The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church with its own distinctive governance and practice. Its doctrine follows the mainstream of Christian belief and its articles of faith emphasise God’s saving purposes. The Salvation Army operates in 134 countries.
General William Booth & Army Mother Catherine Booth
HISTORY
The Salvation Army, founded in 1864 by William and Catherine Booth. The Salvation Army began life in as 'East London Christian Mission', a small, local evangelical movement that sought to bring the gospel to the poor of east London. It can trace its origin to Blind Begger Tavern. From 1869, the movement gathered momentum and began opening stations outside of London, also the movement spread from London, England to many parts of the world.
Crest of the Salvation Army
The rapid deployment of the first Salvationists was aided by the adoption of a quasi-military command structure in 1878 when the title, ‘The Salvation Army’, was brought into use. A similarly practical organisation today enables resources to be equally flexible. Responding to a recurrent theme in Christianity which sees the Church engaged in spiritual warfare, the Army has used to advantage certain soldierly features such as uniforms, flags and ranks to identify, inspire and regulate its endeavours. Evangelistic and social enterprises are maintained, under the authority of the General, by full-time officers and employees, as well as soldiers who give service in their free time. The Army also benefits from the support of many adherents and friends, including those who serve on advisory boards. Leadership in the Army is provided by commissioned officers who are recognised ministers of religion.
William and Catherine Booth ministering in a street meeting
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. 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. Other beliefs are that its members should completely refrain from drinking alcohol (Holy Communion is not practised), smoking, taking illegal drugs, and gambling. Its soldiers wear a uniform tailored to the country in which they work; the uniform can be white, grey, navy, or fawn and are even styled like a sari in some areas. Any member of the public is welcome to attend their meetings.
All Salvationists accept a disciplined and compassionate life of high moral standards which includes abstinence from alcohol and tobacco. From its earliest days the Army has accorded women equal opportunities, every rank and service being open to them and from childhood the young are encouraged to love and serve God. Leadership in the Army is provided by commissioned officers who are recognised ministers of religion. The Salvation Army is the largest non-government provider of social services in the United States and one of the largest in the world. The Salvation Army is currently led by General Lyndon Buckingham, who took office on 3 August 2023.