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The Salvation Army is a
Christian denomination and international movement known for its charity shops and other
charity work, operating in over 120 countries.
[2] The organisation was founded in 1865 in the
United Kingdom by
William and
Catherine Booth as the North London Christian Mission, operating with a quasi-
military structure, which has been retained to the present day.
[3] The
theology of the Salvation Army is mainstream
Methodist
although it is distinctive in government and practice. The Army's
doctrine follow mainstream Christian beliefs, and its articles of faith
emphasise
God's
"saving purposes". Its objects are "the advancement of the Christian
religion… of education, the relief of poverty, and other charitable
objects beneficial to society or the community of mankind as a whole."
[4]
History
Women's dormitories operated by The Salvation Army, Washington, D.C. c. 1920
The Salvation Army was founded in London's
East End in 1865 by one-time
Methodist minister
William Booth and his wife
Catherine. Originally, Booth named the organization the East London Christian Mission. The name
The Salvation Army developed from an incident on 19–20 May. William Booth was dictating a letter to his secretary
George Scott Railton and said, "We are a volunteer army."
Bramwell Booth
heard his father and said, "Volunteer! I'm no volunteer, I'm a
regular!" Railton was instructed to cross out the word "volunteer" and
substitute the word "salvation".
[5]
The Salvation Army was modeled after the military, with its own flag
(or colours) and its own hymns, often with words set to popular and
folkloric tunes sung in the pubs. Booth and the other soldiers in "God's
Army" would wear the Army's own
uniform, for meetings and ministry work. He became the "
General" and his other ministers were given appropriate ranks as "
officers". Other members became "
soldiers".
[6]
When William Booth became known as the General, Catherine was known
as the "Mother of The Salvation Army". William preached to the poor, and
Catherine spoke to the wealthy, gaining financial support for their
work. She also acted as a religious minister, which was unusual at the
time; the Foundation Deed of the Christian Mission states that women had
the same rights to preach as men. William Booth described the
organization's approach: "The three ‘S's’ best expressed the way in
which the Army administered to the 'down and outs': first, soup; second,
soap; and finally, salvation."
[7]
In 1880, the Salvation Army started its work in three other countries:
Australia,
Ireland, and the
United States.
It was not always an official officer of the Salvation Army who started
the Salvation Army in a new country; sometimes Salvationists emigrated
to countries and started operating as "the Salvation Army" on their own
authority. When the first official officers arrived in Australia and the
United States, they found groups of Salvationists already waiting for
them.
The Salvation Army's main converts were at first alcoholics, morphine
addicts, prostitutes and other "undesirables" unwelcome in polite
Christian society, which helped prompt the Booths to start their own
church.
[8] The Booths did not include the use of
sacraments (mainly
baptism and
Holy Communion)
in the Army's form of worship, believing that many Christians had come
to rely on the outward signs of spiritual grace rather than on grace
itself.
[9]
Other beliefs are that its members should completely refrain from
drinking alcohol (Holy Communion is not practised), smoking, taking
illegal drugs and gambling.
[10]
Its soldiers wear a uniform tailored to the country in which they work;
the uniform can be white, grey, navy, fawn and are even styled like a
sari in some areas. Any member of the public is welcome to attend their meetings.
As the Salvation Army grew rapidly in the late 19th century, it
generated opposition in England. Opponents, grouped under the name of
the
Skeleton Army,
disrupted Salvation Army meetings and gatherings, with tactics such as
throwing rocks, bones, rats, and tar as well as physical assaults on
members of The Salvation Army. Much of this was led by pub owners who
were losing business because of the Army's opposition to alcohol and
targeting of the frequenters of saloons and public houses.
[11]
The Salvation Army's reputation in the United States improved as a result of its disaster relief efforts following the
Galveston Hurricane of 1900 and the
1906 San Francisco earthquake.
The establishment of Victorian bell-ringers raising charity today
"helps complete the American portrait of Christmas", with over 25,000
volunteers taking up kettles over the holiday period in the U.S. alone.
[8] The church remains a highly visible and sometimes controversial presence in many parts of the world.
In 1994, the
Chronicle of Philanthropy,
an industry publication, released the results of the largest study of
charitable and non-profit organization popularity and credibility. The
study showed that The Salvation Army was ranked as the 4th "most popular
charity/non-profit in America" of over 100 charities researched with
47% of Americans over the age of 12 choosing Love and Like A Lot for The
Salvation Army.
[12]
Charity Watch rates the Salvation Army an "A-" to an "A".
