View source for The Salvation Army

{{Short description|Protestant Methodist Evangelical church and charitable organization}}
<!--The Salvation Army identifies itself first and foremost as a church, which happens to be one of the largest world charities. Please DO NOT CHANGE anything to reflect otherwise.-->
{{for-multi|the album|The Salvation Army (album){{!}}''The Salvation Army'' (album)|the film|Salvation Army (film){{!}}''Salvation Army'' (film)}}
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{{Use British English |date=December 2020}}
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{{Infobox Christian denomination
|name = The Salvation Army
|image = The Salvation Army.svg
|structure = [[Military rank]]–based [[Command hierarchy|chain of command]]
|main_classification = [[Protestantism|Protestant]]
|scripture = [[Protestant Bible]]
|orientation = [[Methodism|Methodist]]
|theology = [[Holiness movement|Wesleyan-Holiness]]
|leader_title = [[General of The Salvation Army|General]]
|leader_name = [[Lyndon Buckingham]]
|associations=[[National Association of Evangelicals]]
[[Wesleyan Holiness Connection]]
[[Christian Churches Together]]|area = Worldwide
|headquarters = [[International Headquarters of The Salvation Army|IHQ]], [[London]], {{postcode|EC|4V}}<br />United Kingdom
|founder = {{ubl|[[William Booth]]|[[Catherine Booth]]}}{{r|Salvationists|p=21}}
|founded_date = {{start date and age|1865|7|2|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/news/inr020714|title=The Salvation Army International – Founders' Day Celebrated as The Salvation Army Enters its 150th Year|work=salvationarmy.org|access-date=14 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151051/http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/news/inr020714|archive-date=2 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
|founded_place = London
|separated_from = [[Methodism]]<!--DO NOT CHANGE TO METHODIST REFORM CHURCH. The Salvation Army's founders were part of the Methodist Reform Church until its dissolution in 1857, but the Salvation Army itself broke from traditional Methodism in 1865-->{{r|Salvationists|p=21}}
|separations = [[American Rescue Workers]] (1882)<br />[[Associated Gospel Churches]] (1892)<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Draper |first1=Kenneth L. |title=A People s Religion: P. W. Philpott and the Hamilton Christian Workers Church |journal=Social History |date=1 May 2003 |volume=36 |issue=71 |page=106 |url=https://hssh.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/hssh/article/view/4438 |access-date=13 July 2025}}</ref> <br/>[[Volunteers of America]] (1896)
|congregations = 15,409<ref name="stats"/>
|members = 1.65 million<ref name="stats"/>
|ministers = 26,359<ref name="stats"/>
|other_names = East London Christian Mission (formerly){{r|Salvationists|p=21}}
|website = {{URL|salvationarmy.org}}
}}
{{The Salvation Army|sp=uk}}
'''The Salvation Army''' is a [[Protestantism|Protestant Christian]] church and an international [[charitable organisation]] founded and headquartered in [[London]], England. It is aligned with the [[Wesleyan-Holiness movement]]. The organisation reports a worldwide membership of over 1.7{{Nbsp|1}}million,<ref name="stats">{{cite web |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/statistics |title=Statistics |access-date=29 March 2018 |publisher=The Salvation Army International |year=2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314174058/https://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/statistics |archive-date=14 March 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> consisting of soldiers, officers, and adherents who are collectively known as salvationists. Its founders sought to bring [[Salvation in Christianity|salvation]] to the poor, destitute, and hungry by meeting both their "physical and spiritual needs". It is present in 133 countries,<ref name="128 countries">{{cite web |title=The Salvation Army International - Statistics |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/statistics |publisher=The Salvation Army |access-date=10 March 2021 |date=10 March 2021 |quote=The Salvation Army is officially at work in 133 countries. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624063944/http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/news/inr281016 |archive-date=24 June 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> running [[charity shop]]s, operating [[homeless shelter|shelters]] for the [[homelessness|homeless]], and [[disaster relief]] and [[humanitarian aid]] to [[developing countries]].

