An Army with Banners
The Real Face of Orangeism
William Brown
"I came from bible-believing stock, from a people who said what they meant and meant what they
said an attitude that might too readily be regarded as typical of the Ulster Protestant."
In fact, William Brown's upbringing was not typical. From a strongly dissenting
background, all the elements of his early life seemed open to challenge and
discussion. "It was as though I was nurtured in a school of religio-political argument
with Orangeism on the curriculum."
Orangeism is a culture and belief system wider than the institutional Orange Order,
but the influence of the latter is beyond question. Unionism has been shot-through
with Orangeism, so much so that it is often described as Orange-unionism.
The author argues that the time has come for unionists to take stock. He tells a story
and proffers explanations of Orangeism's eighteenth century origins and its developing
objectives during the two hundred years of its history. He explores its religious principles,
comparing and contrasting these with the standards of Christianity and the Reformed Faith.
"I hope the exercise will prove profitable, especially for those who are perplexed by
Northern Ireland's current and recurring sectarianism, and by the bitter internecine strife
within Orange-unionism. Self-examination is the necessary starting point on the long hard
road to reform, leading to a better and more peaceful future for us all."
While William Brown continues to see some value in the Union, he acknowledges the
probability of a new post-nationalist Ireland within the greater Union of Europe. "I like to
think that such an Ireland may yet realise the vision of the Presbyterian United Irishmen
one, incidentally, that is the very antithesis of Orangeism a vision of the peaceful unity of
Protestant, Catholic and Dissenter in liberty, equality and fraternity. I wrote this book out of
the desire to see my fellow citizens move forward from an anachronistic past towards a new
egalitarian and non-sectarian society."
234 x 156mm
208pp.
Paperback
ISBN 1-900960-24-9 Price £12.99
