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WHEN CHURCHES JOIN - 6. General Documents

Local Ecumenism Information Kit
- Developed by the Local Ecumenism Working Group, NSW Ecumenical Council, October 2000
Phone (02) 9299 2215 for more information.

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Appendix 2. Understanding the Member Churches of the NSW Ecumenical Council

2.8 The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is an international multi-cultural Christian community, which combines joyous religious faith with practical world-wide social service.

How it began …
The Salvation Army was founded in the slums of London by a former Methodist minister, William Booth, who wanted to make the church more accessible to the poor.

The name "The Salvation Army" was adopted in 1878, and since then the Army's structure has been based on military lines.

The Army's leader is called the General. Ordained ministers are called Officers, and members are called Soldiers. Parishes are called Corps, and Meetings (Services) are held in a Citadel (church).

Mission Statement of The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical branch of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible; its ministry motivated by love for God.

This mission is both spiritual and practical, encompassing the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ and alleviating human suffering and distress without discrimination.

What do Salvationists believe?
The faith of the Salvationist is often described as being in "the mainstream of Christian faith".

There are eleven doctrines of The Salvation Army, which are the basis of its belief and teaching. They support the belief that there is only one God, Creator and Governor of all things; and that the Bible is the inspired word of God.

Briefly, the eleven doctrines deal with: The Bible - inspired word of God; God; The Trinity (God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit); Jesus Christ as divine and human; Sin from the beginning of time; The atoning work of Jesus; Repentance for salvation; Justification by faith; A continuing faith; Holiness; and Eternal reward or punishment.

Who are Salvationists?
Salvationists come from all sections of society and all parts of the world.

To become a Soldier in The Salvation Army a person must have a stated belief in God, accept the salvation of Jesus Christ and acknowledge the gift of the Holy Spirit. Members must also accept and believe the Doctrines of The Salvation Army. They must actively support the principles and work of The Salvation Army and abstain from the use of intoxicating liquor, tobacco and the non-medical use of drugs.

Because the Army founder, William Booth, was concerned for both the spiritual and temporal welfare of others, The Salvation Army has always included social services as a major part of its ministry. "With heart to God and hand to man" is a well known Army motto and part of its basic approach to its work and service.

Those interested in joining The Salvation Army will first become a Recruit and then, after a course of instruction, may be enrolled as a Soldier.

The Salvation Army in Australia
On 5th September 1880, Edward Saunders and John Gore led the first Salvation Army meeting from the tailgate of a greengrocer's cart in Adelaide's Botanic Park. When Gore said, "If there is a man here who hasn't had a square meal today, let him come home to tea with me", he was identifying the Army's concern for both a person's soul and body.

The Salvation Army in Australia is divided into two territories: Eastern and Southern. Membership of the NSW Ecumenical Council is through the Eastern Territory, which has five Regional Divisions in NSW/ACT.

Canberra also houses the National Secretariat serving the whole of Australia. This was established and funded by both Territories in 1987. The National Secretariat addresses issues of spiritual, moral, ethical and social welfare by means of written submissions, personal dialogue with parliamentarians and attendance at local forums. So The Salvation Army continues to develop its strong working relationship with both government and non-government organisations for the benefit of communities.