The [[Wesleyan theology|theology of the Salvation Army]] derives from [[Methodism]], although it differs in institution and practice; an example is that the Salvation Army does not observe [[sacrament]]s. As with other denominations in the Holiness Methodist tradition, the Salvation Army lays emphasis on the [[Born again#Methodism|New Birth]] (first work of grace) and [[entire sanctification]] (second work of grace).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Harvester |first1=Christian |title=Is it a Definite Work? |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/sites/default/files/resources/2022-01/The%20Salvationist%2C%20September%201879%2C%20pp225-252.pdf |publisher=The Salvation Army |access-date=7 May 2024 |date=1 September 1879}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Ury |first1=Bill |title=The Army's Whole Gospel of Holiness |url=https://salarmycentral.org/blog/2022/02/07/the-armys-whole-gospel-of-holiness/ |access-date=7 May 2024 |date=7 February 2022}}</ref> A distinctive characteristic of the Salvation Army is its use of titles derived from [[military rank]]s, such as "[[lieutenant]]" or "[[Major (rank)|major]]". The Army's [[#Beliefs|doctrine]] is aligned with the [[Wesleyan theology|Wesleyan–Arminian]] tradition, particularly the [[holiness movement]]. The Army's purposes are "the advancement of the Christian religion... of education, the relief of poverty, and other charitable objects beneficial to society or the community of mankind as a whole".<ref>{{cite news |title=Salvation Army |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/subdivisions/salvationarmy_1.shtml |access-date=24 April 2011 |work=BBC |date=30 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100812043438/http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/subdivisions/salvationarmy_1.shtml |archive-date=12 August 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The Salvation Army was founded in 1865 as the "East London Christian Mission" in London by one-time Methodist preacher [[William Booth]] and his wife [[Catherine Booth|Catherine]]. It can trace its origins to [[the Blind Beggar]] Tavern. In 1878, Booth reorganised the mission, becoming its first [[General of The Salvation Army|general]] and introducing the military structure, which it has retained as a matter of tradition.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra/lists/gb-2133-sa.htm |title=Report on the records of the Salvation Army |website=nationalarchives.gov.uk |access-date=11 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522185719/http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra/lists/gb-2133-sa.htm |archive-date=22 May 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Salvation Army's highest priority is its Christian principles. {{As of|2023}} the international leader and [[chief executive officer]] (CEO) of The Salvation Army is General [[Lyndon Buckingham]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/thegeneral |title=General Lyndon Buckingham |access-date=10 July 2024 |publisher=The Salvation Army International}}</ref>

The Salvation Army is the largest non-government provider of social services in the United States and one of the largest in the world,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=Salvation Army Overview |url=https://www.yu.edu/sites/default/files/inline-files/SArmyAd_42022.pdf |website=yu.edu |publisher=Yeshiva University}}</ref> with expenditures including operating costs of US$3.6 billion in 2022, assisting more than 32 million people in the U.S. alone.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=Salvation Army |url=https://www.forbes.com/companies/salvation-army/?sh=145011d7cb57 |website=forbes.com}}</ref> In addition to funding feeding centres, homeless shelters, [[Drug rehabilitation|rehabilitation centres]], [[community centre]]s, and disaster relief, the organisation also establishes [[refugee camp]]s, especially among displaced people in Africa. In the [[United Kingdom]], the Salvation Army is no longer the largest non-governmental provider of social services; however, it still provides a significant service to people in need. The Salvation Army is the sixth largest charity in the [[United States]], with a total revenue of $4.78B in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The 100 Largest U.S. Charities |url=https://www.forbes.com/lists/top-charities/ |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250524151355/https://www.forbes.com/lists/top-charities/ |access-date=26 May 2025 |website=Forbes |archive-date=24 May 2025 }}</ref> It is a member of many national [[interdenominational]] groups, including the American organisation [[Christian Churches Together]].<ref>{{cite web |title=christianchurchestogether |url=http://christianchurchestogether.org/participant-churches-and-organizations |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180403173707/http://christianchurchestogether.org/participant-churches-and-organizations/ |archive-date=3 April 2018 |access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref>

==Ministers==
{{no sources section|date=November 2025}}
{{main|Officer (The Salvation Army)}}
The Salvation Army refers to its ministers as "officers". When they are acting in their official capacities, they can often be recognised by the colour-coded [[epaulette]]s on their white uniform dress shirts. The epaulettes have the letter "[[S]]" embroidered on them in white. Officer ranks include Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Commissioner, and General. Promotion in rank from Lieutenant to Major depends primarily on years of service.

