A Church of Ireland clergyman told the High Court yesterday it was made clear to him, when he was seeking positions in Northern Ireland parishes that there were requirements to participate in services associated with the Orange Order.
Rev Niall Bayly (66), of Beechlands, Malone Road, Belfast, said he had been involved from 1969 with peace and reconciliation work.
This work was important to him. Any requirement to compromise such work in an appointment to a church position dictated by members of the "Orange aspect" was distasteful and something he could not accept.
"Certain requirements" were expected of him which would have had a political bearing and on which he was not prepared to compromise, Rev Bayly said.
During the course of an interview in 1986 for a parish in Enniskillen, it was made clear that there would be a requirement of him to participate in services associated with the Orange Order, he added.
Mr Bayly's action for damages for alleged breach of contract and wrongful dismissal against the Church of Ireland authorities was settled yesterday afternoon shortly after he gave evidence. The settlement terms were not disclosed.
The action was against the Representative Church Body of the Church of Ireland and the Bishop of the Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor, who denied Mr Bayly's claims and submitted he had no cause of action.
In his proceedings, Mr Bayly was seeking an order directing the authorities to restore to him all stipends and other benefits, allowances and expenses, including pension rights.
The Limerick-born rector was ordained in 1965. In 1974, he held the office of rector of the parish of Christ Church, Belfast, until its closure in 1993 due to a decline in worshippers.