The Methodist Church in Ireland has appealed to those organising a march from Derry to Drumcree for later this month to reconsider the decision. It also urged those engaged in talks on the Drumcree impasse to agree a responsible accommodation.
A motion dealing with these matters was passed unanimously at the church's annual conference in Cork yesterday following a lively debate.
The full motion read: "The conference, noting the ongoing effects of the Drumcree issue, and its destructive effect on human life, property, the economy and community relations not only in Portadown but throughout Northern Ireland, regrets that direct dialogue seems not to be currently possible between Portadown No 1 District and the Residents' Group, and urges those presently engaged in talks to negotiate a responsible accommodation."
It continued: "In the light of the potential for further strife, the conference appeals to the organisers of the march from the north-west of the province to Portadown to reconsider the proposals in the interests of the whole community. Given the dangers of bringing large numbers of people on to the streets amidst a highly-charged political and cultural atmosphere, the Methodist Conference welcomes the decisions by the Orange Order that processions on the Twelfth of July are held at the arranged District venues. The Conference appeals to all districts in the exercise of responsible moral citizenship, and to assist the process of good order, that they remain at their designated venue, and not travel to Drumcree."
The motion concluded: "The Conference likewise calls on resident groups who organise protests to exercise the same moral responsibility."
It was an amended version of a motion which had called for the Derry march to be called off and regretted that face-to-face dialogue between both sides at Drumcree had not been possible.
Proposing the amended version, the Rev Davis Mullan, from Portadown, appealed to the conference that it be seen to be even-handed on the matter. Calling for direct dialogue was not on, he said; it had been done before to little effect and was focused on one party to the dispute. "There are talks ongoing at all sorts of levels which I understand are quite confidential" he said, and appealed to the conference not to issue statements which might "misdirect the focus of those in talks".
The Rev Wesley Blair, from Lurgan, questioned the timing of the motion and its amended version. Neither should be put to the conference, he said.
The Rev Dr Norman Taggart felt strongly the church should speak on the issue, as not to do so could be misunderstood. He supported the amended motion. The Rev David Kerr said he would feel "personally bereft if the conference did not speak" on the issue and he also supported the amended motion. The Rev David Allen, from Banbridge, opposed the motion and its amendment. "I appeal to conference not to support words that will do little good" he said.
The Rev Sydney Callaghan said not to speak would be not just "to fail our people but also Our Lord and Master". He agreed that by doing so the church might be misunderstood by its own constituency but noted: "We are a resurrection people. We may have to go through the way of the Cross". The Rev Johnston McMaster, a proposer of the original motion, withdrew it in favour of the amended version. Mr Blair then withdrew his proposal that nothing be said. The Rev Ken Twyble, of Portadown, asked the conference to support the amended motion. It was then put to a vote.