Officers are given Marching Orders to change ministries within the Salvation Army. Usually, officers are given new marching orders every two to five years and reassigned to different posts, sometimes moving great distances.

The Salvation Army permits the [[ordination of women]]. Salvation Army officers were previously allowed to marry only other officers (this rule varied in different countries); but this rule has been relaxed in recent years. Husbands and wives usually share the same rank and have the same or similar assignments. Such officer-couples are assigned together to act as co-[[pastor]]s and to administer corps, Adult Rehabilitation Centres, and such.

==Facilities==
{{Category see also|Salvation Army buildings}}

===Churches===
The Army has churches throughout the world, known as [[Salvation Army corps]]. These serve as churches and community centres. Traditionally, many corps buildings are also called temples or citadels.

===Thrift stores and charity shops===
[[File:Salvation Army Thrift Store, Santa Monica, CA.JPG|thumb|The Salvation Army Family Thrift Store in [[Santa Monica, California]], United States]]
[[File:SalvationArmyThriftStoreRichmondHill.jpg|thumb|The Salvation Army Thrift Store in [[Richmond Hill, Ontario]]]]
[[File:Salvation Army, Eastfield.jpg|thumb|The Salvation Army in [[Eastfield, South Lanarkshire]], Scotland]]
The Salvation Army is well known for its network of [[thrift store]]s or charity shops—colloquially referred to as "Sally Army" shop's in the United Kingdom and "the Sally Ann" in Canada and the United States, "Salvos Stores" in Australia, and "Sally's" in New Zealand—which raise money for its rehabilitation programs by selling donated used items such as clothing, housewares, and toys. Clothing collected by Salvation Army stores that is not sold on location is often sold wholesale on the [[Global trade of secondhand clothing|global secondhand clothing market]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/charity-shops |title=Charity shops |publisher=Salvation Army |access-date=31 October 2025}}</ref>

[[File:Salvos Mordi store.jpg|thumb|Salvation Army store in [[Victoria, Australia]]]]
The Salvation Army's fundraising shops in the United Kingdom participated in the UK government's [[Work Programme]], a [[Workfare in the United Kingdom|workfare]] programme in which benefit claimants had to work for no compensation for 20 to 40 hours per week over periods as long as six months.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?page_id=16 |title=Workfare providers |date=31 March 2011 |work=boycottworkfare.org |access-date=14 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402110331/http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?page_id=16 |archive-date=2 April 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.christiantoday.com/article/salvation.army.defends.unpaid.work.placements.as.protesters.picket.headquarters/53418.htm |title=Salvation Army defends unpaid work placements as protesters picket headquarters – Christian News on Christian Today |work=christiantoday.com |access-date=26 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815181352/http://www.christiantoday.com/article/salvation.army.defends.unpaid.work.placements.as.protesters.picket.headquarters/53418.htm |archive-date=15 August 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/governance/news/content/17258/boycott_workfare_protests_against_charities_involved_in_unpaid_work_schemes |title=Charity governance and trustee news – Boycott Workfare protests against charities involved in unpaid work schemes |work=civilsociety.co.uk |access-date=26 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406220915/http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/governance/news/content/17258/boycott_workfare_protests_against_charities_involved_in_unpaid_work_schemes |archive-date=6 April 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/mar/19/workfare-godliness-christian-charities |title=Is workfare close to godliness? Some Christian charities seem to believe so – Sarah Ditum |first=Sarah |last=Ditum |date=19 March 2013 |website=theguardian.com |access-date=13 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161218145136/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/mar/19/workfare-godliness-christian-charities |archive-date=18 December 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

