Ancient Order of Hibernians

The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) is an Irish-Catholic fraternal organization. Its largest membership is now in the United States, where it was founded in New York in 1836. Its original purpose in the United States was to assist Irish Catholic immigrants, especially those who faced discrimination or harsh coal mining working conditions. Its mixture of religion and politics (similar to that of the Orange Order) has been criticized by some as anti-Protestant. Members contend that this blend is necessary to defend against others considered to be anti-Catholic.

Related Topics:
Irish-Catholic - Fraternal organization - United States - New York - 1836 - Catholic - Orange Order - Protestant - Anti-Catholic

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The use of the name in Ireland goes back as far as 1565http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07320a.htm, when it was founded by an Irish chieftain, Rory O'Moore, to protect Irish Catholics against persecution by English Protestants. When it was first founded in the United States, its existence and activities were concealed for some years. Its motto is, "Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity." The AOH also has a large number of branches in Ireland itself, especially in Ulster. An annual parade in Ballymena often provokes violence.

Related Topics:
Ireland - 1565 - Ulster - Ballymena

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• The Ladies Auxiliary of the AOH was formed in 1894 in Omaha, Nebraska.
• The Molly Maguires used the AOH as a front to conduct a campaign of intimidation against anthracite coal mine and railroad managers in Northeastern Pennsylvania- Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania USA, known as hard Coal Region or Anthracite Coal Region in the 19th century. Their objective was to improve the harsh working conditions that existed at the time.
• The Ancient Order of Hibernians controls the St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York and has refused to allow gays and lesbians to march in the parade, as they claim it is essentially a Christian festival and the Roman Catholic Church opposes homosexuality. There is no ban on homosexuals joining parades in Ireland, and a large contingent forms part of the parade annually in Dublin.
 
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