Does the salvation army oppose gay rights
A few years back, we were asked about the current relationship between our communities and the Salvation Army. As you perceive, the Army organised the infamous petition against lgbtq+ law reform in the s, an act which damaged relations for many years, so that many gay people still experience unable to contribute to the SA’s fundraising endeavors. So the Board wrote to them. After considerable discussion, the following mutual statement was written in
RAINBOW WELLINGTON AND THE SALVATION ARMY REACH A RAPPROCHEMENT:
A SIGNIFICANT STEP FORWARD
“A very significant step forward and an crucial building block for the future”, is how Tony Simpson, Chair of the Wellington based gay, womxn loving womxn and related groups human rights organisation Rainbow Wellington, and Campbell Roberts, chief of The Salvation Army’s Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit, described jointly issued statements of the two groups made public today.
For the past year, both groups have been considering future perspectives on their relationship.
“This initially arose” says Simpson, “because our board was discussing the role of
LGBT Statement
The accompanying statement is The Salvation Army Northern Division’s response to false accusations claiming that The Salvation Army discriminates against the LGBT people and pays lobbyists to fight against their interests.
- The Salvation Army is open and inclusive to all people. Anyone who comes through our doors will receive aid based on their need and our capacity to assist. We annually attend around 30 million Americans from a variety of backgrounds – we complete not pick and choose who we serve based on religion, sexual orientation or any other factor. This pledge to serve goes to the core of our opinions as laid out in our organizational Mission Statement: “The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His specify without discrimination.”
- Any instance of discrimination is in direct disagreement to our core beliefs and is against all of our polic
Conversion therapy
The Salvation Army aims to be open, hospitable and welcoming to everyone.
In the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, The Salvation Army is made up of thousands of people who worship, work, volunteer, donate and serve together every week. This includes many people who are LGBT+.
We believe everyone is created in the image of God and as such is deeply valued. We welcome and serve people regardless of sexual orientation or gender self, race, religion or ethnicity. Our employment practices are non-discriminatory and we seek to create welcoming, nurturing work environments.
The Salvation Army stands against homophobia and transphobia and aims to be an inclusive church where LGBT+ people find the welcome and encouragement to develop their relationship with God. Like many other Christian churches, we have much to learn from LGBT+ people and are encouraging conversations and dialogue.
We recognise the harm done to people by conversion therapy. While there are various definitions of conversion therapy in the medical, mental-health and social-work professio
Serving all people without discrimination
Deceptive social media posts, blogs, and rumors hold led some people to believe that The Salvation Army does not assist members of the LGBTQ community.
These accusations are false. Discrimination is antithetical to The Salvation Army’s existence. We serve regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. We are committed to serving the LGBTQ community through a wide range of programs.
The Salvation Army does not discriminate in its employment practices, either. Although The Salvation Army is an evangelical Christian church whose officers are ordained ministers, one does not otherwise possess to be a practicing Christian to work for us. We embrace employees of many different faiths and orientations.
False accusations of discrimination are an ugly byproduct of The Salvation Army creature one of the largest charities in the nature. Every so often, one of our thousands of employees or millions of volunteers will say or do something that runs counter to our beliefs. When these