Why I Now Oppose The Salvation Army [View All]

Though I never very impressed by churches or especially church charities, I did read Major Barbara at an impressionable age. With its fierce motto ("Blood and Fire"), its earnest bands, and helping the downcast without insisting that they first convert, I thought that perhaps not all charities were scams, like the United Way and the Red Cross. Like many others, I had relatives who had been given free coffee and doughnuts on the battlefield by Salvation Army workers, who put themselves in harm's way to comfort the soldiers, unlike the Red Cross workers who made sure they were good and safe when they sold their coffee and doughnuts.

In my hometown, the Salvation Army is where good musicians went to play in an excellent band, and where the chronically poor and those hit by misfortune alike could turn for real assistance with no preaching. Giving money to the Salvation Army was like buying a Buddy Poppy on Veteran's Day - something I wanted to and wished I could do more.

The Salvation Army has always been anti-choice, but only recently began being politically involved in anti-choice policies. I believe this is antithetical to the principles of service once so important to this organiztion.

The Salvation Army talks a good line about gay and lesbian issues:
http://www1.salvationarmy.org/can%5Cwww_can.nsf/0/6D015085D510E57F80256EA100723430?openDocument#gay

Position Statement on Gay & Lesbian Sexuality


The Salvation Army upholds the dignity of all persons. For this reason, and in obedience to the example of Jesus Christ, whose compassionate love is all-embracing, The Salvation Army does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in the delivery of its services.

The Salvation Army believes that God’s will for the expression of sexual intimacy is revealed in the Bible, and that living fully in accordance with biblical standards calls for chastity outside of heterosexual marriage and faithfulness within it. We do not believe that same-sex attraction is necessarily blameworthy and we oppose the vilification and mistreatment of gays and lesbians. We believe that we are accountable for the ways in which we express our sexuality. While recognizing the challenge that this presents, The Salvation Army believes firmly in the power of God’s grace to enable all to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him.

In keeping with our mission, we are committed to proclaiming the good news of salvation, the forgiveness of sins, and transformation by the Holy Spirit. We welcome all seekers of faith in Christ to explore Salvation Army church life.

Unlike the reproductive choice issue, the Salvation Army has decided to go against its own position statement in regard to gays and lesbians, and as with the choice issue, has violated its founding principles by becoming politically involved in denying basic human rights.

No doubt the Salvation Army still does some good work, but by working against reproductive and gay rights, all they are doing is assuring that more and more people will be in need of their assistance in their shelters and pantries. So for the past few years, my hands have remained in my pockets when I see the bright red kettles with the ringing bells. So should yours.