Difference between revisions of "The Salvation Army" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{epname|Salvation Army, The}}
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{{Infobox Christian denomination
 
{{Infobox Christian denomination
 
|name = The Salvation Army
 
|name = The Salvation Army
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|image = The Salvation Army.svg|structure = Quasi-military
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|image =  
 
|main_classification = [[Protestantism|Protestant]]
 
|main_classification = [[Protestantism|Protestant]]
 
|theology = [[Wesleyan]]
 
|theology = [[Wesleyan]]
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|headquarters = London, United Kingdom
 
|headquarters = London, United Kingdom
 
|founder = General [[William Booth]]
 
|founder = General [[William Booth]]
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|founded_date = {{start date and age|1865|7|2}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/news/inr020714|title=The Salvation Army International – Founders' Day Celebrated as The Salvation Army Enters its 150th Year|work=salvationarmy.org}}</ref>
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|founded_date = July 2, 1865<ref>[http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/news/inr020714 The Salvation Army International – Founders' Day Celebrated as The Salvation Army Enters its 150th Year] ''The Salvation Army'', July 2, 2014. Retrieved November 4, 2016.</ref>
 
|founded_place = [[London]], [[England]], [[United Kingdom|U.K.]]
 
|founded_place = [[London]], [[England]], [[United Kingdom|U.K.]]
 
|separated_from = [[Methodism]]
 
|separated_from = [[Methodism]]
 
|tag="Doing the Most Good"
 
|tag="Doing the Most Good"
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|congregations = 15,409<ref name="stats" />
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|congregations = 13,826<ref name="stats">[http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/statistics Statistics] ''The Salvation Army'', January 1, 2015. Retrieved November 4, 2016.</ref>
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|members = 1,150,666<ref name="stats" />
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|members = 1,240,239<ref name="stats" />
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|ministers = 26,359<ref name="stats" />
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|ministers = 26,675<ref name="stats" />
 
|website = {{URL|1=http://www.salvationarmy.org}}
 
|website = {{URL|1=http://www.salvationarmy.org}}
 
}}
 
}}
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'''The Salvation Army''' is a [[Christianity|Christian]] church and international [[charitable organisation]] structured in a quasi-[[military organization|military fashion]]. The organisation reports a worldwide membership of over 1.5 million,<ref name="stats">{{cite web | url = http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/statistics | title = Statistics | accessdate = 28 February 2015 | publisher = The Salvation Army | year = 2014}}</ref> consisting of soldiers, officers and adherents known as Salvationists. Its founders [[Catherine Booth|Catherine]] and [[William Booth]] sought to bring [[salvation]] to the poor, destitute and hungry by meeting both their "physical and spiritual needs". It is present in 127 countries,<ref name="127 countries">{{cite web|title=Salvation Army’s Work to Expand into 127th Country|url=http://www.salvationarmy.ca/2015/08/04/salvation-armys-work-to-expand-into-127th-country/ |publisher=The Salvation Army|accessdate=12 October 2015|date=4 August 2015|quote=Effective September 1, 2015, The Salvation Army will officially commence its work in Slovakia, making it the 127th country in which The Salvation Army has a recognized legal presence.}}</ref> running [[charity shop]]s, operating [[homeless shelter|shelters]] for the [[homelessness|homeless]] and [[disaster relief]] and [[humanitarian aid]] to [[developing country|developing countries]].
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'''The Salvation Army''' is a [[Christianity|Christian]] church and international [[charitable organization]] structured in a quasi-[[military organization|military fashion]]. The organization reports a worldwide membership, known as Salvationists, of over 1 million consisting of soldiers, officers, and adherent members. Its founders [[Catherine Booth|Catherine]] and [[William Booth]] sought to bring [[salvation]] to the poor, destitute, and hungry by meeting both their physical and spiritual needs.  
  
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The [[theology]] of the Salvation Army is derived from that of [[Methodism]] although it is distinctive in institution and practice. The Army's [[#Beliefs|doctrine]] is typical of [[evangelical]] Protestant denominations. The Army's purposes are "the advancement of the Christian religion&nbsp;...of education, the relief of poverty, and other charitable objects beneficial to society or the community of mankind as a whole".<ref name=Sallieanntheology>{{cite news|title=Salvation Army|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/subdivisions/salvationarmy_1.shtml|accessdate=24 April 2011|newspaper=BBC|date=30 July 2011}}</ref>
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The [[theology]] of the Salvation Army is derived from that of [[Methodism]] although it is distinctive in institution and practice. The Army's [[#Beliefs|doctrine]] is typical of [[evangelical]] [[Protestant]] denominations. The Salvation Army is modeled after the military, with its own flag (or colors) and its own hymns, often with words set to popular and folkloric tunes.
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{{toc}}
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The Army was founded in 1865 in [[London]] by one-time Methodist [[Methodist Circuit|circuit]]-preacher William Booth. Originally known as the East London Christian Mission, in 1878 Booth reorganised the mission, becoming its first [[Generals of The Salvation Army|General]] and introducing the military structure which has been retained to the present day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra/lists/gb-2133-sa.htm |title=Report on the records of the Salvation Army |publisher=Nationalarchives.gov.uk |accessdate=11 April 2012}}</ref> The current world leader of The Salvation Army is General [[André Cox]], who was elected by the [[High Council of The Salvation Army]] on 3 August 2013.<ref>COMMISSIONER ANDRÉ COX ELECTED 20TH GENERAL OF THE SALVATION ARMY</ref>
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Today, the Salvation Army is present in over 120 countries, running [[charity shop]]s, operating [[homeless shelter|shelters]] for the [[homelessness|homeless]], and providing [[disaster relief]] and [[humanitarian aid]] to [[developing country|developing countries]].
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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[[File:Booth2.jpg|thumb|left|upright|The Salvation Army founders, [[Catherine Booth|Catherine]] and [[William Booth]]]]
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[[File:Booth2.jpg|thumb|right|upright|The Salvation Army founders, [[Catherine Booth|Catherine]] and [[William Booth]]]]
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[[File:Salvation Army, Washington, D.C. - circa 1920.jpg|thumb|right|Women's dormitories operated by The Salvation Army, Washington, D.C. c. 1920]]
 
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The Salvation Army was founded in London's [[East End of London|East End]] in 1865 by one-time [[Methodist Reform Church]] minister [[William Booth]] and his wife [[Catherine Mumford|Catherine]]. Originally, Booth named the organisation the East London Christian Mission. The name The Salvation Army developed from an incident on 19 and 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".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gospeltruth.net/booth/boothbioshort.htm |title=William Bramwell Booth 1829–1912 His Life and Ministry – A Very Short Biography |publisher=Gospeltruth.net |accessdate=11 April 2012}}</ref> The Salvation Army was modelled 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 of The Salvation Army#Uniform|uniform]], for meetings and ministry work. He became the "[[Generals of The Salvation Army|General]]" and his other ministers were given appropriate ranks as "[[Officer in The Salvation Army|officers]]". Other members became "[[Soldier in The Salvation Army|soldiers]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/REsalvation.htm |title=Salvation Army |publisher=Spartacus Educational |accessdate=11 June 2008}}</ref>
 
  
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When William Booth became known as the General, Catherine is 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 organisation'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."<ref>[http://www.salvationarmy-newyork.org/SSGNY/index.php?id=_about-history History of The Salvation Army – Social Services of Greater New York], retrieved 30 January 2007. {{Wayback |df=yes| url=http://www.salvationarmy-newyork.org/SSGNY/index.php?id=_about-history | date=20070107004550 }}</ref>
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The Salvation Army was founded in London's [[East End of London|East End]] in 1865 by one-time [[Methodist Reform Church]] minister [[William Booth]] and his wife [[Catherine Mumford|Catherine]]. Originally, Booth named the organization the East London Christian Mission. The name The Salvation Army developed from an incident in which 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."<ref>[http://www.gospeltruth.net/booth/boothbioshort.htm William Bramwell Booth 1829–1912 His Life and Ministry – A Very Short Biography] ''The Gospel Truth''. Retrieved November 4, 2016.</ref>  
  
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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 and started working with each other.
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In 1878 Booth reorganized the mission, introducing the military structure which has been retained to the present day.<ref>[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra/lists/gb-2133-sa.htm  Report on the records of the Salvation Army] ''Historical Manuscripts Commission'', November 2000. Retrieved November 4, 2016. </ref> He became the "[[Generals of The Salvation Army|General]]" and his other ministers were given appropriate ranks as "[[Officer in The Salvation Army|officers]]". Other members became "[[Soldier in The Salvation Army|soldiers]]".<ref name=Sallieanntheology/> Booth and the other soldiers in "God's Army" wore the Army's own [[Uniform of The Salvation Army#Uniform|uniform]], for meetings and ministry work.  
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[[File:gsrailton.jpg|thumb|[[George Scott Railton]] – first [[Commissioner (The Salvation Army)|Commissioner]] of the Salvation Army]]
 
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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.<ref name="Cruz">{{Cite news
 
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}}</ref> The Booths did not include the use of [[sacrament]]s (mainly [[baptism]] and [[Eucharist|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.<ref>Thomas F. Best, [https://books.google.com/books?id=pZ0_2XWXAsMC&pg=PA173 Baptism Today: Understanding, Practice, Ecumenical Implications]</ref> Other beliefs are that its members should completely refrain from drinking alcohol (Holy Communion is not practiced), smoking, taking illegal drugs and gambling.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.salvationarmy.org/heritage.nsf/0/fea4acf97c61102c80256a2200443120?OpenDocument&Highlight=0,doctrines |title=Articles Of War For Salvation Army Soldiers |publisher=.salvationarmy.org |accessdate=11 April 2012}}</ref> 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.
 
