Church reps meet leadership of Loyal Orders

Bishop Noel Treanor of Down and Connor led a Church delegation that held a preliminary meeting with leaders of the Loyal Orders last week.

Bishop Noel Treanor of Down and Connor led a Church delegation that held a preliminary meeting with leaders of the Loyal Orders last week.

Religious freedom in a secular society was one of the issues on the agenda at the meeting, which was held at the Orange Institution’s temporary headquarters in Belfast.

The group also listened to a presentation on the Orange Institution’s educational outreach programme and an overview of the REACH Project, which will see the development of two new interpretative centres in Belfast and Loughgall.

Bishop Treanor was accompanied by Fr Timothy Bartlett, Secretary to the northern bishops and Fr Michael Sheehan, Administrator of St Patrick’s Parish, Donegall Street, Belfast.

All parties agreed the meeting was helpful, and allowed a useful exchange of views. They committed themselves to further engagement.