The Orange Lodge parades due to be held in Southport and Liverpool this weekend have been cancelled, as organisers offered their “deepest sympathies, condolences and prayers” to those affected by this week’s tragedy in Southport.
The Provincial Grand Black Chapter of England were due to hold their annual parade in Liverpool and Southport on Saturday 3d August 2024 but that event will no longer go ahead as a mark of respect.
In a statement, they said: “The Senior Officers having met today feel that due to the tragic events that have taken place on Monday 29* July in the Southport Area, we the Officers and members of the Provincial Grand Black Chapter of England stand with the families and residents of Southport and offer our deepest sympathies, condolences and prayers to those who have been recently bereaved, especially as some of the victims are young children.
“We also offer our continued prayers for those injured during the attack and are still in hospital with their injuries.
“We would like to thank the first responders who were at the scene at this tragic incident. We pray for all of the emergency services involved.
“As a Christian Organisation and as a mark of respect to the children that have passed away, and their families we have decided to cancel the parades due to take place on Saturday 3rd August 2024.
“The Provincial Grand Master Mr Eric Dickinson and his senior Officers, will Travel to Southport in the near future and lay bunches of flowers at the national cenotaph in memory of those who have sadly passed away during the last few days. We will also lay a wreath, as we would have done for all those who have died in conflicts over the years.
“Once again we would like to express our unity and sympathy with all the victims’ families’ friends and the residents of Southport at this time of sorrow, for the terrible incidents that have taken place on the streets of Southport earlier this week. Matthew 19; 14 says this “But Jesus said, Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
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