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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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.salvationarmy.org/heritage.nsf/36c107e27b0ba7a98025692e0032abaa/4be78290d9a20b738025697c0051c5b2!OpenDocument |title=The Skeleton Army |publisher=.salvationarmy.org |accessdate=11 April 2012}}</ref>
 
  
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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 familiar use of bell ringers to solicit donations from passers-by "helps complete the American portrait of [[Christmas]]."{{according to whom|date=August 2015}} In the U.S. alone, over 25,000 volunteers with red kettles are stationed near retail stores during the weeks preceding Christmas for fundraising.<ref name="Cruz" /> The church remains a highly visible and sometimes controversial presence in many parts of the world.
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When William Booth became known as the General, Catherine became 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."<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20070107004550/http://www.salvationarmy-newyork.org/SSGNY/index.php?id=_about-history History of The Salvation Army – Social Services of Greater New York] ''The Salvation Army'', 2006. Retrieved November 4, 2016.</ref>
  
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In 1994, the ''[[Chronicle of Philanthropy]]'', an industry publication, released the results of the largest study of charitable and non-profit organisation 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.<ref>{{cite journal |title=The Charities Americans Like Most And Least |journal=The Chronicle of Philanthropy |date=13 December 1996}}</ref>
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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 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 and started working together with them.
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[[File:Salvation Army, Washington, D.C. - circa 1920.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Women's dormitories operated by The Salvation Army, Washington, D.C. c. 1920]]
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The Salvation Army's main converts at first were [[alcoholism|alcoholics]], [[morphine]] addicts, [[prostitution|prostitutes]], and other "undesirables" unwelcome in polite Christian society, which helped prompt the Booths to start their own church.<ref name="Cruz">Sarah J. Cruz, [http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/36459685/enduring-mission An Enduring Mission] ''Victorian Homes'',  27(6) (December 2008): 68. Retrieved November 4, 2016.</ref> The Booths did not include the use of [[sacrament]]s (mainly [[baptism]] and [[Eucharist|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.<ref>Thomas F. Best (ed.), ''Baptism Today: Understanding, Practice, Ecumenical Implications'' (Liturgical Press, 2008, ISBN 978-0814662212).</ref> Other beliefs were that its members should completely refrain from drinking [[alcohol]], smoking [[tobacco]], [[drug abuse|taking illegal drugs]], and [[gambling]].<ref name=Sallieanntheology/>  
  
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[[Charity Watch]] rates the Salvation Army an "A-" to an "A",<ref>Charity Rating Guide and Watchdog Report, Volume Number 59, December 2011</ref> indicating a high level of financial efficiency and [[Transparency (behavior)|organisational transparency]].
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As the Salvation Army grew rapidly in the late nineteenth 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 Salvationists.<ref>Glenn K. Horridge, ''The Salvation Army Origins and Early Days 1865–1900'' (Ammonite Books, 1993, ISBN 978-1869866075).</ref> 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.
  
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== Structure, organisation and expenditures ==
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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 Salvation Army today is one of the world's largest providers of social [[aid]]. In addition to community centers and [[disaster relief]], the organization does work in [[refugee]] camps, especially among displaced people in Africa. The church remains a highly visible and sometimes controversial presence in many parts of the world.
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[[File:salvation.army.hq.london.arp.jpg|thumb|The Salvation Army International Headquarters in London]]
 
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As at 1 September 2015, the Salvation Army operates in 127 countries and provides services in 175 different languages.<ref name="127 countries" /> For administrative purposes, the Salvation Army 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.
 
  
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[[File:Salvation army world map.PNG|thumb|left|upright=1.25|The worldwide expansion of Salvation army]]
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== Structure and organization ==
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Its stated 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 Soldier]]s, 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 recognise 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.)
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[[File:Salvation army world map.PNG|thumb|right|250px|The worldwide expansion of Salvation army]]
  
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The current world Leader of the Salvation Army is General [[André Cox]].
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The Salvation Army has a worldwide presence in over 120 countries. In 2016, [[Madagascar]] became the 128th country in which the Salvation Army has a recognized legal presence.<ref>[http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/news/inr281016 The Salvation Army in Madagascar is Inaugurated in Joyful Ceremony] ''The Salvation Army'', October 28, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2016.</ref>
  
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[[File:Salvation Army Monument, Kensico Cemetery, 2011.JPG|thumb|The monument to the Salvation Army in [[Kensico Cemetery]]]]
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For administrative purposes, the Salvation Army 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. Officers are given Marching Orders to 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.
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The Salvation Army is one of the world's largest providers of social aid{{Citation needed|date=November 2010}}, 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 centres and disaster relief, the organisation 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 30 September 2007.<ref>{{cite news | title =The Philanthropy 400 | work =[[The Chronicle of Philanthropy]] | page =10 | date =30 October 2008}}</ref>
 
  
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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 [[philanthropy|philanthropic]] gifts ever given to a single organisation. The donation came with certain restrictions that caused some controversy.<ref name=kroc>{{cite web|last=Nobles|first=Marla|title=Slow Going For Kroc Centers|url=http://www.thenonprofittimes.com/news-articles/slow-going-for-kroc-centers/|publisher=The NonProfit Times|accessdate=25 June 2013|date=1 November 2006|quote=When the Salvation Army of San Francisco broke ground this past June on a complex that would include a Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, the project became the first to make it through a maze of guidelines and restrictions to access a share of the $1.6 billion bequest to the Salvation Army from the McDonald’s fast-food heiress... Part of the challenge – and basis for much controversy — is raising matching funds within communities where donors now perceive the Salvation Army as affluent because of the gift.}}</ref>
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[[File:Salvation.army.hq.london.arp.jpg|thumb|250px|The Salvation Army Headquarters in London]]
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Its stated membership includes 26,675 officers, 1,056,722 soldiers, 378,811 Junior Soldiers, 108,786 other employees, and more than 4.5 million volunteers. The Salvation Army also includes 156,842 "adherents," people who do not make the commitment to be a soldier but who formally recognize The Salvation Army as their church.<ref> [http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/statistics Statistics] ''The Salvation Army''. Retrieved November 10, 2016.</ref>
  
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The International Congress of The Salvation Army is normally held every 10 years<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9F02E6DB1F39E633A25752C3A9639C946596D6CF 40,000 SALVATION ARMY DELEGATES TO MEET IN LONDON] – NYTimes.com</ref> 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.<ref>[http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq%5Cwww_sa.nsf/vw-search/B3A5335DE083697E802573C400544826?opendocument Important Events in Salvation Army History]</ref> The seventh International Congress in Atlanta, GA, USA, from 28 June to 2 July 2000, was the first held outside of the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salvationist.org/intnews.nsf/vw_web_articles/C2E7ED6C471A481880256C00003160AE?opendocument |title=Salvation Army News: International News |publisher=Salvationist.org |accessdate=11 April 2012}}</ref>
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The International Congress of The Salvation Army is normally held every 10 years as a conference for all Salvationists from around the world to meet. The first such conference took place in London, UK, from May 28 to June 4, 1886. The seventh International Congress in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, from June 28 to July 2, 2000, was the first held outside of the UK. The latest International Congress was held in London, England on July 1–5, 2015, in commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of The Salvation Army's founding.<ref>[http://www.boundless2015.org/ Boundless - The Salvation Army International Congress] ''The Salvation Army''. Retrieved November 7, 2016.</ref>
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The latest International Congress was held in London, England 1–5 July 2015, in commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of The Salvation Army's founding.
 
  
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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.
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== Beliefs ==
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[[File:Salvation Army Citadel, Worthing.JPG|thumb|right|A Salvation Army [[citadel]] (Corps) with a charity shop attached, in [[Worthing]], West Sussex.]]
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A Moscow court ruled that the Salvation Army was a paramilitary organisation subject to expulsion. In October 2006, the [[European Court of Human Rights]] ruled the original decision illegal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.stetson.edu/~psteeves/relnews/0610a.html|title=Russia's refusal to register Salvation Army is illegal, court rules|publisher=[[International Herald-Tribune]]|date=5 October 2006|accessdate=20 November 2009}}</ref>
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The Army's purposes are "the advancement of the Christian religion&nbsp;...of education, the relief of poverty, and other charitable objects beneficial to society or the community of mankind as a whole."<ref name=Sallieanntheology>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/subdivisions/salvationarmy_1.shtml Salvation Army] ''BBC'', July 30, 2009. Retrieved November 4, 2016.</ref>  
  
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== Beliefs ==
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The beliefs of the Salvation Army rest upon these eleven doctrines:<ref>[http://www.salvationarmy.org/doctrine/doctrines The Doctrines of the Salvation Army, As set out in Schedule 1 of The Salvation Army Act 1980]. ''The Salvation Army''. Retrieved November 7, 2016.</ref>
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[[File:Salvation Army Citadel, Worthing.JPG|thumb|right|A Salvation Army [[:wikt:citadel|citadel]] (Corps) with a charity shop attached, in [[Worthing]], West Sussex.]]
 
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The beliefs of the Salvation Army rest upon these eleven doctrines:<ref name=covenant>[http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/www_sa.nsf/vw-dynamic-arrays/600EEABFF964EDFE80256D58004B4D58?openDocument Soldier's Covenant], retrieved 8 December 2006.</ref>
 
 
# 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.
 
# 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.
 
# 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.
 
# 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.
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# We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.
 
# We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.
 
# 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.
 
# 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.
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# 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.
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# 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.
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[[File:Williamboothcollege.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The William Booth Memorial Training College, Denmark Hill, London: The College for Officer Training of The Salvation Army in the UK]]
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The denomination does not celebrate the [[Christian]] [[sacrament]]s of [[Baptism]] and [[Holy Communion]]; although its officers conduct marriages, it holds a traditional Protestant belief that marriage was not instituted by [[Christ]] and therefore is not a sacrament.
  