[13]
Current organization and expenditures
The Salvation Army International Headquarters in London
As of 22 May 2012 the Salvation Army operates in 125 countries and
provides services in 175 different languages. For administrative
purposes, the organization divides itself geographically into
territories, which are then sub-divided into divisions. In larger areas,
regional and area commands are also introduced as sub-divisions of
divisions. Each territory has an administrative hub known as territorial
headquarters (THQ). Likewise, each division has a divisional
headquarters (DHQ). Each of these territories is led by a territorial
commander who receives orders from the Salvation Army's International
Headquarters in London. A territory is normally led by an officer
holding the rank of colonel (for small territories)or commissioner for
larger territories. In some countries, the work of The Salvation Army
may be called a command, led by a command commander. A larger command is
typically led by an officer holding the rank of colonel.
The worldwide expansion of Salvation army
Its claimed membership (as quoted from 2010 Year Book) includes
16,938 active and 9,190 retired officers, 1,122,326 soldiers, 189,176
Adherents, 39,071 Corps Cadets, 378,009
Junior Soldiers,
around 104,977 other employees and more than 4.5 million volunteers.
Members of The Salvation Army also include "adherents", these are people
who do not make the commitment to be a soldier but who formally
recognize The Salvation Army as their church. (According to the 2006
Salvation Army Year Book, in the United States there are 85,148 Senior
Soldiers and 28,377 Junior Soldiers, 17,396 Adherents and around 60,000
employees.)
The Army's leader, General Linda Bond, was elected to this position
on 31 January 2011, by The High Council of The Salvation Army. She
assumed the rank of General and the mantle of International Leadership
at 00:01hrs on 2 April 2011.
The Salvation Army is one of the world's largest providers of social aid
[citation needed],
with expenditures including operating costs of $2.6 billion in 2004,
helping more than 32 million people in the U.S. alone. In addition to
community centers and disaster relief, the organization does work in
refugee camps, especially among displaced people in Africa. The
Salvation Army has received an A- rating from the
American Institute of Philanthropy.
In the United Kingdom, The Salvation Army is no longer the largest
non-governmental provider of social services; however provides a
significant service to people in need. The Salvation Army is the second
largest charity in the United States, with private donations of almost
$2 billion for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007.
[14]
In 2004, the Army in the United States received a $1.6 billion donation in the will of
Joan B. Kroc, third wife of former
McDonald's CEO
Ray Kroc.
This donation was among the largest individual philanthropic gifts ever
given to a single organization. The donation came with certain
restrictions that caused some controversy.
[15]
The International Congress of The Salvation Army is normally held every 10 years
[16]
as a conference for all Salvationists from around the world to meet.
The first such conference took place in London, UK, from 28 May to 4
June 1886, and subsequent Congressional meetings were held sporadically
until 1904 and then 1990.
[17] The seventh International Congress in Atlanta, GA, USA, from 28 Jun to 2 Jul 2000, was the first held outside of the UK.
[18]
The next International Congress has been scheduled for July 2015, in
commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of The Salvation Army's founding.
Beliefs
The beliefs of the Salvation Army rest upon these eleven doctrines:
[19]
- 1. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were
given by inspiration of God, and that only they constitute the Divine
rule of Christian faith and practice.
- 2. We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect,
the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only
proper object of religious worship.
- 3. We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, undivided in essence and co-equal
in power and glory.
- 4. We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ the divine and
human natures are united, so that he is truly and properly God and truly
and properly man.
- 5. We believe that our first parents were created in a state of
innocence, but by their disobedience they lost their purity and
happiness, and that in consequence of their fall all men have become
sinners, totally depraved and as such are justly exposed to the wrath of
God.
- 6. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has by his suffering and
death made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may
be saved.
- 7. We believe that repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus
Christ, and regeneration by the Holy Spirit, are necessary to salvation.
- 8. We believe that we are justified by grace through faith in our
Lord Jesus Christ and that he that believeth hath the witness in
himself.
- 9. We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.
- 10. We believe that it is the privilege of all believers to be
wholly sanctified, and that their whole spirit and soul and body may be
preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 11. We believe in the immortality of the soul; in the resurrection
of the body; in the general judgment at the end of the world; in the
eternal happiness of the righteous; and in the endless punishment of the
wicked.
Soldiers affirm that they will give "as large a proportion of my income as possible" to the Salvation Army.
[19]
The
ordination of women
is permitted in the Salvation Army. Salvation Army officers were
previously allowed to marry only other officers (this rule varies in
different countries); but this rule has been relaxed in recent years.
Husbands and wives usually share the same rank and have the same or
similar assignments—the major exception to this is the General's spouse,
who is given the rank of Commissioner.
The organization will not appoint 'practising' homosexuals to posts
as ministers, preferring the heterosexuals "whose values are consistent
with the church's philosophy."
