Part 238. Towards full inclusion?

A senior officer at the territorial headquarters posted on a Facebook page that The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom & Ireland Territory is very much influenced by the charismatic and conservative evangelical wings of the Church of England.  Given the current shenanigans in the Church of England (and also in the Anglican Communion) on inclusion issues this does not bode well for any significant change in the stance of the Army on LBGTQ+ inclusion. 

However, some are of the opinion that the following statements may be indicative of change.  

Accountability and tranparency must be at the centre of our service and our leadership. In the world in which we live, and across the Army, the issues of culture and the way we do things must surrender to God’s way for his followers, especially those he has called to lead the Army and its people.

General Lyndon Buckingham.

The question that shouts out is: how do we define God's way? A theological minefield. The General is either signalling no change from the fundamentalist evangelical approach, or it is the precursor to a significant shift to a progressive stance. Either stance will be welcomed by some within the Army.

We both feel strongly about equality, which we hope is demonstrated by our leadership style. Equality, diversity and inclusion are very important to us both.This needs to be preached and lived out.

UK & I Territorial Leaders Jenine and Paul Main 

Is this an indication that fundamental change is afoot? One would like to think so, but I have my doubts. There may be tinkering at the edges. 

The Belonging and Believing conference in early March may test the waters as to the extent of demand for change.  A poor showing by the proponents of inclusion will be seized on by its opponents as a justification for no change. In my opinion that would be a disaster, not only for LBGTQ+ individuals, but also  for the Army's long-term survival in the UK.  

Edit.  

It has been suggested that the General's statement (a stand-alone  item on his Facebook page) concerns financial administration and management of resources being operated in a unified way across the Army. I agree it is a plausible interpretation. The statement ironically is opaque.