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The denomination does not celebrate the [[Christian]] [[sacrament]]s of [[Baptism]] and [[Holy Communion]]; although its officers conduct marriages, it holds a traditional Protestant belief that marriage was not instituted by [[Christ]] and therefore is not a sacrament.
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The Salvation Army opposes [[euthanasia]] and assisted [[suicide]], although it believes strongly that all people deserve compassion and care in their suffering and dying.<ref>[http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/ipseuthanasia Positional Statement: Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide] ''The Salvation Army''. Retrieved November 10, 2016.</ref>
  
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The Salvation Army opposes [[euthanasia]] and [[assisted suicide]]. Its official stance on abortion is that "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." The Salvation Army official stance admitted in 2010 exceptions in cases such as rape and incest: "In addition, rape and incest are brutal acts of dominance violating women physically and emotionally. This situation represents a special case for the consideration of termination as the violation may be compounded by the continuation of the pregnancy.”<ref>{{Citation
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It is also against the [[death penalty]] because Salvationists believe in the sanctity of all human life and the hope of redemption through Christ for each human being, however wretched. Nevertheless, the administration acknowledges that the opinions of Salvationists are divided on the moral acceptability of capital punishment and its effectiveness as a deterrent.<ref> Shaw Clifton, ''Strong Doctrine, Strong Mercy: A Salvationist Looks at Some Major Moral Questions of the late 20th Century'' (International Headquarters of the Salvation Army, 1985, ISBN 978-0854124718).</ref>
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| title = International Social Justice Commission: Abortion
 
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| publisher = The Salvation Army
 
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| date = November 2010
 
  
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| url = http://www1.salvationarmy.org/IHQ/www_ihq_isjc.nsf/vw-sublinks/FE3C992C78838853802577DF0071D796?openDocument
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The Salvation Army is opposed to [[abortion]]:
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| accessdate = 22 November 2015 }}</ref> 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."
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<blockquote>The Salvation Army believes all people are created in the image of God and therefore have unique and intrinsic value. Human life is sacred and all people should be treated with dignity and respect. The Salvation Army accepts the moment of fertilisation as the start of human life. We believe that society has a responsibility to care for others, and especially to protect and promote the welfare of vulnerable people, including unborn children.<ref name=abortion>[http://www1.salvationarmy.org/IHQ/www_ihq_isjc.nsf/vw-sublinks/FE3C992C78838853802577DF0071D796?openDocument International Positional Statement: Abortion] International Social Justice Commission, ''The Salvation Army'', November 2010. Retrieved November 7, 2016.</ref></blockquote>
  
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In 2012, the Salvation Army published a "Positional Statement on Homosexuality" after receiving adverse publicity about their position on [[homosexuality]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2012/s3532177.htm|title=Salvation Army apologises after 'homosexuals should die' statement}}</ref>
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The Salvation Army does make exceptions in cases such as [[rape]] and [[incest]]:
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<blockquote>In addition, rape and incest are brutal acts of dominance violating women physically and emotionally. This situation represents a special case for the consideration of termination as the violation may be compounded by the continuation of the pregnancy.<ref name=abortion/></blockquote>
  
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:"The Bible teaches that God’s intention for humankind is that society should be ordered on the basis of lifelong, legally sanctioned heterosexual unions...A disposition towards homosexuality is not in itself blameworthy nor is the disposition seen as rectifiable at will...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." <ref>[http://salvos.org.au/about-us/overview/documents/Human-Sexuality.pdf Salvos questioned over stance on homosexuality] – The Salvation Army Australian Territories Positional Statement</ref>
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The Salvation Army published a statement on "Inclusion," following controversy over their position on [[homosexuality]]:
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<blockquote>We oppose any discrimination, marginalisation or persecution of any person. We find no scriptural support for demeaning or mistreating anyone for any reason.<ref name=inclusion>[http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/inclusion Inclusion] ''The Salvation Army''. Retrieved November 7, 2016.</ref></blockquote>
  
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As of 2016 the organisation will not appoint homosexuals to posts as ministers, preferring individuals "whose values are consistent with the church's philosophy."<ref>{{cite web|last=Yang |first=Carter M. |url=http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=121498&page=3 |title=Page 3: White House Rejects Salvation Army Proposal – ABC News |publisher=ABC |location=USA  |accessdate=11 April 2012}}</ref> (See also [[The Salvation Army#Stance on homosexuality|Salvation Army Controversies: Stance on Homosexuality]] section.)
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The statement noted that the Salvation Army condemns [[homophobia]], while accepting that "a diverse range of views on homosexuality may exist within The Salvation Army as among the wider Christian (and non-Christian) community."<ref name=inclusion/>
  
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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 holds the rank of commissioner.
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The [[ordination of women]] is permitted in the Salvation Army, in keeping with the founder's insistence on gender equality:
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<blockquote>"I insist on the equality of women with men,” said our founder William Booth in 1908. “Every officer and soldier should insist upon the truth that woman is as important, as valuable, as capable and as necessary to the progress and happiness of the world as man.”<ref name=inclusion/></blockquote>
  
 
== Symbols ==
 
== Symbols ==
  
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=== Flag ===
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=== Red Shield ===
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[[File:Standard of the Salvation Army.svg|thumb|Standard of The Salvation Army ([[English language|Anglophone]] Version)]]
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[[File:Armee-du-salut.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The Salvation Army red shield logo, displayed on the side of a night shelter in [[Geneva]], Switzerland.]]
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The Salvation Army flag is a symbol of the Army's war against sin and social evils.
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The red shield is the Salvation Army’s highly recognizable logo, used across the world: "The shield represents the ‘fight’ of life on a ‘spiritual battlefield’ and that God is a shield to protect and save us."<ref name=Symbols>[http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/history-symbols Symbols] ''The Salvation Army''. Retrieved November 8, 2016.</ref>
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The red on the flag symbolises 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.
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The Red Shield has its origins in Salvation Army work during wartime. At the end of the nineteenth 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.
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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 front-line services. Today Salvation Army Red Shield Clubs continue to offer members of the Armed Forces a variety of services, ranging from attractive recreational facilities to family counseling.<ref>[http://www.worldwar1.com/dbc/doughnut.htm Doughnut! The Official Story] ''Doughboy Center''. Retrieved November 8, 2016.</ref>
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The Red Shield is widely used today as a simple, readily identifiable symbol in many Salvation Army settings.
  
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===Crest===
 
[[File:Crest of The Salvation Army.png|thumb|right|Crest of The Salvation Army ([[English language|Anglophone]] version)]]
 
[[File:Crest of The Salvation Army.png|thumb|right|Crest of The Salvation Army ([[English language|Anglophone]] version)]]
 
The oldest official emblem of The Salvation Army is the crest.
 
The oldest official emblem of The Salvation Army is the crest.
Line 133: Line 109:
 
In 1878 Captain W.H. Ebdon suggested a logo, 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.
 
In 1878 Captain W.H. Ebdon suggested a logo, 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.
  
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The meaning of the crest:
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The meaning of the crest:<ref>[http://salvationarmynorth.org/about-us/what-we-believe/the-salvation-army-crest/ Crest symbolism] ''The Salvation Army''. Retrieved November 8, 2016.</ref>
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<blockquote>
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* The sun represents the light and fire of the Holy Spirit
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The cross: The cross of the Lord Jesus Christ<br />
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* The cross of Jesus stands at the center of the crest and the faith of church members
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The "S": Salvation from sin through Jesus<br />
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* The ‘S’ stands for salvation from sin
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The ray on the outside of the circle: The Fire of the Holy Spirit<br />
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* The swords represent the fight against sin
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The dots: The Truth of the Gospel<br />
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* The shots (seven white dots) stand for the truths of the gospel
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The swords: Spiritual Warfare<br />
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* The crown speaks of God’s reward for His faithful people
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"Blood and Fire": The Blood which was shed by Jesus for our sins and the Fire of the Holy Spirit<br />
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* “Blood and Fire” is the motto of The Salvation Army that describes the blood of Jesus shed on the cross to save all people and the fire of the Holy Spirit which purifies believers
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</blockquote>
 
  
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=== Red Shield ===
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=== Flag ===
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The Red Shield has its origins in Salvation Army work during wartime. 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.
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[[File:Standard of the Salvation Army.jpg|thumb|Standard of The Salvation Army ([[English language|Anglophone]] Version)]]
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The Salvation Army flag is a symbol of the Army's war against sin and social evils.  
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[[File:Armee-du-salut.jpg|thumb|left|The Salvation Army red shield logo, displayed on the side of a night shelter in [[Geneva]], Switzerland.]]
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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.
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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 front-line services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki%5Cwww_uki_ihc.nsf/stc-vw-sublinks/88C38CD01C4E9F518025747A003178D0?openDocument |title=International Heritage Centre: Red Shield |publisher=.salvationarmy.org.uk |accessdate=11 April 2012}}</ref>
 
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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. It is now official Salvation Army policy in the UK that the red shield should be used as the external symbol of the Salvation Army, with the Crest only being used internally. Therefore, any new Salvation Army building will now have the red shield on the outside rather than the crest which certainly would have been used on its Corps (church) buildings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sps-shop.com/ukt%5Cspnsshop.nsf/default.html |title=SP&S Online Store |publisher=Sps-shop.com |accessdate=11 April 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716122813/http://www.sps-shop.com/ukt/spnsshop.nsf/default.html |archivedate=16 July 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref>
 
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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 logo 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".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.superbrands.com.au/Default.aspx |title=Superbrands Australia |publisher=Superbrands.com.au |accessdate=11 April 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410050456/http://www.superbrands.com.au/Default.aspx |archivedate=10 April 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref>
 
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The Salvation Army consistently comes out in research as the charity where people would most like to donate (named spontaneously).{{citation needed|date=October 2013}}
 
  
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Similarly the Red Shield logo is highly desired by companies wishing to link their brand with a solid emblem of care and compassion.{{citation needed|date=October 2013}}
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In 1880, George Scott-Railton wrote: "The use of flags has done more than anyone could have imagined to bind all our soldiers together and to encourage and develop the spirit of enterprise and resolution."<ref name=Symbols/>
  
 
=== Uniform ===
 
=== Uniform ===
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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 characterised by the 'S' insignia for 'Salvation' and carries the meaning 'Saved to Serve', or 'Saved to Save'.{{citation needed|date=May 2012}} Other letters are substituted to conform with local language.
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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."<ref>[http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/symbols Our symbols] ''The Salvation Army''. Retrieved November 8, 2016.</ref>
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[[File:Salvation Army Dress Tartan.png|thumb|The Salvation Army Dress Tartan]]
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A navy blue serge uniform was introduced for both men and women. The men's high neck tunic had a stiff collar worn over a scarlet jersey; a cap with a red band was worn on the head. The women's version had long navy skirts and high neck tunics with white lace-edge collars; Catherine Booth introduced their bonnets. The uniform is still worn, although it has changed in style over the years.<ref name=Symbols/>
  
 
=== Tartan ===
 
=== Tartan ===
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[[File:Salvation Army Dress Tartan.png|thumb|The Salvation Army Dress Tartan]]
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Since 1983 there has been an official Salvation Army [[tartan]]. It was designed by Captain Harry Cooper, for the [[Perth, Scotland|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]].<ref>[http://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tartanDetails.aspx?ref=3647 Tartan Details - Salvation Army Dress] ''The Scottish Register of Tartans''. Retrieved November 8, 2016.</ref>
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Since 1983 there has been an official Salvation Army [[tartan]]. It was designed by Captain Harry Cooper, for the [[Perth, Scotland|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]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tartanDetails.aspx?ref=3647 |title=Tartan Details – The Scottish Register of Tartans |publisher=Tartanregister.gov.uk |accessdate=11 April 2012}}</ref>
 
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=== Salute ===
 
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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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki%5Cwww_uki_ihc.nsf/stc-vw-sublinks/8B36901CFBFAF7468025707B003CB1A4?openDocument |title=International Heritage Centre: The salute |publisher=.salvationarmy.org.uk |accessdate=11 April 2012}}</ref> 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.
 
