The Salvation Army within the Body of Christ

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church with its own distinctive governance and practice. Its doctrine follows the mainstream of Christian belief and its articles of faith emphasise God’s saving purposes.

The Salvation Army in the Body of Christ is an ecclesiological statement published by Salvation Books, International Headquarters. In his foreword General Clifton says of this short publication: ‘It will be especially useful to those of us who are actively engaged in ecumenical relations and can readily be shared with others beyond our ranks if this will be an aid to mutual understanding. The Statement is not intended to say new things, but its purpose is to clarify and consolidate present global thinking on our identity within the wider Body of Christ.’

The Salvation Army in the Body of Christ – an Ecclesiological Statement

A statement issued by the International Headquarters of The Salvation Army by authority of the General, in consultation with the International Doctrine Council and the International Management Council

Mission

The Mission 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.

History

The Salvation Army began in 1865 when William Booth, a London minister, gave up the comfort of his pulpit and decided to take his message into the streets where it would reach the poor, the homeless, the hungry and the destitute.

His original aim was to send converts to established churches of the day, but soon he realized that the poor did not feel comfortable or welcome in the pews of most of the churches and chapels of Victorian England. Regular churchgoers were appalled when these shabbily dressed, unwashed people came to join them in worship.

Booth decided to found a church especially for them — the East London Christian Mission. The mission grew slowly, but Booth’s faith in God remained undiminished.

In May of 1878, Booth summoned his son, Bramwell, and his good friend George Railton to read a proof of the Christian Mission’s annual report. At the top it read: THE CHRISTIAN MISSION is A VOLUNTEER ARMY. Bramwell strongly objected to this wording. He was not a volunteer: he was compelled to do God’s work. So, in a flash of inspiration, Booth crossed out “Volunteer” and wrote “Salvation”. The Salvation Army was born.*

*By the 1900s, the Army had spread around the world. The Salvation Army soon had officers and soldiers in 36 countries, including the United States of America. This well-organized yet flexible structure inspired a great many much-needed services: women’s social work, the first food depot, the first day nursery and the first Salvation Army missionary hospital. During World War II, The Salvation Army operated 3,000 service units for the armed forces, which led to the formation of the USO.

Today, The Salvation Army is stronger and more powerful than ever. Now, in over 131 nations around the world, The Salvation Army continues to work where the need is greatest, guided by faith in God and love for all people.

Blood and Fire

Blood & Fire is the incredible story of William and Catherine Booth and the founding of The Salvation Army, brought to life through a wonderful journey in sound and drama in a three-CD, nine-episode audio drama series. Commencing at the funeral of William Booth, this high quality production looks back at The Army’s humble and courageous beginnings. It is the first production of Battlefield Media, a production house dedicated to stimulating people’s imaginations and their interest in the world’s real heroes.

(Note: Battlefield Media is not affiliated with The Salvation Army.)

Other recent books about the beginnings of The Salvation Army

William and Catherine Booth
by Helen Kooiman Hosier (Paperback – May 1999)

Travel with William Booth: Founder and First General of the Salvation Army
by Jim Winter (Paperback – January 2003)

God’s Army: The Story of the Salvation Army
by Stephen Brook (Hardcover – December 4, 1998)

Blood & Fire : William and Catherine Booth and their Salvation Army
by Roy Hattersley (Hardcover – 2002)

William & Catherine: The Life and Legacy of the Booths, Founders of the Salvation Army: A New Biography
by Trevor Yaxley (Hardcover – April 2003)