[20]
Officers are given 'Marching Orders' to change ministries within The
Salvation Army. Usually, officers are given new Marching Orders every
two to five years and reassigned to different posts, sometimes moving
great distances.
The denomination does not celebrate the
Christian sacraments of
Baptism and
Holy Communion; although its officers conduct marriages, it holds the traditional Protestant belief that marriage was not instituted by
Christ and therefore is not a sacrament.
Life issues
The Salvation Army opposes
euthanasia and
assisted suicide, and accepts
abortion
only in extreme cases such as to save the life of the mother. Their
official statement says: "The Salvation Army believes in the sanctity of
all human life and considers each person to be of infinite value and
each life a gift from God to be cherished, nurtured and redeemed. Human
life is sacred because it is made in the image of God and has an eternal
destiny. (Genesis 1:27) Sacredness is not conferred, nor can it be
taken away by human agreement."
It is also against the
death penalty:
"The Salvation Army recognises that the opinions of Salvationists are
divided on the moral acceptability of capital punishment and its
effectiveness as a deterrent. However, to advocate in any way the
continuance or restoration of capital punishment in any part of the
world would be inconsistent with the Army’s purposes and contrary to the
Army’s belief that all human life is sacred and that each human being,
however wretched, can become a new person in Christ."
LGBT issues
Practising homosexuals are "ineligible for full membership" in The Salvation Army.
[21]
However, The Salvation Army offers its services to all who are in need,
regardless of sexual orientation, and opposes the abuse of people based
on sexual orientation.
[22] The organisation also believes Christians who are attracted to the same sex should "embrace celibacy as a way of life."
[23]
In June 2012, a media relations officer in the Australian branch of
the organisation, Major Andrew Craibe, struggled during an interview on
Lesbian and Gay radio station Joy 94.9 when questioned on Salvation Army
beliefs and doctrines on sexuality when he appeared to agree with
scripture that all practicing homosexuals be put to death, as it was
part of the church's "belief system".
[24]
The Salvation Army later apologised for any offense caused by comments
made by Major Craibe and reaffirmed their support in helping members the
Gay and Lesbian community.
[25]
Symbols
Flag
Standard of The Salvation Army (
Anglophone Version)
The Salvation Army flag is a symbol of the Army's war against sin and
social evils. The red on the flag symbolizes the blood shed by Jesus
Christ, the yellow for the fire of the Holy Spirit and the blue for the
purity of God the Father.
The star contains the Salvation Army's war cry, 'Blood and Fire'.
This describes the blood of Jesus shed on the cross to save all people
and the fire of the Holy Spirit which purifies believers.
The flag precedes outdoor activities such as a march of witness. It
is used in ceremonies such as the dedication of children and the
swearing-in of soldiers. It is sometimes placed on the coffin at the
funeral of a Salvationist. The Salvation Army term used to describe the
death of a Salvationist is that of the deceased being "promoted to
glory".
Crest
The oldest official emblem of The Salvation Army is the crest.
In 1878 Captain W.H. Ebdon suggested a crest, and in 1879 it was to
be found on the letterhead of the Salvation Army Headquarters. The
captain's suggested design was changed only slightly and a crown was
added.
The meaning of the crest:
The cross: The cross of the Lord Jesus Christ
The "S": Salvation from sin through Jesus
The ray on the outside of the circle: The Fire of the Holy Spirit
The dots: The Truth of the Gospel
The swords: Spiritual Warfare
"Blood and Fire": The Blood which was shed by Jesus for our sins and the Fire of the Holy Spirit
Red Shield
The Red Shield has its origins in Salvation Army work during
wartimes. At the end of the 19th century, Staff-Captain Mary Murray was
sent by William Booth to support British troops serving in the
Boer War
in South Africa. Then, in 1901, this same officer was given the task of
establishing the Naval and Military League, the forerunner of the Red
Shield Services.
Salvation Army officers serving in the Red Shield Services in wartime
performed many functions. The Doughnut Girls of World War I are an
early example, serving refreshments to troops in the trenches. They also
provided first aid stations, ambulances, chaplaincy, social clubs,
Christian worship and other frontline services.
[26]
This symbol is still used in Blue Shield Services that serve the
British Armed Forces but it is widely used as a simple, more readily
identifiable symbol in many Salvation Army settings. It is common to see
the Red Shield used on casual Salvation Army uniform.
[27]
In Australia, the Red Shield has become one of the country's most
identified and trusted brands, leading the Australian Salvation Army to
prefer to use this symbol over the crest on its uniform, corps buildings
and advertising materials. In the 5th Volume of
Australian Superbrands
it was recorded that "Research reveals that the popular Salvation Army
slogan ‘Thank God for the Salvos’ has almost total recognition amongst
the Australian public, achieving 93 per cent aided awareness".
