Minister resigns from Orange Order in protest

A Protestant minister in the North has resigned from the Orange Order over the Grand Master's attitude to the law.

Dennis Bannerman has resigned as deputy grand chaplain of the Orange Order over the Order's attitude to law-breakers at the annual Drumcree protest.

He said the Bible orders Christians to submit themselves to the legally-appointed authorities without disregarding the law, or those who enforce it.

He took issue with the Orange Order's Grand Master, Robert Saulters, who said the three men arrested for rioting at Drumcree should not have faced charges under anti-terrorism legislation.

Six policemen were injured by orangemen throwing rocks and sticks, while a senior police officer was spat on during the protests last year.

Mr Saulters had said it was up to individual lodges to decide whether the men should be subjected to disciplinary action.

The Rev Bannerman objected to Mr Saulters saying that the men should not have faced offences and they should submit to lawful authority even when it hurts.