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In some instances, the salute is accompanied with a shout of 'hallelujah!'
 
  
 
== Services ==
 
== Services ==
  
 
=== Music playing ===
 
=== Music playing ===
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[[File:SalvationArmyParadeOxford20040905.JPG|thumb|right|A Salvation Army band parade in [[Oxford]], United Kingdom]]
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[[File:SalvationArmyParadeOxford20040905.JPG|thumb|right|250px|A Salvation Army band parade in [[Oxford]], United Kingdom]]
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As the popularity of the organisation 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacollectables.com/firsts.html |title=Salvation Army Collectables – Salvation Army Firsts |publisher=Sacollectables.com |accessdate=11 April 2012}}</ref>
 
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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 (British style)|brass band]] has been an integral part of the Army’s ministry and an immediately recognisable symbol to Salvationists and non-Salvationists alike. The Salvation Army also has choirs; these are known as [[Songsters|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).
 
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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 [[Music competition|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.
 
  
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The Salvation Army also fielded large concertina bands.  From the turn of the (20th) century to the Second World War between a third and a half of all SA officers in Britain played concertina. For an evangelist the concertina's portability, its ability to play both melody and chords, and most especially the fact that the player can sing or speak while playing, were all distinct advantages over brass instruments.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.concertina.info/tina.faq/images/salv.htm |title=Salvation Army Concertina Bands |publisher=concertina.info |accessdate=15 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKv1_-BIFBs |title=Bramwell Thornett – Salvation Army Concertina Solo (1940) |publisher=Salvation Army |accessdate=15 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIru7v0UsHg |title=Archie Burgess and Eric Ball – Salvation Army Concertina Solo (1936) |publisher=Salvation Army |accessdate=15 June 2014}}</ref>
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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.<ref> Ashley Seager, [https://www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/blog/2014/05/14/the-first-band/ When was the first Salvation Army band created?] ''The Salvation Army'', May 14, 2014. Retrieved November 8, 2016.</ref>
  
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The Army tradition in music is to use the popular idiom of the day to reach people for Jesus. The Army's [[The Joystrings|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 (band)|Moped]], Chamberlain, Vatic, Agent C, and [[The Lads]]; England's [[Electralyte]]; Australia's Soteria Music Ministries, Summer Carnival Band, Crown of Thorns and Escape; and America's [http://transmission.virb.com/ transMission], The Singing Company, HAB, BurN, and CJD – Cookies, Juice, & Donuts. [http://www.saytunes.com/saytunes/saytunes.nsf/Home.xsp Saytunes] is a website designed to encourage and promote these contemporary Salvation Army bands and artists.
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The tradition of having musicians available continued and eventually grew into standard [[brass band]]s. 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 became 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 [[Songsters|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).<ref>[http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/about-the-iss About the ISS] ''The Salvation Army''. Retrieved November 8, 2016.</ref>
  
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Another significant musical feature of the Salvation Army is its use of [[tambourine]]s. 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.
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The Salvation Army also fielded large [[concertina]] bands. From the beginning of the twentieth century to the [[Second World War]] between a third and a half of all Salvation Army officers in Britain played concertina. For an evangelist the concertina's portability, its ability to play both melody and chords, and most especially the fact that the player can sing or speak while playing, were all distinct advantages over brass instruments.<ref>[http://www.concertina.info/tina.faq/images/salv.htm Salvation Army Concertina Bands]  ''concertina.info''. Retrieved November 8, 2016.</ref>
  
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Local corps usually sing [[contemporary worship music]] songs in Sunday worship services, as well as traditional hymns and music accompanied by the brass band.
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Another significant musical feature of the Salvation Army is its use of [[tambourine]]s. With colored ribbons representing the colors of the Salvation Army flag, timbrels play an integral facet of music in the Salvation army. They are mainly played by women.
  
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=== Ensembles ===
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The Army tradition in music is to use the popular idiom of the day to reach people for Jesus. Local corps usually sing [[contemporary worship music]] songs in Sunday worship services, as well as traditional hymns and music accompanied by the brass band.
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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|date=May 2011}} 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|date=May 2011}}
 
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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 Music Australia|Hillsong]], and [[Planet Shakers]] to name but a few.
 
  
 
=== Disaster relief ===
 
=== Disaster relief ===
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In the USA The Salvation Army's first major forays into disaster relief resulted from the [[Tragedy (event)|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.
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The Salvation Army, along with many other [[Non-governmental organization|non-governmental]] relief agency [[disaster relief]] organizations, are members of the [[National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster]] (NVOAD).<ref>[http://www.nvoad.org/  National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster] ''Nvoad.org''. Retrieved November 8, 2016.</ref> The Salvation Army is officially recognized by federal, state, and local governments across the United States as a sanctioned disaster relief organization. Within the National Response Framework, it provides relief services to communities impacted by both natural and man-made disasters.
  
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The Salvation Army is a [[Non-governmental organization|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 [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake|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 organisations 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 [[Hurricane Katrina|Katrina]] and [[Hurricane Rita|Rita]]. They have helped the victims of an earthquake in Indonesia in May 2006.
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The Salvation Army's primary goals in disaster relief are to offer:
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[[File:Williamboothcollege.jpg|thumb|left|The William Booth Memorial Training College, Denmark Hill, London: The College for Officer Training of The Salvation Army in the UK]]
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* Material comfort
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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 mobilisation 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]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.satern.org/ |title=SATERN |publisher=SATERN |accessdate=11 April 2012}}</ref> network of amateur ham-radio operators picked up where modern communications left off to help locate more than 25,000 survivors. Salvation Army pastoral care counsellors 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.
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* Physical comfort
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* Spiritual and Emotional comfort<ref>[http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/disaster-services The Salvation Army's Role in Emergency Disaster Services] ''The Salvation Army''. Retrieved November 8, 2016.</ref>
  
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The Salvation Army was one of the first relief agencies on the scene of the [[September 11 attacks]] in New York. They also provided prayer support for families of missing people.
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The Salvation Army's first major forays in the United States into disaster relief resulted from the devastation wrought by the [[Galveston Hurricane]] of 1900. National Commander Frederick Booth-Tucker mobilized Army officers from across the country into the Galveston area to help clean, feed, and shelter the thousands of survivors, while also providing much needed spiritual and emotional support. The [[1906 San Francisco earthquake]] marked the first time The Salvation Army coordinated a major, nationwide fundraising effort in response to a disaster.<ref>[http://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/use/Disaster-Response-History The Salvation Army Disaster Response History] ''The Salvation Army''. Retrieved November 8, 2016,</ref> The Salvation Army was the first relief agency to reach Ground Zero at the [[World Trade Center]] site following the [[September 11 attacks]] in 2001, and in 2005 was active in responding to immediate needs of survivors following [[Hurricane Katrina]].  
  
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The Salvation Army, along with the [[American National Red Cross]], [[Southern Baptist Convention]], and other disaster relief organisations, are national members of the [[National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster]] (NVOAD).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nvoad.org/ |title=National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster |publisher=Nvoad.org |date=18 July 2011 |accessdate=11 April 2012}}</ref>
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The Salvation Army continues to work closely with local authorities to assist in responding to natural and man-made disasters wherever they occur throughout the world. For example, a full time presence in the region since the 1890s enabled The Salvation Army to be on the ground providing immediate disaster relief to affected individuals within hours of the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]].
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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.
 
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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]], [[search and rescue|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 Shops ===
 
=== Thrift Stores and Charity Shops ===
 
[[File:Salvation Army Thrift Store, Santa Monica, CA.JPG|thumb|Salvation Army Thrift Store, [[Santa Monica, CA]] ]]
 
[[File:Salvation Army Thrift Store, Santa Monica, CA.JPG|thumb|Salvation Army Thrift Store, [[Santa Monica, CA]] ]]
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The Salvation Army is well known for its network of [[thrift store]]s or charity shops, colloquially referred to as "the Sally Ann" in Canada and "Salvos Stores" in Australia, which raise money for its rehabilitation programs by selling donated used items such as clothing, housewares and toys. Clothing collected by Salvation Army stores that are not sold on location are often sold wholesale on the global second hand clothing market.
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The Salvation Army is well known for its network of [[thrift store]]s or charity shops which raise money for its rehabilitation programs by selling donated used items such as clothing, housewares, and toys. Clothing collected by Salvation Army stores that are not sold on location are often sold wholesale on the global second hand clothing market.
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The Salvation Army's fundraising shops in the United Kingdom participate in the UK government's [[Work Programme]], a [[Workfare in the United Kingdom|workfare]] programme where benefit claimants must work for no compensation for 20 to 40 hours per week over periods that can be as long as 6 months.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?page_id=16|title=Workfare providers|date=31 March 2011|work=boycottworkfare.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/salvation.army.defends.unpaid.work.placements.as.protesters.picket.headquarters/53418.htm|title=Salvation Army defends unpaid work placements as protesters picket headquarters – Christian News on Christian Today|work=christiantoday.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/governance/news/content/17258/boycott_workfare_protests_against_charities_involved_in_unpaid_work_schemes|title=Charity governance and trustee news – Boycott Workfare protests against charities involved in unpaid work schemes|work=civilsociety.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/mar/19/workfare-godliness-christian-charities|title=Is workfare close to godliness? Some Christian charities seem to believe so – Sarah Ditum|first=Sarah|last=Ditum|date=19 March 2013|work=theguardian.com}}</ref>
 
  
 
=== Red Kettles ===
 
=== Red Kettles ===
 
[[File:Salvation Army red kettle at supermarket entrance Ypsilanti Michigan.JPG|thumb|right|Red kettle at supermarket entrance, [[Ypsilanti, Michigan]]]]
 
[[File:Salvation Army red kettle at supermarket entrance Ypsilanti Michigan.JPG|thumb|right|Red kettle at supermarket entrance, [[Ypsilanti, Michigan]]]]
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In many countries, The Salvation Army is most recognised during the Christmas season with its volunteers and employees who stand outside of businesses and play/sing Christmas carols, or ring bells to inspire passers-by to place donations of cash and cheques inside [[Christmas kettle|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1998-11-28/news/9811280127_1_gold-coins-kettle-crystal-lake|title=Salvation Army Receives Mystery Donations Of Gold|work=chicagotribune.com}}</ref>
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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 passers-by to place donations inside [[Christmas kettle|red kettles]]. In the U.S. alone, over 25,000 volunteers with red kettles are stationed near retail stores during the weeks preceding Christmas for fundraising.<ref name="Cruz" />
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=== Red Shield Appeal ===
 
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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.
 