[28]
The Salvation Army consistently comes out in research as the charity
to which people would most like to donate (named spontaneously).
Similarly the Red Shield logo is highly desired by companies wishing
to link their brand with a solid emblem of care and compassion.
The uniform also gives the Salvos a very visible presence, often
creating a sense that they are ‘everywhere’, although uniformed
Salvationists are actually a very small percentage of the Australian
population.
[29]
Uniform
Salvation Army officers and soldiers often wear uniforms. The idea that they should do so originated with
Elijah Cadman
who, at The Salvation Army's 'War Congress' in August 1878 said "I
would like to wear a suit of clothes that would let everyone know I
meant war to the teeth and salvation for the world". The uniform
identifies the wearer as a Salvationist and a Christian. It also
symbolises availability to those in need. The uniform takes many forms
internationally but is characterized by the 'S' insignia for 'Salvation'
and carries the meaning 'Saved to Serve', or 'Saved to Save'.
[citation needed] Other letters are substituted to conform with local language.
Tartan
The Salvation Army Dress Tartan
Since 1983 there has been an official Salvation Army
tartan. It was designed by Captain Harry Cooper, for the
Perth
Citadel Corps Centenary commemoration. It is based upon the colours of
the Salvation Army Flag, with which it shares the same symbolism.
However, it is rarely seen outside
Scotland.
[30]
Salute
The Salvation Army has a unique form of salute which involves raising
the right hand above shoulder-height with the index finger pointing
upwards. It signifies recognition of a fellow citizen of heaven, and a
pledge to do everything possible to get others to heaven also.
[31]
In the case of saluting in response to applause, in circumstances such
as a musical festival or being applauded for a speech, it also signifies
that the Salvationist wishes to give Glory to God and not themselves.
In some instances, the salute is accompanied with a shout of 'hallelujah!'
Services
Music playing
As the popularity of the organization grew and Salvationists worked
their way through the streets of London attempting to convert
individuals, they were sometimes confronted with unruly crowds. A family
of musicians (the Frys, from
Alderbury, Wiltshire) began working with the Army as their "bodyguards" and played music to distract the crowds.
[32]
The tradition of having musicians available continued and eventually
grew into standard brass bands. These are still seen in public at Army
campaigns, as well as at other festivals, parades and at Christmas.
Across the world the
brass band
has been an integral part of the Army’s ministry and an immediately
recognizable symbol to Salvationists and non-Salvationists alike. The
Salvation Army also has choirs; these are known as
Songster Brigades,
normally comprising the traditional soprano, alto, tenor and bass
singers. The premier Songster Brigade in the Salvation Army is the
International Staff Songsters (ISS).
The standard of playing is high and the Army operates bands at the international level, such as the
International Staff Band (a brass band) which is the equal of professional ensembles although it does not participate in the
brass band contest
scene, and territorial levels such as the New York Staff Band. Some
professional brass players and contesting brass band personnel have
Salvation Army backgrounds. Many Salvation Army corps have brass bands
that play at Salvation Army meetings, although not all.
The Army tradition in music is to use the popular idiom of the day to reach people for Jesus. The Army's
Joy Strings
were a hit pop group in the 1960s and early 1970s in the UK and beyond,
reaching the charts and being featured on national television. Another
popular band is
The Insyderz,
an American ska-core group popular in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Hundreds of current bands carry on this Salvation Army tradition, such
as New Zealand's
Moped, Chamberlain, Vatic, Agent C, and
The Lads; England's
Electralyte; Australia's Soteria Music Ministries and Escape; and America's
transMission, The Singing Company, HAB, BurN, and CJD – Cookies, Juice, & Donuts.
Saytunes is a website designed to encourage and promote these contemporary Salvation Army bands and artists.
Another significant musical feature of the Salvation Army is its use of
tambourines.
With coloured ribbons representing the colours of the Salvation Army
flag, timbrels play an integral facet of music in the Salvation army.
They are mainly played by women.
Local corps usually sing
contemporary worship music songs in Sunday worship services, as well as traditional hymns and music accompanied by the brass band.
Ensembles
Today it is becoming common in
Salvation Army corps not to have a full brass band. This is reflective for many social and cultural reasons.
[citation needed]
Some Salvation Army corps make use of smaller ensembles of musicians.
Often this ensemble consists simply of a guitar, piano or a keyboard,
drums and sometimes a bass guitar and other instruments, especially
during "Youth Fellowships".
[citation needed]
The music played does tend to also take on a more contemporary style
as is reflected in modern music today. The early Salvation Army bands
were known for their excitement and public appeal, and the modern
ensemble keeps to this ideology. Traditional hymns are still used in
worship services and these are blended with other musical pieces from
Christian Music Publishers such as
Vineyard Music,
Hillsong, and
Planet Shakers to name but a few.
