Drumcree rector opposes Synod motions on crisis

The rector of Drumcree, the Rev John Pickering, yesterday voted against all three motions arising from the Drumcree crisis at the Church of Ireland General Synod in Dublin.

He said afterwards he could envisage no circumstances in which anyone would be refused the right to attend a Church of Ireland service there. "As far as I am concerned I will not prevent anyone from attending service and that is the view of the [Drumcree] vestry as well," he said.

Whether Portadown Orangemen will be invited to attend the July 4th service is now a matter for Mr Pickering and his select vestry.

Referring to a letter from Portadown Orangemen received on Monday by the Church's Primate, Dr Robin Eames, Mr Pickering said: "Now that the Orange have replied, I expect the pledges to be fulfilled and to see the Orangemen at the service in July."

The Orangemen indicated to Dr Eames they had always complied with pledges such as the three he requested them to adhere to.

Mr Pickering also said he still believed the flying of the Union flag at his church would "not be unlawful", despite the motion passed by the General Synod stating that only flags specifically authorised would be flown on church buildings or in church grounds. These are either the flag of St Patrick, or the Compassrose flag of the Anglican communion.

Trouble broke out in Portadown last night as an Orange parade passed a nationalist area following a march and rally in support of the Drumcree protest. At least four people were taken to hospital, writes Chris Anderson. Stones were thrown by some nationalist youths. RUC and soldiers in full riot gear were deployed to force Orangemen along the route, and loyalist youths then attacked RUC Land-Rovers.

At least one Land-Rover was overturned, trapping two RUC officers inside. While coming to their assistance, an RUC vehicle struck a 65-year-old woman, knocking her to the ground.

The RUC and army charged the loyalist youths, forcing them back into the Edgarstown area of Portadown. For a period the main route out of Portadown was in total chaos as the RUC struggled to regain control of the situation.