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=== Family Tracing Service ===
 
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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.
 
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=== Youth groups ===
 
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[[File:Armee-de-salut-Negative0-06-4A(1).jpg|thumb|Salvation Army in [[Lausanne]]]]
 
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The Salvation Army includes multiple youth groups, which primarily consist of its [[Sunday school]]s and the [[Scouting|Scout and Guide]] packs that are sometimes set up. The Scout and Guide packs are affiliated and sponsored by The Salvation Army but are open units allowing anyone to join, these units/pack observe Christian standards and encourage the young people to investigate and develop in their Christian faith. 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, and is sometimes separated into Rangers (older males) and Explorers (younger males).
 
  
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==== Alove UK ====
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This tradition began in California in 1891, when Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee placed a large, iron kettle at the Oakland Ferry Landing to collect donations to fund free Christmas dinners for the poor. The campaign was so successful that today the Salvation Army kettle donations feed several million people during the holiday season.<ref>[http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/red-kettle-history Red Kettle History] ''The Salvation Army''. Retrieved November 8, 2016.</ref>
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In the new millennium, The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom created a sub-brand of itself for the youth, called [http://www2.salvationarmy.org.uk/alove/alove.nsf/vw-dynamic-arrays/B121E31B9AE62BF8802574FA0054344D?openDocument 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 emphasises worship, discipleship, missions, and social action. Alove is a member of [[NCVYS|The National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS)]].<ref name="NCVYS members">{{cite web|url=http://www.ncvys.org.uk/index.php?page=392 |title=Full list of NCVYS members |publisher=Ncvys.org.uk |accessdate=11 April 2012}}</ref>
 
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== Honours ==
 
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General [[George Carpenter (Salvation Army)|George Carpenter]] founded the Cross of the Order Of Distinguished Auxiliary Service in 1941 to express the Salvation Army's gratitude for service given to the organisation by non-Salvationists. The Cross has been awarded to parliamentarians, lawyers, doctors, financiers and members of the nobility.<ref>[http://www.sawiki.net/index.php/Order_Of_Distinguished_Auxiliary_Service Order Of Distinguished Auxiliary Service]{{unreliable source?|date=April 2013}}</ref>
 
  
 
== Publications ==
 
== Publications ==
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* "New Frontier Chronicle" - news and networking for The Salvation Army.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newfrontierchronicle.org|title=New Frontier Chronicle – The official news source of The Salvation Army USA Western Territory|work=newfrontierchronicle.org}}</ref>
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* "New Frontier Chronicle" - news and networking for The Salvation Army.<ref>[http://newfrontierchronicle.org New Frontier Chronicle – The official news source of The Salvation Army] Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref>
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* "Caring Magazine" - curating conversation around issues of social concern.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://caringmagazine.org|title=Caring Magazine|work=caringmagazine.org}}</ref>
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* "Caring Magazine" - curating conversation around issues of social concern.<ref>[http://caringmagazine.org Caring Magazine] Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref>
 
[[File:The War Cry.jpg|thumb|Edition of ''The War Cry'', 6 August 1887]]
 
[[File:The War Cry.jpg|thumb|Edition of ''The War Cry'', 6 August 1887]]
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* ''[[The War Cry]]'' newspaper, first published in 1879 in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|title=National Publications: War Cry|url=http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_np.nsf/admin/usn/www_usn_np.nsf/vw-dynamic-index/16572722555488108525753D004D6A39?openDocument|publisher=The Salvation Army USA territory|accessdate=21 February 2013}}</ref>
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* ''The War Cry'' newspaper, first published in 1879 in the United Kingdom.<ref>[http://www.thewarcry.org the War Cry] Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref>
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* ''Faith and Friends'' magazine<ref>{{cite web|url=http://salvationist.ca/category/faith-and-friends/|title=Summer of Adventure|work=salvationist.ca}}</ref>
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* ''Faith & Friends'' magazine<ref>[http://salvationist.ca/category/faith-and-friends/ Faith & Friends] Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref>
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* ''Salvationist'' magazine<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/Salvationist|title=Salvationist|publisher=United Kingdom and Ireland Territory|accessdate=21 February 2013}}</ref>
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* ''Salvationist'' magazine<ref>[http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/Salvationist Salvationist] Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref>
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* ''Word and Deed'' journal<ref>{{cite web|url=http://armyonitsknees.org/?p=1317|title=Word & Deed|publisher=Salvation Army Eastern Territory|accessdate=8 December 2013}}</ref>
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* 'Young Salvationist'' magazine<ref>[http://www.youngsalvationist.org/ Young Salvationist] Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref>
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* ''KidZone'' magazine<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youngsalvationist.org/|title=Young Salvationist|publisher=Salvation Army|accessdate=8 December 2013}}</ref>
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* ''Pipeline'', The Salvation Army's news, features and opinion magazine<ref>[http://salvos.org.au/pipeline Pipeline Magazine] Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref>
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* ''Priority'' magazine<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prioritypeople.org/|title=Priority! Magazine|publisher=Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory|accessdate=8 December 2013}}</ref>
 
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* ''Pipeline'', The Salvation Army's news, features and opinion magazine<ref>[http://salvos.org.au/pipeline Pipeline. The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory]</ref>
 
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* ''Red'' magazine, aimed at youth and Corps Cadets in Aus South (Discontinued){{citation needed|date=May 2016}}
 
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== Controversy ==
 
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=== Criticism by LGBT activists ===
 
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Some in the United States have alleged that The Salvation Army discriminates against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender ([[LGBT]]) individuals in its hiring practices.<ref name="Cbsnews.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2001/07/10/politics/main300601.shtml |title=Rove Under Fire, Bush Aide's Involvement With Salvation Army Request Eyed |publisher=Cbsnews.com |date=11 February 2009 |accessdate=11 April 2012}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceB">No salvation from betrayal – Salvation Army hopes to reap millions by supporting George Bush policy on gays' rights]</ref>  The Salvation Army states that it does not "discriminate against hiring gays and lesbians for the majority of its roughly 55,000 jobs".<ref name="query.nytimes.com">{{cite web|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9402E7DE1F38F932A25754C0A9679C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all |title=Charity Is Told It Must Abide By Antidiscrimination Laws|work=New York Times |date=11 July 2001 |accessdate=11 April 2012}}</ref>  Because The Salvation Army is a church, Title VII of the U.S. [[Civil Rights Act of 1964]] allows it to inquire into people's religious beliefs in its hiring practices. In 2001, the Salvation Army pressed the Bush Administration to exempt it and other religious groups from anti-discrimination legislation which it felt infringed on the organisation's religious freedoms. This request was denied, and was sharply rebuked by David Smith, then-spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign. “Gays and lesbians are taxpayers, too,” said Smith. “Their money should not be used by religious groups to fund discriminatory practices against them."<ref name="query.nytimes.com"/>
 
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The Salvation Army Western Territory approved a plan in October 2001 to start offering domestic-partnership benefits to gay employees. 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 organisation's offices with phone calls and letters. The [[American Family Association]] also accused the Salvation Army of a "monstrous … appeasement of sin" that resulted in a "betrayal of the church." In November 2001 The Salvation Army nationwide 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.
 
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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's right to decline to enforce the ordinance was upheld by the New York State Court of Appeals in 2006.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/24/us/beliefs-salvation-army-hears-dissent-over-gay-views.html|title=Salvation Army Hears Dissent Over Gay Views,|last1=Oppenheimer|first1=Mark|date=24 December 2011|publisher=The New York TImes|access-date=21 September 2016}}</ref>
 
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On 15 December 2012, in Canada, Andrea Le Good noticed a Salvation Army bell-ringer carrying a sign reading "if you support gay rights: please do not donate." While the bell-ringer claimed he had permission from the charity to wear the sign, Salvation Army spokeswoman Kyla Ferns said that it had no part in the sign, and that the bell-ringer was pulled away immediately when the charity learned about it.<ref name=":0" /> The charity's website describes marriage as heterosexual by definition, and a previously published document called on homosexuals to embrace celibacy as a way of life. The same document also states that there is no scriptural support for the mistreatment of homosexuals.<ref name=":0">[http://bc.ctvnews.ca/b-c-salvation-army-volunteer-tells-gay-rights-supporters-not-to-donate-1.1081136 B.C.E. Salvation Army volunteer tells gay rights supporters not to donate] CTV British Columbia News. 15 December 2012.</ref>
 