Disaster relief
In the USA The Salvation Army's first major forays into disaster relief resulted from the
tragedies of the
Galveston Hurricane of 1900 and the
1906 San Francisco earthquake.
The Salvationists' nationwide appeals for financial and material
donations yielded tremendous support, enabling the Army to provide
assistance to thousands. General
Evangeline Booth, when she offered the services of Salvationists to President
Woodrow Wilson
during the First World War, thrust Salvation Army social and relief
work to newer heights. Today the Salvation Army is best known for its
charitable efforts.
The Salvation Army is a
non-governmental relief agency
and is usually among the first to arrive with help after natural or
man-made disasters. They have worked to alleviate suffering and help
people rebuild their lives. After the
Indian Ocean tsunami
in 2004, they arrived immediately at some of the worst disaster sites
to help retrieve and bury the dead. Since then they have helped rebuild
homes and construct new boats for people to recover their livelihood.
Members were prominent among relief organizations after
Hurricane Hugo and
Hurricane Andrew
and other such natural disasters in the United States. In August 2005,
they supplied drinking water to poor people affected by the heat wave in
the United States. Later in 2005 they responded to hurricanes
Katrina and
Rita. Most recently they have helped the victims of the May 2006 Indonesian Earthquake.
The William Booth Memorial Training College, Denmark Hill, London: The
College for Officer Training of The Salvation Army in the UK
Since Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, The Salvation Army has
allocated donations of more than $365 million to serve more than 1.7
million people in nearly every state. The Army’s immediate response to
Hurricane Katrina included the mobilization of more than 178 canteen
feeding units and 11 field kitchens which together have served more than
5.7 million hot meals, 8.3 million sandwiches, snacks and drinks. Its
SATERN (Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network)
[33]
network of amateur ham-radio operators picked up where modern
communications left off to help locate more than 25,000 survivors. And,
Salvation Army pastoral care counselors were on hand to comfort the
emotional and spiritual needs of 277,000 individuals. As part of the
overall effort, Salvation Army officers, employees and volunteers have
contributed more than 900,000 hours of service.
The Salvation Army was one of the first relief agencies on the scene of the
9/11 attacks in New York. They also provided prayer support for families of missing people.
The Salvation Army, along with the
American National Red Cross,
Southern Baptist Convention, and other disaster relief organizations, are national members of the
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD).
[34]
Also among the disaster relief capabilities is the Red Shield Defence
Services, often called the SallyMan for short. The effort that they put
in is similar to that of a chaplain, and reaches many more, offering
cold drinks, hot drinks, and some biscuits for the soldiers of the
military to have, though, if a SallyMan is on deployment, the locals are
offered a share in the produce.
In Australia the Salvation Army have Emergency Services Support Units
throughout the country, providing food and other welfare to members of
the
Emergency Services such as
bushfires,
floods,
land search, and other both large and small scale emergency operations undertaken by Police, Fire, Ambulance and
State Emergency Service members, and the general public affected by these events.
Thrift Stores and charity
The Salvation Army is well known for its network of
thrift stores or Charity Shops, colloquially referred to as "the Sally Ann" in Canada, "Sally's"
[35]
or "Salvo" in the US and "op shops" in Australia, which raise money for
its charitable and religious activities by selling donated used items
such as clothing, housewares and toys. The Salvation Army has a history
of free rehabilitation from alcohol and drug abuse. Thrift stores
provide the revenue to run the Adult Rehabilitation Centres known as
ARCs. The ARCs, found in many global locations, are work and Bible-based
and are usually long-term residential facilities. Clothing collected by
Salvation Army stores that are not sold on location are often sold
wholesale on the global second hand clothing market.
The Salvation Army operates a fleet of trucks that will pick up
donations in kind from people's homes to benefit the Thrift Stores.
Donations of clothing, furniture and other household items can be
scheduled by visiting
SATruck.org.
Large scale charity events fuel the network of "Sally's" and are common
throughout the year but are most prevalent during the Christmas season.
Red Kettles
In many countries, The Salvation Army is most recognized during the
Christmas season with its volunteers and employees who stand outside of
businesses and play/sing Christmas carols, or ring bells to inspire
passersby to place donations of cash and cheques inside
red kettles.
A tradition has developed in the United States in which, in some
places, gold coins or rings are anonymously inserted into the kettles.
