The rector of Drumcree parish, Portadown, has rejected an allegation that he and his vestry showed "contempt" for the Church of Ireland's General Synod by refusing to withdraw an invitation to Orangemen to attend morning service.
In a new pamphlet the C of I pressure group Catalyst, which includes Canon Charles Kenny of St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast, said the Drumcree crisis had dealt a profound challenge to the church's internal order and "made a mockery of its purported ecumenism".
Catalyst also said the Drumcree rector and his vestry had "shown contempt for the opinion of the church clearly expressed in synod".
However, the rector, the Rev John Pickering, denied he or his vestry was in contempt of the synod opinion. "The synod motion was a request which can both accepted or rejected", he said. "I rejected it because I will never deny anyone the right to worship Almighty God.
"The motion procedure in the General Synod does not make law. It is not about permitting or prohibiting", said Mr Pickering "It simply expresses the mind of the Synod and does not issue legal imperative.
"I do not wish to quarrel with anyone. I love the Church of Ireland and am totally committed to it", the Drumcree rector said. "I am very sorry that many people do not understand the Drumcree situation. I can do no other than I am doing, nor would any other cleric in my position do otherwise".
It is still clear that there is overwhelming support for Mr Pickering and his vestry in Portadown, and the criticisms by Catalyst have angered many Church of Ireland members in the area. Many have accused the pressure group of deliberately raising the Drumcree profile unnecessarily.
"This year's Drumcree parade passed off peacefully, and the Orange Order are engaged in a talks process aimed at resolving the issue" said one Church of Ireland member. "In view of this, Catalyst's comments are both ill-timed and ill-chosen.
"They should also realise that not everyone subscribes to their particular brand of ecumenism. I also wonder is Canon Kenny prepared to tell people who can and cannot attend church on a Sunday morning. Is he prepared to deny them the right to hear the word of God?"