Sovereign Grand Master Rev William Anderson (centre)
The head of the Royal Black Institution has said “equality of citizenship is being eroded” in the United Kingdom.
Sovereign Grand Master Rev William Anderson was speaking at the Co Antrim ‘Last Saturday’ demonstration in Ballymena, where around 4,500 participants – including the members of 75 marching bands - were on parade.
Overall, around 17,000 members from 350 preceptories of the Royal Black Institution were involved in six traditional processions, with major events taking place in four other Northern Ireland locations - Killyleagh, Ballygawley, Holywood and Beragh – as well as Raphoe, in Co Donegal.
The flagship events saw thousands of supporters turn out to watch parades at the various venues, bringing the curtain down on the annual parading season.
The Co Antrim demonstration making its way down Broughshane Street, Ballymena as thousands lined the route of the parade. (Image: Eugene Diamond)
Religious services were held at each of the gatherings, highlighting the institution’s principled stand on the Reformed Christian Faith.
From the platform in Ballymena, Rev Anderson said the institution’s Constitutional resolution spoke of “the importance of equality of citizenship”, which he described as “the glue that holds a nation together”.
He said: “Given the serious situations that have recently arisen across our nation, it has become apparent that equality of citizenship has been eroded.
“It is evident that under our current Prime Minister that we have adopted two-tier policing.
“Violence from any quarter is wrong and to be condemned, and those breaking the law should feel the ‘full force of the law’ but that must include everyone who breaks the law, no matter who they are or what they represent.
“Without that equality, then respect for law and order will further diminish.”
He said there were 7,000 police on duty at Notting Hill Carnival in London, with the BBC reporting that there were “eight stabbings and 334 arrests”.
Rev Anderson asked: “Are the courts being cleared to deal with these people? Will they receive jail sentences as directed by the Prime Minister?”
He said this was “a perfect example of two-tier policing”, adding: We here can of course add our own examples to the lack of equality.
“If there is going to be the ‘full force of the law’ then ALL lawbreakers must feel that force; it is not up to politicians to decide who should or shouldn’t feel that force.
“That is a key ingredient of equality throughout our nation.”
Rev Anderson said those taking a stand for the Reformed Christian Faith “feel our faith is under attack from those who least understand what we believe”.
He said: “It seems perfectly fine for the media and others to attack and ridicule the Christian Faith – even to use the name of Jesus Christ as a swear word but dare anyone challenge or repudiate any other faith and, immediately, they will be attacked for holding racist views.”
He said the challenge for Sir Knights, band members and supporters was to ask – “is Jesus Christ Lord of our lives?”
He told the gathering: “Today, we need to reinvigorate our faith in Him so that we can bring about that peace which passes all understanding in our lives, in the lives of those that we love and those around us.
“Then, with our continuing faith in Jesus Christ, we can build true equality across our nation.”
The Royal Black Institution also confirmed the organisation’s 2024 Resolutions.
FAITH
Our Christian Faith is under attack from extreme forms of religion and secularism. Much of this can be attributed to the lack of understanding around the basics of the Christian Faith. Therefore, we call upon our members to seek the enabling Power of the Holy Spirit to reinvigorate them in their Christian Faith and undertake the work of the Great Commission as found in Matthew’s Gospel Chapter 28 verses 19 – 20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” That is how we will make a change in our lives, in our families and within our community.
LOYALTY
We take this opportunity to renew our loyalty to His Majesty King Charles III especially as he currently recovers from his illness. As Sir Knights of the Royal Black Institution assembled here today, we wish our King a speedy recovery and pray that God will strengthen him so that he may return to his role within our Royal Family. We also remember Her Royal Highness Catherine Princess of Wales and wish her a speedy recovery so that she will soon be able to return to the side of her beloved husband His Royal Highness Prince William. It is our earnest prayer that as loyal subjects our King and members of the Royal Family may ever give us cause to say “God save the King!
CONSTITUTIONAL
We call upon His Majesty’s Government to ensure that the Acts of Union are upheld in the equality of citizenship for all citizens within the United Kingdom. This includes the full restoration of equal citizenship for the citizens of Northern Ireland who have been left under the authority of the European Union. Such is the hurt felt by many citizens in Northern Ireland that trust in our National Government and the political system is falling to an all-time low. Equal citizenship as described in the Act of Union must be restored throughout the United Kingdom if trust is to be rebuilt.