This was first recorded in 1982, in
Crystal Lake, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
[citation needed]
Red Shield Appeal
The Red Shield Appeal is an annual fundraising campaign in some
territories, such as the UK and Australia. Each year, officers,
soldiers, employees and volunteers take to the streets worldwide to
participate in door to door or street collections. The money raised is
specifically channelled towards The Salvation Army's social work in each
respective territory. WIthin the Territory defined by the United
Kingdom and Ireland (UKIT) this collection is known as the Annual
Appeal, and it often carries another name that the generally public
would more readily know - in 2012 becoming The Big Collection.
Family Tracing Service
The Family Tracing Service (sometimes known as the Missing Persons
Service) was established in 1885, and the service is now available in
most of the countries where The Salvation Army operates. The Tracing
Service's objective is to restore (or to sustain) family relationships
where contact has been lost, whether recently or in the distant past.
Thousands of people are traced every year on behalf of their relatives.
Youth groups
The Salvation Army includes multiple youth groups, which primarily consist of its
Sunday schools and the
Scout and Guide
packs that are sometimes set up. The Scout and Guide packs are not
Salvation Army but are sometimes set up by members of the Salvation Army
and are open to anyone. Also some schools volunteer to get a group of
kids to help. Some territories have Salvation Army Guards and Legions
Association (SAGALA). In the United States these internal youth groups
that are specifically for females are known as Girl Guards (older
females) and Sunbeams (younger females).
Adventure Corps serves boys who are enrolled in school for first through eighth grade.
Alove UK
In the new millennium, The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom created a sub-brand of itself for the youth, called
Alove,
the Salvation Army for a new generation. Its purpose is to free the
youth of the church and their communities to express themselves and
their faith in their own ways. Its mission statement is "
Calling a generation to dynamic faith, radical lifestyle, adventurous mission and a fight for justice.", and it emphasizes worship, discipleship, missions, and social action. Alove is a member of
The National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS).
[36]
Publications
The War Cry Magazine
[37]
Faith and Friends Magazine
[38]
Salvationist Magazine
[39]
Controversy
United States
LGBT
A fake $3 bill distributed by
LGBT activists as a "Queer Dollar" for use in protesting policies of the Salvation Army
Some in the United States have alleged that The Salvation Army
discriminates against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)
individuals in their hiring practices.
[40][41]
The Salvation Army states they do not "discriminate against hiring
gays and lesbians for the majority of its roughly 55,000 jobs" they
employ.".
[42] Because The Salvation Army is a church, Title VII of the U.S.
Civil Rights Act of 1964 allows them to inquire into religious beliefs in its hiring practices.
In 2001 the Salvation Army sought a change in distribution
regulations for the $24 billion in new federal grants and tax deductions
for charitable institutions requested by President
George W. Bush.
[43]
The alteration would have denied funds to state and municipal
governments if they imposed restrictions on religious organizations. The
Bush administration said they would not issue a "regulation sought by
the church to protect the right of taxpayer-funded religious
organizations to discriminate against homosexuals."
[43]
The Salvation Army Western Territory approved a plan in October 2001
to start offering domestic-partnership benefits to gay employees.
[44] Members of various evangelical Christian interest groups protested the decision.
Focus on the Family founder
James Dobson
excoriated the Salvation Army for abandoning its "moral integrity" and
urged his radio listeners to bombard the organization's offices with
phone calls and letters.
[44] The
American Family Association also accused the Salvation Army of a "monstrous ... appeasement of sin" that resulted in a "betrayal of the church."
[44]
In November 2001 The Salvation Army nation wide rescinded the Western
Territory's decision with an announcement that it would only provide
benefits coverage for different-sex spouses and dependent children of
its employees.
[44]
In 2004, The Salvation Army said they would close operations in New
York City unless it was exempted from a municipal ordinance requiring
them to offer benefits to gay employees’ partners. The City Council
refused to make the exemption. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's
administration chose not to enforce the ordinance. The administration
right to decline to enforce was upheld by the New York State Court of
Appeals in 2006.
[45]
Canada
During the 2010 Christmas season, The Salvation Army in Calgary, Alberta, refused to accept toys based on the
Harry Potter and
Twilight
franchises because of a perceived conflict with the organization's
religious principles. One volunteer claimed that the toys were destroyed
instead of being given to other agencies. The volunteer also criticized
The Salvation Army for accepting violence-themed toys such as plastic
rifles while not accepting Harry Potter or Twilight toys. A Salvation
Army captain said that the toys were given to other organizations, not
disposed of.
[46] This policy is not universal. The
Wetaskiwin
chapter of The Salvation Army has accepted Harry Potter toys. One
captain called the series "a classic story of good winning over evil".
[47]
Also during the 2010 Christmas season, The Salvation Army in
Vancouver, BC, came under fire for a program that provides goodie bags
to federal inmates for Christmas by playing Santa to incarcerated
criminals.
