Depending on where you are in the world your experience of the Salvation Army will be different; those in America will have spotted the red kettles and bell ringers appearing, in the UK it will be brass bands, Christmas carols and concerts, less public perhaps will be Christmas toy appeals, soup kitchens, lifehouses etc while caroling last week I repeatedly heard the phrase: 'it's not Christmas until you've seen the Salvation Army'.
But is that all we are, a Christmas movement?...I say not a chance; just this week some parts of the UK have seen some of the worst rainfall in many years and towns have been flooded; emergency services have risen to the challenge...but in the background serving their communities and these emergency services, providing support is the Army... Again while caroling I spoke to people who many years ago found themselves in need of help and someone who is currently being helped by the Army and both were linked by a common sense of gratitude.
An imperfect Army
Before I get carried away, I will say that the Army is far from perfect, because unfortunately, it's populated by imperfect human beings like me, who will fall and fail, but by the grace of God we will carry on...sometimes we must seem weird and old fashioned, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.
But is that all we are, a Christmas movement?...I say not a chance; just this week some parts of the UK have seen some of the worst rainfall in many years and towns have been flooded; emergency services have risen to the challenge...but in the background serving their communities and these emergency services, providing support is the Army... Again while caroling I spoke to people who many years ago found themselves in need of help and someone who is currently being helped by the Army and both were linked by a common sense of gratitude.
An imperfect Army
Before I get carried away, I will say that the Army is far from perfect, because unfortunately, it's populated by imperfect human beings like me, who will fall and fail, but by the grace of God we will carry on...sometimes we must seem weird and old fashioned, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.
One of the criticisms that the Army faces is it's attitude towards members of the LGBT+ community. So I thought it was important to take a moment to try and address that.
To start with here's the international mission statement of the Salvation Army:
"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 name without discrimination."
The mission statement is very clear and concise and confirms that we aim to meet social needs without discrimination. What does muddy the waters a little bit, is that lots of people don't realise that the Salvation Army operates almost as 2 distinct organisations...the Church side is very much like any other Church in the way it's organised, it based around protestant theology and attitudes/practices albeit with our own 'branding' and 'style' for want of better words...there has been issues around the acceptance of the LGBT+ community as full members, clergy etc and although we have made strides in inclusion, we're not there yet...of course no one is forbidden or discouraged from attending because of their sexuality...at least not on ideological grounds, I do accept that individual members and ministers may hold and display discriminatory views, but that attitude is not sanctioned by the Salvation Army's mission statement, official practices or theology, we have always been a Church for the 'whosoever'. But again I recognise that discrimination unfortunately does still happen within the Church.
The second side of the Salvation Army is the social services side... sometimes the Church and social services sides are referred to as two wings of the same bird...but, although they complement and support each other, they are quite different. The social services side is responsible for 'lifehouses' (hostels), charity shops, soup kitchens etc. This is the practical side of service, helping the homeless etc... discrimination from this side, again does happen, although not in my experience, but I will accept my experience is limited. Official guidelines are totally against discrimination of any kind, and any such discrimination is totally against policy, and ideology, as an organisation officially, and in the vast majority of instances we do not discriminate when help is required. Again, I recognise that discrimination happens, and I'm appalled, saddened and angry about it, and I'm truly sorry for those that have fallen short of the standards of the Salvation Army and more importantly God's standards. But this is the individual or location that discriminates and needs to be challenged, corrected and if necessary punished at that level, and in that location. Please don't tar all of us as an organisation, with how these misguided individuals behave.
Beyond Christmas
The Army is far more than just a Christmas distraction...as a Christian Church and organisation we aim to take the love of God with us wherever and whenever we go, and this applies to all Christian denominations.
We all seem to come out of the woodwork at this time of year... We have our carol services and other events and try and capitalise on 'Christmas spirit' but the truth is, we should be doing this all year round; it almost seems like we hibernate from January until November... Now I know this isn't true, Christians and Churches around the world are active 24/7, it seems though that this time of year is the only time we have 'permission' to be Christians. Maybe take the time to contact your local Church, or minister. Or visit their websites and I'm sure you'll be surprised just how much the Church as a whole makes a difference to their local communities and the world as a whole...not just at Christmas but 365 days a year.So please remember that despite mistakes, failures and weaknesses, we stand with the rest of the Church against injustice and hatred in a fallen world. We all, as Christians, carry with us the love and power of God so please keep in mind that: Anglican's, Roman Catholics, Baptists, Methodists and of course Salvationists as well as every other denomination and Christian fellowship which there isn't space to mention; are for life, not just fpor Christmas!
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Disclaimer: the opinions and comments expressed in this blog are personal and do not necessarily represent the views and policies of the Salvation Army
Good blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks Colin :-)
DeleteA few typos which I've hopefully now dealt with :-)