Part 181. Social Justice and The Salvation Army.

The Salvationist last week carried an article on the vicissitudes of The Salvation Army's approach to campaigning on social justice issues: issues concerning poverty, deprivation, discrimination and marginalisation. In many areas TSA provides support in a variety of forms and settings. In some cases the Army acts alone but increasingly it is working in collaboration or even in formal partnerships with other faith groups, the voluntary sector, commercial organisations and the public sector. All commendable and much needed provision, but not without its problems.

A major problem for partnerships can be the unequal strength of the parties. This is the case particularly when one party is totally reliant on another party to supply funding. Local authorities are under great financial stress and are ending discretionary activities to concentrate on statutory obligations. From their position local authorities can dictate the terms of agreements and will use tendering to drive down costs.  The voluntary sector in its chase for funding has permitted statutory organisations to determine the structure and cost of organisations it contracts with.  A further problem is that such relationships make it very difficult to campaign for change. You cannot go around biting the hand that feeds you.

The major issue with ambulance work as supporting the needy is called often is that there is a never-ending conveyor belt of individuals requiring assistance.  As Desmond Tutu said we must stop fishing people out of the water by going upstream, finding out why they are falling in and putting a stop to it.  TSA knows only too well why it has to assist individuals, it is well versed in understanding the causes of poverty, deprivation, marginalisation and discrimination. It does not have the structure or skills to mount effective campaigns. Hopefully TSA in my home Territory will seek to remedy this although I am not confident it will.  The shambles surrounding my application to become a Social Justice Champion doubtless colours my opinion.

The Army must look at its position regarding gay individuals becoming officers. Currently they cannot, based on discredited fundamentalist theology. It is a disgrace that this discrimination exists.