Part 49. Full inclusion (again)

The Salvation Army (TSA) is a Christian organisation. I joined as an Adherent nearly ten years ago as I admired the work it undertakes to bring practical help and support to the most needy in society. It is love in action. I argue that although its focus is on direct support at point of need, it should do much much more campaigning on policies to tackle the causes rather than the symptoms of poverty, marginalisation and deprivation. Continually repairing damaged broken lives is laudable but Christians have a duty to promote radical change to deliver the Gospel message of a positive option for the poor.

One issue dominating discussion within TSA is that of exclusion on the grounds of sexual orientation. The most contentious issue is the exclusion of gay individuals from soldiership and officership and certainly not if in a same sex stable relationship.  

The exclusionist argument runs along the lines that a same sex relationship is condemned in scripture and in any event is against TSA doctrine (a dubious proposition) which a soldier is required to adhere to.

The inclusionist view is that the exclusionist reading of scripture is incorrect: a matter considered in earlier posts. As to doctrine,  well change it if needs be is the simple answer.

I can understand why a deeply conservative traditional body such as the Roman Catholic Church retains an exclusionist stance and also why this is the case with extreme Protestant churches such as the Bretheren.

How did TSA get into this mess of its own making? TSA started as a radical offshoot of the Methodist Church which in its turn was an offshoot of the Church of England. 

From the outset TSA had female soldiers and officers and biblical injunctions against women speaking in churches were dismissed. So, if women are included, why not gay people?

TSA is an international organisation with branches (known as territories). The territories are not independent organisations and in theory cannot take unilateral action. The Anglican Communion is a collection of independent church organisations and they can and do take unilateral decisions. Thus the USA church has gay women bishops and gay male bishops in same sex marriages. Such developments are anathema to African Anglican church organisations.

Pressure is building for change in TSA's stance and it may only be a matter of time before some territories decide to act independently of the international organisation and become fully inclusive.

Whatever does happen will cause pain for either the exclusionists or inclusionists and may lead to a restructuring along the lines of the Anglican Communion. The one thing we may be sure of is that some change will come either in doctrine,  organisation or both. The question is when? It won't be soon.