July 23, 2009
Opposition mounts over Dumbarton Orange march plans 0
Opposition is mounting to a controversial Orange march planned for Dumbarton next month.
West Dunbartonshire Council has received dozens of objections to the proposed parade by the Provincial Grand Black Chapter of Scotland on Saturday, August 8.
Local church representatives have blasted the plans which would see 37 marching bands and around 3000 marchers take to the streets of the town.
They fear the event – if it gets the go ahead – could undermine ecumenical relations in the town, where churches of all denominations work closely together.
One minister, the Rev Kenny Macaulay, called it "an abomination" and urged the council to refuse to allow "hatred and bile" to be paraded on the streets.
The council’s licencing committee will meet on Tuesday, August 4, to decide whether to grant permission for the march.
Among those who have lodged objections is Mr Macaulay, of St Augustine’s Episcopal Church.
Church of Scotland minister, the Rev Robert Watt of neighbouring Riverside Church, has refused a request by the Order for a service in his church on the day of the march.
He said: "Sectarianism is a blight on the west of Scotland which the churches in our town have been doing much to counteract.
"Having read what I can about the Black Order I believe that their aim is to foster sectarianism contrary to biblical teaching which they claim to maintain."
Maureen McDougall, who chairs Churches Together, said there was a "real coming together" of churches in the town. "We have worked hard to achieve this and it’s wonderful," she said. "Something like this won’t help all that has been achieved."
• Full story at the Lennox Herald.
