| History:
The Salvation Army is an integral part of the Christian Church,
although distinctive in government and practice. The Army’s doctrine
follows the mainstream of Christian belief and its articles of faith
emphasise God’s saving purposes. Its objects are ‘the advancement of
the Christian religion… of education, the relief of poverty, and
other charitable objects beneficial to society or the community of
mankind as a whole.’*
The movement, founded in 1865 by William Booth, has spread from
London, England, to many parts of the world.
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.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.
Raised to evangelise, the Army spontaneously embarked on schemes for
the social betterment of the poor. Such concerns have since
developed, wherever the Army operates, in practical, skilled and
cost-effective ways. Evolving social services meet endemic needs and
specific crises worldwide. Modern facilities and highly-trained
staff are employed.
Modern facilities and longer-term development is under continual
review. Increasingly the Army’s policy and its indigenous membership
allow it to cooperate with international relief agencies and
governments alike. The movement’s partnership with both private and
public philanthropy will continue to bring comfort to the needy,
while the proclamation of God’s redemptive love offers individuals
and communities the opportunity to enjoy a better life on earth and
a place in Christ’s everlasting Kingdom.
*Salvation Army Act 1980
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| Statement of
Beliefs: We believe that the Scriptures of
the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and
that they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian faith and
practice.
We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely
perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who
is the only proper object of religious worship.
We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead - the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and
co-equal in power and glory.
We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ the Divine and
human natures are united, so that He is truly and properly God and
truly and properly man.
We believe that our first parents were created in a state of
innocency, but by their disobedience, they lost their purity and
happiness, and that in consequence of their fall, all men have
become sinners, totally depraved, and as such are justly exposed to
the wrath of God.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has by His suffering
and death made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever
will may be saved.
We believe that repentance toward God, faith in our Lord
Jesus Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit are necessary to
salvation.
We believe that we are justified by grace through faith in
our Lord Jesus Christ and that he that believeth hath the witness in
himself.
We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends
upon continued obedient faith in Christ.
We believe that it is the privilege of all believers to be
wholly sanctified, and that their whole spirit and soul and body may
be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe in the immortality of the soul, the resurrection
of the body, in the general judgement at the end of the world, in
the eternal happiness of the righteous, and in the endless
punishment of the wicked. |