[48]
This was however simply an extended outreach as part of The Salvation
Army's prisoner visitation program established over a century ago.
United Kingdom
In February 2000, the Salvation Army publicly (in their publication
known as "War Cry" and in a letter to a Scottish Parliament committee)
opposed the repeal of
Section 28 of the Local Government Act (1988)[49]
However, The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland website refers to the
organisation offering 'unconditional assistance and support regardless
of race, religion, gender or sexual choices, respecting the identity and
choices of all those referred to them....As well as having a right to
be dealt with professionally, people can expect from us encouragement
and a respect for their individual beliefs, ambitions and preferences.'
[50]
Australia
On June 18, 2012 the Salvation Army was featured in an ABC news report that stated "Salvos back away from anti-gay comments"
[51]
in which the army stated "The Salvation Army in Australia is distancing
itself from a statement by its international parent organisation that
homosexuality is "an unacceptable urge"." They "denied the Salvation
Army is homophobic and has appealed to the gay community not make
judgements on the declaration."
On the 21st of June 2012, in an interview with Melbourne radio
station Joy 94.9 FM, Major Andrew Craibe, the Salvation Army’s
Territorial Media Relations Director for the Southern Territory in
Victoria, stated that non-celibate gay people deserved to die. He
explained that this was part of the Salvation Army's belief system, as
discussed in "Salvation Story: Salvationist Handbook of Doctrine." He
also claimed in the interview that being gay was a choice, like the
consumption of alcohol.
[52]
On June 23, 2012, The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory
offered a formal apology to LGBT people for his comments, stating "The
Salvation Army encompasses a diverse community with a wide range of
opinions on human sexuality and other subjects. The leadership of The
Salvation Army in the Australia Eastern Territory continues to reflect
on Christian and Biblical tradition, and especially on the themes of
justice and mercy, to further deepen the understandings of our own
members and build a more healthy relationship with the GLBT community.
We pledge to continue to offer services to all Australians and to treat
each person with dignity, respect and non-discrimination."
[24]
From the 1940 to the 1970s the Salvation Army in Australia sheltered
approximately 30,000 children. In 2006 the Australian Salvation Army
acknowledged that sexual abuse may have occurred during this time and
issued an apology. In it, the Army explicitly rejected a claim, made by a
party unnamed in the apology, that there were as many as 500 potential
claimants.
[53]
New Zealand
Before the passing of the
Homosexual Law Reform Act
in 1986, the Salvation Army was active throughout the country gathering
signatures for a petition seeking to prevent the bill's passing. In
2006 the Army released a statement regretting the ill feelings that
persisted following this activity. It stated in part "We do understand
though that The Salvation Army’s official opposition to the Reform Bill
was deeply hurtful to many, and are distressed that ill-feeling still
troubles our relationship with segments of the gay community. We regret
any hurt that may remain from that turbulent time and our present hope
is to rebuild bridges of understanding and dialogue between our movement
and the gay community."
[54]
Russia
A Moscow court ruled that the Salvation Army was a paramilitary
organization subject to expulsion. This ruling was later changed when
clarification was accepted by the Russian government.
[citation needed] In October 2006, the
European Court of Human Rights ruled the original decision illegal.
[55]
See also
Notes
- ^ a b c "Statistics". 2011. Retrieved 3 July 2011.
- ^ "Salvation Army Now Working in 122 Countries", December 2010
- ^ "Report on the records of the Salvation Army". Nationalarchives.gov.uk. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ "Salvation Army". BBC. 30 July 2011. Retrieved 24 April 2011.
- ^ "William Bramwell Booth 1829–1912 His Life and Ministry – A Very Short Biography". Gospeltruth.net. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ "Salvation Army". Spartacus Educational. Retrieved 11 June 2008.
- ^ History of The Salvation Army – Social Services of Greater New York, retrieved 30 January 2007. Archived 7 January 2007 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b Cruz, Sarah J.. "An Enduring Mission". Victorian Homes (Action Pursuit Group) 27 (6): pp. 68–72. December 2008. ISSN 0744-415X
- ^ Thomas F. Best, Baptism Today: Understanding, Practice, Ecumenical Implications
- ^ "Articles Of War For Salvation Army Soldiers". .salvationarmy.org. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ "The Skeleton Army". .salvationarmy.org. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ "The Charities Americans Like Most And Least". The Chronicle of Philanthropy. 13 December 1996.
- ^ Charity Rating Guide and Watchdog Report, Volume Number 59, December 2011
- ^ "The Philanthropy 400". The Chronicle of Philanthropy: p. 10. 30 October 2008.
