Part 120. High Council

Before the end of this month The Salvation Army High Council will have elected a new General. The new General will have serious issues to consider, decisions on which will have a major impact on the future direction of the Army. In some parts of the world the good news is that membership is growing. Set against this are territories where membership is in decline, officer recruitment is abysmal and corps are closing. Arresting this decline, never mind reversing it, has to be the key priority for the next General.

An allied issue is that of how inclusive the Army is. Whilst it welcomes all, opportunities for advancement may be denied on the basis of sexual orientation. Same sex partners and same sex marriage are bars to officership. Will the Army change its stance and its theology and doctrine? I sense in some territories a desire for change.  The problem is that opposition to change will come from the major financial generator, the USA, and from territories experiencing growth.

The Army is a force for good, helping and campaigning for the poor, discriminated and marginalised. Yet on issues of sexual orientation it is stuck in an outdated theological and doctrinal mindset.

I don't believe the next General will be handed a poisoned chalice, rather a conundrum, to which there is no clear solution, of how to avoid splitting up an international organisation.