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In February 2000, the Salvation Army in the United Kingdom publicly opposed (in their publication ''[[The War Cry]]'' and in a letter to a [[Scottish Parliament]] committee) the repeal of [[Section 28|Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988]], which prevented [[Local government in the United Kingdom|local authorities]] from "intentionally promot[ing] homosexuality".<ref name="Salvation Army Letter to Scottish Parliament">{{cite web|url=http://archive.scottish.parliament.uk/business/committees/historic/x-lg/reports-00/lgr00-06-08.htm#3 |title=Salvation Army Letter to Scottish Parliament |publisher=Archive.scottish.parliament.uk |date= |accessdate=22 February 2013}}</ref> However, the organisation's UK website states that it offers "unconditional assistance and support regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation, 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".<ref name="Salvation Army UK & Ireland – Here To Help">{{cite web|url=http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/heretohelp |title=United Kingdom and Ireland Territory – Here to Help People |publisher=Salvationarmy.org.uk |accessdate=11 April 2012}}</ref>
 
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Before the passing of the [[Homosexual Law Reform Act 1986]] by the [[New Zealand Parliament]], the Salvation Army was active throughout New Zealand 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."<ref>http://salvationarmy.org.nz/uploads/TSA_and_Homosexual_Law_Reform_Bill.pdf</ref>
 
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Despite documented events of Salvation Army's volunteers and their views, the organisation has issued an LGBT Statement as a response. The statement does not address any documented news events of discrimination and claims to debunk these events as urban myth.<ref name=exgay>{{cite web|last=Besen|first=Wayne|title=Salvation Army Refers People to Ex-Gay Groups|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wayne-besen/salvation-army-refers-people-to-ex-gay-groups_b_4344605.html|publisher=Huffington Post}}</ref>
 
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In November 2013 it was made known that the Salvation Army was referring LGBT individuals to one of several [[conversion therapy]] groups.<ref name="exgay" />  As a response the Salvation Army removed such referrals from their website.<ref name=Brydum>{{cite web | url=http://www.advocate.com/business/2013/11/27/salvation-army-does-not-consider-homosexual-orientation-sin | title=Salvation Army 'Does Not Consider Homosexual Orientation a Sin' | publisher=''[[The Advocate]]'' | date=27 November 2013 | accessdate=11 December 2013 | author=Brydum, Sunnivie}}</ref>
 
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==== The Salvation Army's response ====
 
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A positional statement on the Salvation Army UK and Ireland site states:
 
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<blockquote>The Salvation Army teaches that sexual acts should take place only in a monogamous heterosexual marriage, believing that this reflects God's intentions for sexual behaviour and provides the best environment for raising children.<ref>http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/PSHumanSexuality</ref></blockquote>
 
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The positional statement is, however, intended explicitly for members of the Salvation Army<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/masic|title=Church & community section – The Salvation Army|work=salvationarmy.org.uk}}</ref> and the Salvation Army mission statement as of 2013 states:
 
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<blockquote>The Salvation Army stands against homophobia, which victimises people and can reinforce feelings of alienation, loneliness and despair. We want to be an inclusive church community where members of the LGBT community find welcome and the encouragement to develop their relationship with God...Our international mission statement is very clear on this point when it says we will 'meet human needs in [Jesus'] name without discrimination '. Anyone who comes through our doors will be welcomed with love and service, based on their need and our capacity to provide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/Non-Discrimination|title=Inclusion – The Salvation Army|work=salvationarmy.org.uk}}</ref></blockquote>
 
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As of late 2013, activists were still calling on the Salvation Army to change its stance on LGBT issues, citing ongoing discrimination.<ref name=Hyman1>{{cite news|last=Hyman|first=Jamie|title=Watermark tradition: Boycotting the bell-ringers|url=http://www.watermarkonline.com/2013/11/20/watermark-tradition-boycotting-the-bell-ringers/|accessdate=15 February 2014|newspaper=Watermark|date=20 November 2013}}</ref><ref name=Chatel1>{{cite news|last=Chatel|first=Amanda|title=7 Companies That Don't Support Gay Rights|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/16/anti-gay-companies_n_4110344.html|accessdate=15 February 2014|newspaper=Huffington Post|date=16 October 2013}}</ref>
 
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=== Canadian charity work ===
 
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During the 2010 Christmas season, The Salvation Army in Calgary, Alberta, refused to accept toys based on the [[Harry Potter]] and [[Twilight (novel series)|Twilight]] franchises because of a perceived conflict with the organisation's religious principles. One volunteer claimed that the toys were destroyed instead of being given to other agencies. The volunteer also criticised 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 organisations, not disposed of.<ref>{{cite web|author=Bill Kaufmann, QMI Agency |url=http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/12/08/16478011.html |title=Sally Ann bans Harry Potter and Twilight toys |work=Toronto Sun |date=8 December 2010 |accessdate=11 April 2012}}</ref> This policy is however, not universal, as 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".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wetaskiwintimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2891380 |title=Salvation Army welcomes Harry Potter toys – Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser – Alberta, CA |publisher=Wetaskiwintimes.com |accessdate=11 April 2012}}</ref>
 
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Also during the 2010 Christmas season, The Salvation Army in Vancouver, BC, came under fire for a program that provided goodie bags to federal inmates for Christmas by playing Santa to incarcerated criminals.<ref>[http://bc.ctvnews.ca/sally-ann-inmate-present-program-slammed-1.587138  Sally Ann inmate present program slammed] – CTV British Columbia. 17 December 2010.</ref> This was however simply an extended outreach as part of The Salvation Army's prisoner visitation program established over a century ago.
 
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=== Proselytising during government-funded social service in New York ===
 
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In 2004, the Salvation Army's New York division was named in a lawsuit filed by 18 current and former employees of its social service arm, claiming that the organisation asked about the religious and sexual habits of employees in programs funded by local and state government. One member claimed the organisation forced them to agree "to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ."<ref>{{cite news|title=Suit Claims Group’s Staff Is Pressured on Religion|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/25/nyregion/25salvation.html|newspaper=New York Times|date=25 February 2004}}</ref> Proselytising or otherwise pursuing religious motives in a government-funded program is generally considered a violation of the [[Establishment Clause]] of the US Constitution. While the employment-discrimination portion of the lawsuit was dismissed in 2005, government agencies agreed in a 2010 settlement to set up monitoring systems to ensure that the Army did not violate [[Separation of church and state|church-state separation]] in its publicly funded projects. The organisation did not dispute allegations that 9-year-olds in a city-funded foster care program were put through a "confirmation-like" ceremony, where they were given Bibles and prayed over.<ref>{{cite news|last=Newman|first=Andy|title=Settlement in Salvation Army Suit on Proselytizing|url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/17/settlement-in-salvation-army-suit-on-proselytizing/?_r=0|newspaper=New York Times|date=17 February 2010}}</ref>
 
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=== Australian sex abuse cases ===
 
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From the 1940s to the 1980s the Salvation Army in Australia sheltered approximately 30,000 children. In 2006 the Australian division of The 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/media/statements/2006_child_abuse.asp|title=The Salvation Army’s response to child abuse allegations|publisher=The Salvation Army|date=1 August 2006|accessdate=30 May 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060819030816/http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/media/statements/2006_child_abuse.asp|archivedate=19 August 2006}}</ref>
 
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In 2013 it was reported that private settlements totalling {{AUD}}15.5&nbsp;million had been made in [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] relating to 474 abuse cases; a Salvation Army spokesman said that "This should not have happened and this was a breach of the trust placed in us" and that they were "deeply sorry" whilst claiming that the abuse was "the result of individuals and not a culture within the organization".<ref>{{cite news|last=Gannon|first=Genevieve|title=Salvo abuse claims dealt with privately|url=http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/salvo-abuse-claims-dealt-with-privately-20130411-2hn4m.html|accessdate=30 May 2013|newspaper=The Age|date=11 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Rintoul|first=Stuart|title='Ashamed' Salvation Army paid $15m to child sex abuse victims, inquiry told|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/in-depth/ashamed-salvation-army-paid-15m-to-child-sex-abuse-victims-inquiry-told/story-fngburq5-1226618279228|accessdate=30 May 2013|newspaper=The Australian|date=11 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Salvation Army appearance before the Victorian Parliamentary Committee’s Inquiry into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse|url=http://salvos.org.au/about-us/media-centre/documents/MRVictorianParliamentaryCommitteeInquiry.pdf|publisher=The Salvation Army|accessdate=31 May 2013}}</ref>
 
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On 28 January 2014, the [[Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse]], a [[Royal Commission|royal commission of inquiry]] initiated in 2013 by the [[Australian Government]] and supported by all of its [[States and territories of Australia|state]] governments,<ref name="letterspatent">{{cite web |url=http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/our-work/terms-of-reference/|title=Letters Patent|work=Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse|accessdate=12 January 2013}}</ref> began an investigation into abuse cases at the Alkira Salvation Army Home for Boys at {{QLDcity|Indooroopilly}}; the Riverview Training Farm (also known as Endeavour Training Farm) at {{QLDcity|Riverview}}{{spaced endash}}both  in [[Queensland]]; the Bexley Boys’ Home at {{NSWcity|Bexley}}; and the Gill Memorial Home at {{NSWcity|Goulburn}}{{spaced endash}}both  in [[New South Wales]]. The investigation also examined The Salvation Army's processes in investigating, disciplining, removing and/or transferring anyone accused of, or found to have engaged in, child sexual abuse in these homes.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.goulburnpost.com.au/story/2067793/royal-commission-torture-and-rape-at-gill-memorial/?cs=180 |newspaper=[[List of newspapers in New South Wales#List of newspapers in New South Wales (G)|Goulburn Post]] |title=Royal Commission: Torture and rape at Gill Memorial |date=5 February 2014 |author=Thrower, Louise |accessdate=5 February 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-30/salvation-army-suspends-officer-over-sexual-abuse-inquiry/5228914 |author=Oriti, Thomas |title=Salvation Army suspends officer John McIver over child sexual abuse royal commission |date=31 January 2014 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |location=Australia |accessdate=5 February 2014 }}</ref><ref name="ABCNews2014-02-06">{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-30/boys-rented-out-for-abuse-at-salvos-boys-home/5227854 |author=Oriti, Thomas |title=Boys 'rented out' for abuse at Salvation Army boys' home at Bexley in Sydney's south |date=6 February 2014 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |location=Australia |accessdate=15 May 2015 }}</ref><ref name=case5>{{cite web |url=http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/case-study/a0bd6592-0036-42eb-9c33-62c7ad8312b1/case-study-5,-january-2014,-sydney |title=Case Study 5, January 2014, Sydney |publisher=Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse |date=2014 |accessdate=16 May 2015 }}</ref> On 27 March 2014, the Royal Commission began an investigation into the handling by The Salvation Army (Eastern Territory) of claims of child sexual abuse between 1993 and 2014.<ref name="ABCPM2014-02-03">{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-03/salvation-army-whistleblowers-dismissed-for-reporting-abuse/5235430 |title=Salvation Army whistleblowers dismissed from Indooroopilly, Qld, home for reporting alleged abuse, royal commission hears |work=[[PM (ABC Radio)|PM]] |author1=Oriti, Thomas |author2=Bourke, Emily |date=3 February 2014 |publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |location=Australia |accessdate=4 February 2014 }}</ref><ref name="ABCNews2014-02-04">{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-04/lawyers-seek-information-about-claims-boys-were-flown-interstat/5237482 |author=Oriti, Thomas |title=Salvation Army officers allegedly moved interstate if accused of child sex abuse |date=4 February 2014 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |location=Australia |accessdate=5 February 2014 }}</ref><ref name=case10>{{cite web |url=http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/case-study/6a3d5984-f16c-478e-8e1a-cb5b82541637/case-study-10,-march-2014,-sydney |title=Case Study 10, March 2014, Sydney |publisher=Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse |date=2014 |accessdate=16 May 2015 }}</ref>
 
