Thirty-five Orangemen have been trying to complete their walk along the mainly nationalist Garvaghy Road since Sunday morning; however, mass protests on the road have stopped them, sparking major security and political concerns.
In a flyer published on its Facebook page on Tuesday, the church, led by Rev Gary Galway, has now emphasised that it is a welcoming church whose doors are open to all, “regardless of community, culture, tradition or background”.
It says: “The Church of Ireland has repeatedly affirmed that it is a welcoming church whose doors are open to all and that every person is created in the image of God and worthy of dignity and respect. Without the distinction of background, tradition or belief… Drumcree Parish fully upholds this central truth of our faith.
“We declare that our church is open and welcoming to all… regardless of community, culture, tradition or background. In Christ, there is no outsider, all are invited, all belong and all are equally valued as children of God. This is at the very heart of the Gospel we proclaim.
“We are a Christian community under the oversight of the Church of Ireland. Our teaching, witness and hospitality are governed solely by the Scriptures, the tradition of our Church, and the call to love our neighbour as ourselves. Meaning we do not align with or endorse practices and principles that do not reflect an inclusive welcome for all.
“We recognise that recent days have brought hurt, division and deep feeling to our community. We are committed to being a place of reconciliation, where all may find a home in God's love. We invite all people of goodwill to join us in seeking peace, building trust, and showing the love of Christ to everyone in our community.”