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Order denies links with loyalist group
By
Liz Trainor
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THE
Orange Order last night denied it had links with a shadowy
loyalist group which a former member claims has its roots in
witchcraft rather than Protestantism.
The
rebuttal came after the publication of the book Behind Closed
Doors by ex-loyalist Paul Malcomson who claims hundreds are
leaving the organisation because of bizarre ritual
practices.
Mr
Malcomson, a born-again Christian and a former member of the
Royal Arch Purple which is an elite branch of Orangeism,
claims recruits are put through a series of bizarre initiation
practices which include:
blindfolding the victim and making him kneel on a mock
coffin while vowing to destroy his own life if he divulges the
teachings of the order
tying a rope around the neck of the recruit, who has
most of his clothes and one shoe taken from him and a purple
ribbon fastened to his shirt
riding the goat a ritual in which the blindfolded
initiate is wrapped in a canvas sheet and then kicked and
tossed about by assembled members
harsh beatings members beat the candidate across
the legs and bare feet with brambles to the accompaniment of
laughter
But
Rev William Bingham, a high profile member of the Orange
Order, said: “It is misleading to say they are part of the
Orange family.
“I
have heard there have been a number of resignations as some
people have listened to what Paul has said.
“But they are an entirely separate organisation with
chaplains and lodges. The Royal Arch Purple speaks for
itself.”
Mr
Malcomson, who is taking his campaign to Scotland, also plans
to write a book on the Royal Black Preceptory.
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