claimed the church's silence over trying to resolve the Drumcree dispute was "deafening".

"I would ask them what exactly are they planning to do to sort out the problem. The condemnation of violence isn't sufficient. Violence is a symptom of the problem. Once the problem is resolved, the violence will be resolved."

He said there would be a rally on Drumcree hill on Saturday night to mark the 800th day of the protest.