  
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The Royal Commission published a case study report on the findings and recommendations for one of the above-mentioned case studies.<ref name=casereport5>{{cite web|url=http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/getattachment/52f3f203-2774-4cb9-9a48-b99ae36cf68f/Report-of-Case-Study-no-5-Response-of-The-Salvatio |title=Report of Case Study No. 5: Response of The Salvation Army to child sexual abuse at its boys homes in New South Wales and Queensland |publisher=Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse |date=January 2015 |accessdate=16 May 2015 |isbn=978-1-925289-06-0 |location=Sydney |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518094835/http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/getattachment/52f3f203-2774-4cb9-9a48-b99ae36cf68f/Report-of-Case-Study-no-5-Response-of-The-Salvatio |archivedate=18 May 2015 |df=dmy }}</ref>
+
== Notes ==
−
 
+
<references/>
−
== Notes and references ==
 
−
{{Reflist|4}}
 
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
−
* Eason, Andrew M. and Roger J. Green, eds. ''Boundless Salvation: The Shorter Writings of William Booth''. New York: Peter Lang, 2012.
+
*Best, Thomas F. (ed.). ''Baptism Today: Understanding, Practice, Ecumenical Implications''. Liturgical Press, 2008. ISBN 978-0814662212
−
* 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
+
*Clifton, Shaw. ''Strong Doctrine, Strong Mercy: A Salvationist Looks at Some Major Moral Questions of the late 20th Century''. International Headquarters of the Salvation Army, 1985. ISBN 978-0854124718
−
* {{Cite book
+
* Eason, Andrew M., and Roger J. Green (eds.). ''Boundless Salvation: The Shorter Writings of William Booth''. New York: Peter Lang, 2014. ISBN 978-1433127441
−
| first=Pamela J.
+
* 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 978-0889204188
−
| last=Walker
+
* Gariepy, Henry. ''Christianity in Action: The History of the International Salvation Army''. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2009. ISBN 978-0802848413
−
| year=2001
+
* Horridge, Glenn K. ''The Salvation Army Origins and Early Days 1865–1900''. Ammonite Books, 1993. ISBN 978-1869866075
−
| title=Pulling the Devil's Kingdom Down: The Salvation Army in Victorian Britain
+
* Walker, Pamela J. ''Pulling the Devil's Kingdom Down: The Salvation Army in Victorian Britain''. University of California Press, 2001. ISBN 978-0520225916
−
| publisher=University of California Press
+
* Winston, Diane. ''Red-Hot and Righteous: The Urban Religion of the Salvation Army''. Harvard University Press, 2000. ISBN 978-0674003965
−
| isbn=0-520-22591-0
 
−
}}
 
−
* {{Cite book
 
−
| first=Diane
 
−
| last=Winston
 
−
| year=2000
 
−
| title=Red-Hot and Righteous: The Urban Religion of the Salvation Army
 
−
| publisher=Harvard University Press
 
−
| isbn=0-674-00396-9
 
−
}}
 
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* {{cite news
 
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|first=Richard N.
 
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|last=Ostling
 
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|title=The Salvation Army: A distinctive corps simultaneously expands and shrinks
 
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|date=15 December 2005
 
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|agency=Associated Press
 
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|url=http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2005/12/16/special_reports/religion/19_11_1312_15_05.txt
 
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}}
 
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* [http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&node=&contentId=A37723-2001Jul9 Washington Post article regarding the deal between Salvation Army and the Bush administration]
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 +
All links retrieved April 30, 2023.
  
 
* [http://www.salvationarmy.org/ Official website of the international Salvation Army]
 
* [http://www.salvationarmy.org/ Official website of the international Salvation Army]

Latest revision as of 17:27, 30 April 2023

The Salvation Army
Classification Protestant
Orientation Holiness movement
Founder General William Booth
Origin July 2, 1865[1]
London, England, U.K.
Separated from Methodism
Geographical Area Worldwide
Statistics
Congregations 13,826[2]
Members 1,240,239[2]

The Salvation Army is a Christian church and international charitable organization structured in a quasi-military fashion. The organization reports a worldwide membership, known as Salvationists, of over 1 million consisting of soldiers, officers, and adherent members. Its founders Catherine and William Booth sought to bring salvation to the poor, destitute, and hungry by meeting both their physical and spiritual needs.

The theology of the Salvation Army is derived from that of Methodism although it is distinctive in institution and practice. The Army's doctrine is typical of evangelical Protestant denominations. The Salvation Army is modeled after the military, with its own flag (or colors) and its own hymns, often with words set to popular and folkloric tunes.

Today, the Salvation Army is present in over 120 countries, running charity shops, operating shelters for the homeless, and providing disaster relief and humanitarian aid to developing countries.

History

The Salvation Army founders, Catherine and William Booth

The Salvation Army was founded in London's East End in 1865 by one-time Methodist Reform Church 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 in which 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."[3]

In 1878 Booth reorganized the mission, introducing the military structure which has been retained to the present day.[4] He became the "General" and his other ministers were given appropriate ranks as "officers". Other members became "soldiers".[5] Booth and the other soldiers in "God's Army" wore the Army's own uniform, for meetings and ministry work.

When William Booth became known as the General, Catherine became 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."[6]

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 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 and started working together with them.

Women's dormitories operated by The Salvation Army, Washington, D.C. c. 1920

The Salvation Army's main converts at first were alcoholics, morphine addicts, prostitutes, and other "undesirables" unwelcome in polite Christian society, which helped prompt the Booths to start their own church.[7] 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.[8] Other beliefs were that its members should completely refrain from drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco, taking illegal drugs, and gambling.[5]

As the Salvation Army grew rapidly in the late nineteenth 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 Salvationists.[9] 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.

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 Salvation Army today is one of the world's largest providers of social aid. In addition to community centers and disaster relief, the organization does work in refugee camps, especially among displaced people in Africa. The church remains a highly visible and sometimes controversial presence in many parts of the world.

Structure and organization

The worldwide expansion of Salvation army

The Salvation Army has a worldwide presence in over 120 countries. In 2016, Madagascar became the 128th country in which the Salvation Army has a recognized legal presence.[10]

For administrative purposes, the Salvation Army 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. Officers are given Marching Orders to 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 Salvation Army Headquarters in London

Its stated membership includes 26,675 officers, 1,056,722 soldiers, 378,811 Junior Soldiers, 108,786 other employees, and more than 4.5 million volunteers. The Salvation Army also includes 156,842 "adherents," people who do not make the commitment to be a soldier but who formally recognize The Salvation Army as their church.[11]

The International Congress of The Salvation Army is normally held every 10 years as a conference for all Salvationists from around the world to meet. The first such conference took place in London, UK, from May 28 to June 4, 1886. The seventh International Congress in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, from June 28 to July 2, 2000, was the first held outside of the UK. The latest International Congress was held in London, England on July 1–5, 2015, in commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of The Salvation Army's founding.[12]

Beliefs

A Salvation Army citadel (Corps) with a charity shop attached, in Worthing, West Sussex.

The Army's purposes 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."[5]

The beliefs of the Salvation Army rest upon these eleven doctrines:[13]

  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 believeth in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Messiah 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.
The William Booth Memorial Training College, Denmark Hill, London: The College for Officer Training of The Salvation Army in the UK

The denomination does not celebrate the Christian sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion; although its officers conduct marriages, it holds a traditional Protestant belief that marriage was not instituted by Christ and therefore is not a sacrament.

The Salvation Army opposes euthanasia and assisted suicide, although it believes strongly that all people deserve compassion and care in their suffering and dying.[14]

It is also against the death penalty because Salvationists believe in the sanctity of all human life and the hope of redemption through Christ for each human being, however wretched. Nevertheless, the administration acknowledges that the opinions of Salvationists are divided on the moral acceptability of capital punishment and its effectiveness as a deterrent.[15]

The Salvation Army is opposed to abortion:

The Salvation Army believes all people are created in the image of God and therefore have unique and intrinsic value. Human life is sacred and all people should be treated with dignity and respect. The Salvation Army accepts the moment of fertilisation as the start of human life. We believe that society has a responsibility to care for others, and especially to protect and promote the welfare of vulnerable people, including unborn children.[16]

The Salvation Army does make exceptions in cases such as rape and incest:

In addition, rape and incest are brutal acts of dominance violating women physically and emotionally. This situation represents a special case for the consideration of termination as the violation may be compounded by the continuation of the pregnancy.[16]

The Salvation Army published a statement on "Inclusion," following controversy over their position on homosexuality:

We oppose any discrimination, marginalisation or persecution of any person. We find no scriptural support for demeaning or mistreating anyone for any reason.[17]

The statement noted that the Salvation Army condemns homophobia, while accepting that "a diverse range of views on homosexuality may exist within The Salvation Army as among the wider Christian (and non-Christian) community."[17]

The ordination of women is permitted in the Salvation Army, in keeping with the founder's insistence on gender equality:

"I insist on the equality of women with men,” said our founder William Booth in 1908. “Every officer and soldier should insist upon the truth that woman is as important, as valuable, as capable and as necessary to the progress and happiness of the world as man.”[17]

Symbols

Red Shield

The Salvation Army red shield logo, displayed on the side of a night shelter in Geneva, Switzerland.