- ^ Slow going for Kroc Centers; fast-food heiress' restrictions hamper approvals. – Goliath Business News
- ^ 40,000 SALVATION ARMY DELEGATES TO MEET IN LONDON – NYTimes.com
- ^ Important Events in Salvation Army History
- ^ "Salvation Army News: International News". Salvationist.org. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ a b Soldier's Covenant, retrieved 8 December 2006.
- ^ Yang, Carter M.. "Page 3: White House Rejects Salvation Army Proposal – ABC News". USA: ABC. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ "Homosexual
practice however, is, in the light of Scripture, clearly unacceptable.
Such activity is chosen behaviour and is thus a matter of the will. It
is therefore able to be directed or restrained in the same way
heterosexual urges are controlled. Homosexual practice would render any
person ineligible for full membership (soldiership) in the Army." Salvos questioned over stance on homosexuality – GNN. Published 18 June 2012. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
- ^ "The Salvation Army: Position Statements". Salvationarmyusa.org. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ "The Salvation Army: Position Statements". Salvationarmyusa.org. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ a b http://www.samesame.com.au/news/local/8583/Salvos-apologise-for-put-gays-to-death-quote.htm
- ^ http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2012/06/18/3527409.htm
- ^ "International Heritage Centre: Red Shield". .salvationarmy.org.uk. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ "SP&S Online Store". Sps-shop.com. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ "Superbrands Australia". Superbrands.com.au. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ "Brand Details". Superbrands.com.au. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ "Tartan Details – The Scottish Register of Tartans". Tartanregister.gov.uk. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ "International Heritage Centre: The salute". .salvationarmy.org.uk. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ "Salvation Army Collectables – Salvation Army Firsts". Sacollectables.com. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ "SATERN". SATERN. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ "National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster". Nvoad.org. 18 July 2011. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ "VIDEO: Royal Oak Salvation Army thrift store reopens as upscale boutique". dailytribune.com. 9 May 2011. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ "Full list of NCVYS members". Ncvys.org.uk. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_np.nsf/admin/usn/www_usn_np.nsf/vw-dynamic-index/16572722555488108525753D004D6A39?openDocument
- ^ http://salvationist.ca/category/faith-and-friends/
- ^ http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/Salvationist
- ^ "Rove Under Fire, Bush Aide's Involvement With Salvation Army Request Eyed". Cbsnews.com. 11 February 2009. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ No salvation from betrayal – Salvation Army hopes to reap millions by supporting George Bush policy on gays' rights]
- ^ "Charity Is Told It Must Abide By Anti-discrimination Laws –". New York Times. 11 July 2001. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ a b http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=121498&page=1
- ^ a b c d http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3944/is_200112/ai_n9013637/[dead link]
- ^ "Salvation Army Hears Dissent Over Gay Views," Mark Oppenheimer, The New York TImes, 24 December 2011
- ^ Bill Kaufmann, QMI Agency (8 December 2010). "Sally Ann bans Harry Potter and Twilight toys". Toronto Sun. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ "Salvation Army welcomes Harry Potter toys – Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser – Alberta, CA". Wetaskiwintimes.com. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ Sally Ann inmate present program slammed – CTV British Columbia
- ^ Salvation Army Letter to Scottish Parliament
- ^ "United Kingdom and Ireland Territory – Here to Help People". Salvationarmy.org.uk. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
- ^ http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-18/salvation-army-distances-itself-from-anti-gay-comments/4076812
- ^ http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/06/23/audio-australian-salvation-army-chief-gay-people-should-be-put-to-death/
- ^ "The Salvation Army’s response to child abuse allegations". The Salvation Army. 1 August 2006. Retrieved 15 March 2009.[dead link]
- ^ http://salvationarmy.org.nz/uploads/TSA_and_Homosexual_Law_Reform_Bill.pdf
- ^ "Russia's refusal to register Salvation Army is illegal, court rules". International Herald-Tribune. 5 October 2006. Retrieved 20 November 2009.
References
- Eason, Andrew M. and Roger J. Green, eds. Boundless Salvation: The Shorter Writings of William Booth. New York: Peter Lang, 2012.
- Eason, Andrew M. Women in God's Army: Gender and Equality in the Early Salvation Army. Waterloo, Ontario, Canada: Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2003. ISBN 0-88920-418-7
- Walker, Pamela J. (2001). Pulling the Devil's Kingdom Down: The Salvation Army in Victorian Britain. University of California Press. ISBN 0-520-22591-0.
- Winston, Diane (2000). Red-Hot and Righteous: The Urban Religion of the Salvation Army. Harvard University Press. ISBN 0-674-00396-9.
- Ostling, Richard N. (15 December 2005). "The Salvation Army: A distinctive corps simultaneously expands and shrinks". Associated Press.
- Washington Post article regarding the deal between Salvation Army and the Bush administration
External links
