On Religion, Politics and Social Affairs relevant to today.
Belfast Telegraph 18th January 2005 Dear Sir, I noted with interest the response of Professor Gordon S. Beck of the European Theological Seminary, (Writeback, January 14). While I would not want to take away from what he says about the ability of Ian Paisley to “give valuable help to theological students enrolled in recognised educational establishments”, it is rather ironic
Read moreThe Orange Order: Go Forward by Going Back Rev. Brian Kennaway • 10 November 2004 The recent article by Dr. John Coulter (The Blanket 4 November 2004) on the Orange Order was both challenging and incisive. While I appreciate what John was attempting to get us to think through, that the Orange Order needs to change in such a fast
Read moreBelfast Telegraph Letters 23rd July 2004 Dear Sir, I recently received, with my copy of the Belfast Telegraph, a brochure for the Maiden City Festival. The organisers of this Festival are to be commended for their diligence in producing a wide and varied programme of such intellectual and artistic interest. I note that the Centre for British Studies are again
Read moreORANGE ORDER MUST SHOW THAT DIALOGUE CAN WORK AT DRUMCREE RITE & REASON In the last decade a new phrase has come into the language of this island, north and south. That phrase is “Drumcree Sunday”. As we approach “Drumcree Ten”, this annual display of bigotry, one is reminded of the dictum of Karl Marx: – “. . . history
Read moreBelfast Telegraph Letters 5th May 2004 Dear Sir, I read with interest the article by Michael McHugh (BT 4/5/04) concerning the Orange Orders relationship with the Parades Commission. Unless I am mistaken and in spite of the statements of the ‘spokeswoman’, your paper has, in recent years, carried numerous stories about Orange Lodges “engaging in direct dialogue” with the Parades
Read moreBelfast Telegraph Letters 10th April 2004 Dear Sir, May I support the sentiments expressed by such a senior and respected Orangeman as Dr. Warren Porter. (BT 9/4/04) It is significant, given Dr. Porters standing within the Orange Order, that, he should acknowledge that proper discipline should have been exercised long ago. However given the comments by the Order’s spokeswoman it is
Read moreOrangeism: a religious or political institution? Is Orangeism religious or political or both? It’s a question with a long history. BRIAN KENNAWAY, former convenor of the Orange Order’s Education Committee, takes a look at how tension between the two dynamics led to the formation of the Independent Orange Order. The relationship between religion and politics has been played out in
Read moreUUP trio following in footsteps of de Valera The present dilemma facing us all because of the present crisis within the Ulster Unionist Party, requires some reflection both historically and ethically. There are those within the Ulster Unionist Party who will not accept the democratic decision of the meeting, of the Ulster Unionist Council, on Monday 16th June. Ironically, these
Read moreAncient Order of Hibernians Triennial Convention 28th September 2002 Presentation By Rev Brian Kennaway INTRODUCTION Mr President may I take this opportunity to say how pleased, and honoured I am, to accept your kind invitation to address you this afternoon. Like Prime Minister Tony Blair I am conscious of the “hand of history”! I am conscious that this is
Read more“Finance may concentrate minds on breaking the link” Rite & Reason The best interests of both the Orange Order and the Ulster Unionist Party would be served by a redefinition of their relationship, says Brian Kennaway. Over the past few years the relationship between the Orange Institution and the Ulster Unionist Party has been the subject of some discussion. The
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