The red shield is the Salvation Army’s highly recognizable logo, used across the world: "The shield represents the ‘fight’ of life on a ‘spiritual battlefield’ and that God is a shield to protect and save us."[18]

The Red Shield has its origins in Salvation Army work during wartime. At the end of the nineteenth 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 front-line services. Today Salvation Army Red Shield Clubs continue to offer members of the Armed Forces a variety of services, ranging from attractive recreational facilities to family counseling.[19]

The Red Shield is widely used today as a simple, readily identifiable symbol in many Salvation Army settings.

Crest

Crest of The Salvation Army (Anglophone version)

The oldest official emblem of The Salvation Army is the crest.

In 1878 Captain W.H. Ebdon suggested a logo, 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:[20]

  • The sun represents the light and fire of the Holy Spirit
  • The cross of Jesus stands at the center of the crest and the faith of church members
  • The ‘S’ stands for salvation from sin
  • The swords represent the fight against sin
  • The shots (seven white dots) stand for the truths of the gospel
  • The crown speaks of God’s reward for His faithful people
  • “Blood and Fire” is the motto of The Salvation Army that describes the blood of Jesus shed on the cross to save all people and the fire of the Holy Spirit which purifies believers

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.

In 1880, George Scott-Railton wrote: "The use of flags has done more than anyone could have imagined to bind all our soldiers together and to encourage and develop the spirit of enterprise and resolution."[18]

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."[21]

The Salvation Army Dress Tartan

A navy blue serge uniform was introduced for both men and women. The men's high neck tunic had a stiff collar worn over a scarlet jersey; a cap with a red band was worn on the head. The women's version had long navy skirts and high neck tunics with white lace-edge collars; Catherine Booth introduced their bonnets. The uniform is still worn, although it has changed in style over the years.[18]

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.[22]

Services

Music playing

A Salvation Army band parade in Oxford, United Kingdom

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.[23]

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 became 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).[24]

The Salvation Army also fielded large concertina bands. From the beginning of the twentieth century to the Second World War between a third and a half of all Salvation Army officers in Britain played concertina. For an evangelist the concertina's portability, its ability to play both melody and chords, and most especially the fact that the player can sing or speak while playing, were all distinct advantages over brass instruments.[25]

Another significant musical feature of the Salvation Army is its use of tambourines. With colored ribbons representing the colors of the Salvation Army flag, timbrels play an integral facet of music in the Salvation army. They are mainly played by women.

The Army tradition in music is to use the popular idiom of the day to reach people for Jesus. Local corps usually sing contemporary worship music songs in Sunday worship services, as well as traditional hymns and music accompanied by the brass band.

Disaster relief

The Salvation Army, along with many other non-governmental relief agency disaster relief organizations, are members of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD).[26] The Salvation Army is officially recognized by federal, state, and local governments across the United States as a sanctioned disaster relief organization. Within the National Response Framework, it provides relief services to communities impacted by both natural and man-made disasters.

The Salvation Army's primary goals in disaster relief are to offer:

  • Material comfort
  • Physical comfort
  • Spiritual and Emotional comfort[27]

The Salvation Army's first major forays in the United States into disaster relief resulted from the devastation wrought by the Galveston Hurricane of 1900. National Commander Frederick Booth-Tucker mobilized Army officers from across the country into the Galveston area to help clean, feed, and shelter the thousands of survivors, while also providing much needed spiritual and emotional support. The 1906 San Francisco earthquake marked the first time The Salvation Army coordinated a major, nationwide fundraising effort in response to a disaster.[28] The Salvation Army was the first relief agency to reach Ground Zero at the World Trade Center site following the September 11 attacks in 2001, and in 2005 was active in responding to immediate needs of survivors following Hurricane Katrina.

The Salvation Army continues to work closely with local authorities to assist in responding to natural and man-made disasters wherever they occur throughout the world. For example, a full time presence in the region since the 1890s enabled The Salvation Army to be on the ground providing immediate disaster relief to affected individuals within hours of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

Thrift Stores and Charity Shops

Salvation Army Thrift Store, Santa Monica, CA

The Salvation Army is well known for its network of thrift stores or charity shops which raise money for its rehabilitation programs by selling donated used items such as clothing, housewares, and toys. Clothing collected by Salvation Army stores that are not sold on location are often sold wholesale on the global second hand clothing market.

Red Kettles

Red kettle at supermarket entrance, Ypsilanti, Michigan

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 passers-by to place donations inside red kettles. In the U.S. alone, over 25,000 volunteers with red kettles are stationed near retail stores during the weeks preceding Christmas for fundraising.[7]

This tradition began in California in 1891, when Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee placed a large, iron kettle at the Oakland Ferry Landing to collect donations to fund free Christmas dinners for the poor. The campaign was so successful that today the Salvation Army kettle donations feed several million people during the holiday season.[29]

Publications

  • "New Frontier Chronicle" - news and networking for The Salvation Army.[30]
  • "Caring Magazine" - curating conversation around issues of social concern.[31]
Edition of The War Cry, 6 August 1887
  • The War Cry newspaper, first published in 1879 in the United Kingdom.[32]
  • Faith & Friends magazine[33]
  • Salvationist magazine[34]
  • 'Young Salvationist magazine[35]
  • Pipeline, The Salvation Army's news, features and opinion magazine[36]

Notes

  1. ↑ The Salvation Army International – Founders' Day Celebrated as The Salvation Army Enters its 150th Year The Salvation Army, July 2, 2014. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Statistics The Salvation Army, January 1, 2015. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  3. ↑ William Bramwell Booth 1829–1912 His Life and Ministry – A Very Short Biography The Gospel Truth. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  4. ↑ Report on the records of the Salvation Army Historical Manuscripts Commission, November 2000. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Salvation Army BBC, July 30, 2009. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  6. ↑ History of The Salvation Army – Social Services of Greater New York The Salvation Army, 2006. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Sarah J. Cruz, An Enduring Mission Victorian Homes, 27(6) (December 2008): 68. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  8. ↑ Thomas F. Best (ed.), Baptism Today: Understanding, Practice, Ecumenical Implications (Liturgical Press, 2008, ISBN 978-0814662212).
  9. ↑ Glenn K. Horridge, The Salvation Army Origins and Early Days 1865–1900 (Ammonite Books, 1993, ISBN 978-1869866075).
  10. ↑ The Salvation Army in Madagascar is Inaugurated in Joyful Ceremony The Salvation Army, October 28, 2016. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
  11. ↑ Statistics The Salvation Army. Retrieved November 10, 2016.
  12. ↑ Boundless - The Salvation Army International Congress The Salvation Army. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
  13. ↑ The Doctrines of the Salvation Army, As set out in Schedule 1 of The Salvation Army Act 1980. The Salvation Army. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
  14. ↑ Positional Statement: Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide The Salvation Army. Retrieved November 10, 2016.
  15. ↑ Shaw Clifton, Strong Doctrine, Strong Mercy: A Salvationist Looks at Some Major Moral Questions of the late 20th Century (International Headquarters of the Salvation Army, 1985, ISBN 978-0854124718).
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 International Positional Statement: Abortion International Social Justice Commission, The Salvation Army, November 2010. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 Inclusion The Salvation Army. Retrieved November 7, 2016.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Symbols The Salvation Army. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  19. ↑ Doughnut! The Official Story Doughboy Center. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  20. ↑ Crest symbolism The Salvation Army. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  21. ↑ Our symbols The Salvation Army. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  22. ↑ Tartan Details - Salvation Army Dress The Scottish Register of Tartans. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  23. ↑ Ashley Seager, When was the first Salvation Army band created? The Salvation Army, May 14, 2014. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  24. ↑ About the ISS The Salvation Army. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  25. ↑ Salvation Army Concertina Bands concertina.info. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  26. ↑ National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Nvoad.org. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  27. ↑ The Salvation Army's Role in Emergency Disaster Services The Salvation Army. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  28. ↑ The Salvation Army Disaster Response History The Salvation Army. Retrieved November 8, 2016,
  29. ↑ Red Kettle History The Salvation Army. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  30. ↑ New Frontier Chronicle – The official news source of The Salvation Army Retrieved November 9, 2016.
  31. ↑ Caring Magazine Retrieved November 9, 2016.
  32. ↑ the War Cry Retrieved November 9, 2016.
  33. ↑ Faith & Friends Retrieved November 9, 2016.
  34. ↑ Salvationist Retrieved November 9, 2016.
  35. ↑ Young Salvationist Retrieved November 9, 2016.
  36. ↑ Pipeline Magazine Retrieved November 9, 2016.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Best, Thomas F. (ed.). Baptism Today: Understanding, Practice, Ecumenical Implications. Liturgical Press, 2008. ISBN 978-0814662212
  • Clifton, Shaw. Strong Doctrine, Strong Mercy: A Salvationist Looks at Some Major Moral Questions of the late 20th Century. International Headquarters of the Salvation Army, 1985. ISBN 978-0854124718
  • Eason, Andrew M., and Roger J. Green (eds.). Boundless Salvation: The Shorter Writings of William Booth. New York: Peter Lang, 2014. ISBN 978-1433127441
  • 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 978-0889204188
  • Gariepy, Henry. Christianity in Action: The History of the International Salvation Army. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2009. ISBN 978-0802848413
  • Horridge, Glenn K. The Salvation Army Origins and Early Days 1865–1900. Ammonite Books, 1993. ISBN 978-1869866075
  • Walker, Pamela J. Pulling the Devil's Kingdom Down: The Salvation Army in Victorian Britain. University of California Press, 2001. ISBN 978-0520225916
  • Winston, Diane. Red-Hot and Righteous: The Urban Religion of the Salvation Army. Harvard University Press, 2000. ISBN 978-0674003965

External links

All links retrieved April 30, 2023.

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