Statement issued by the Chaplains’ Committee

The following statement was issued by the Chaplains’ Committee on behalf of the Royal Black Institution, and read from the platform at all six Last Saturday demonstrations (Ballymoney, Holywood, Garvagh, Dungannon, Ballygowan and Seskinore) on August 31, 2019.

The Royal Black Institution notes with much dismay, disappointment and great sadness the recent passing of the amendments to the NI Executive Formation Bill paving the way to force through legislation which compromises the sanctity of marriage and endangers the lives of unborn children.

The Royal Black Institution has two primary concerns regarding these legislative encroachments.

Firstly, the Royal Black Institution passionately believes in the right of the unborn child. We believe that every child born or unborn is, as Psalm 139:14 states, “fearfully and wonderfully made” and as such has the right to life just like the rest of humanity.

Secondly, being a Bible-based organisation we also believe and affirm that marriage between a man and a woman was instituted by God with Adam and Eve. Genesis 2:24 states: “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” This defines a basic requirement of humanity; the due ordering of families.

The Royal Black Institution teaches our members to seek to live Christ-centred lives and we affirm that in Matthew 19:4-5, Jesus stated that Genesis position on marriage when he stated: “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”

Therefore, the Royal Black would view the proposed amendments as a serious threat to the wellbeing of our society as they undermine the laws of God and the requirements of humanity. We can rest assured however “for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7-9). There is a higher crown which will one day judge the nations, and everyone must give an account of themselves. Whilst we can be dismayed at worldly governments, we can rejoice that we have a Saviour who has conquered the world and has paid the price for sin. Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords.

We would therefore call on our elected representatives to show political leadership at this time by doing all within their power to prevent these changes from being implemented in our land. Finally, can we encourage prayer for our nation. Pray that “the Secret of England’s greatness”, the Bible, would once again be uncovered and lifted high.