When people buy items at Salvation Army thrift stores, part of the proceeds go toward The Salvation Army's emergency relief efforts and programs.<ref name="Thrift Store">{{Cite web |url=https://www.thriftstore.ca/british-columbia/salvation-army-thrift-store-faqs|title=Salvation Army thrift store – FAQs |work=Thrift Store |access-date=3 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623032756/https://www.thriftstore.ca/british-columbia/salvation-army-thrift-store-faqs |archive-date=23 June 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Textile items not sold are [[Textile recycling|recycled]] and turned into other items such as carpet underlay.<ref name="Thrift Store"/> The Salvation Army also helps their employees by hiring felons, depending on the circumstances, because they believe in giving people second chances.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://helpforfelons.org/second-chance-jobs-for-felons/ |title=Second Chance Jobs For Felons |work=Help For Felons |access-date=25 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620115400/http://www.helpforfelons.org/second-chance-jobs-for-felons/ |archive-date=20 June 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Adult Rehabilitation Centres===
Some Salvation Army locations are associated with an Adult Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) in which men and women make a six-month rehabilitation commitment to live and work at the ARC residence. They are unpaid, but provided with room and board. Many ARCs are male-only. The program is primarily to combat addiction. Residents work at the warehouse, store, or residence. This is referred to as "work therapy". They attend classes, [[twelve-step program]]s, and chapel services as a part of their rehabilitation. The Army advertises these programs on their collection trucks with the slogan "Doing the Most Good".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/combat-addiction/ |title=Combat Addiction |access-date=21 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923005536/https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/combat-addiction/ |archive-date=23 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> An ARC is typically associated with a main store and warehouse. Donations are consolidated from other stores and donation sites, sorted and priced, and then distributed back out to the branch stores. Low-quality donated items are sold at the warehouse dock in a "dock sale".{{cn|date=November 2025}}

===Hadleigh Farm Colony===
Farmland at [[Hadleigh, Essex|Hadleigh]] in Essex featured market gardens, orchards, and two brickfields. It was mentioned in the Royal Commission report of 1909, which was appointed to consider Poor Laws. 7,000 trainees had passed through its doors by 1912 with more than 60% subsequently finding employment.<ref>{{cite sign |title=Hadleigh Farm Colony |publisher=Salvation Army |location=International Heritage Centre public museum, William Booth College, London, England |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/international-heritage-centre |access-date=13 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713074751/https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/international-heritage-centre |archive-date=13 July 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Other===
[[File:Stuff a Bus (Salvation Army).jpg|thumb|"Stuff-a-Bus" toy collection at Christmas time]]
The Salvation Army operates children's summer camps and adult day care centres. It has headquarter offices internationally, nationally, and for each territory and division. Some of its other facilities include:<ref name="stats"/>
* Homeless hostels
* Residential addiction dependency programs
* Children's homes
* Homes for elderly persons
* Mother and baby homes
* Women's and men's refuge centres
* General hospitals
* Schools
* Maternity hospitals
* After School Programs
* Food Pantries
* Overnight Warming Stations
* Cooling Stations

==Beliefs==
[[File:Salvation Army Citadel, Crescent Road, Worthing (March 2012) (2).JPG|thumb|right|A Salvation Army [[:wikt:citadel|citadel]] (Corps) with a charity shop attached, in [[Worthing]], West Sussex.]]
The official [[mission statement]] reads:

{{blockquote|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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What Do We Do? |url=https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/about/ |website=salvationarmyusa.org |publisher=The Salvation Army}}</ref>}}

Early beliefs of the Salvation Army were influenced by the book ''Helps to Holiness'',<ref>{{Cite book |title=Helps to Holiness |last=Brengle |first=Samuel Logan |year=1896 |publisher=Salvation Army Printing and Pub. House}}</ref> which influenced spiritual life in the Army for a generation.<ref name=Salvationists>{{Cite book |title=The Salvationists |last=Coutts |first=John |publisher=A R Mowbray & Co Ltd |year=1977 |isbn=0-264-66071-4 |location=Oxford, Great Britain}}</ref>{{rp|57}} The [[sacred text]] of the Salvation Army is the [[Bible]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/bible |title=Daily Bible Reading Guide |publisher=Salvation Army International |access-date=13 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314174437/https://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/bible |archive-date=14 March 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and the beliefs of the Salvation Army rest upon these eleven doctrines:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org/doctrine/doctrines |title=The Doctrines of The Salvation Army |work=The General of The Salvation Army |access-date=9 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310010548/https://www.salvationarmy.org/doctrine/doctrines |archive-date=10 March 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

# We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God; and that they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian faith and practice.
# We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.
# We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead – the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost – undivided in essence and co-equal in power and glory.
# We believe that in the person of Jesus Christ, the Divine and human natures are united, so that He is truly and properly God and truly and properly man.
# We believe that our first parents were created in a state of innocency, but by their disobedience, they lost their purity and happiness; and that in consequence of their fall all men have become sinners, totally depraved, and as such are justly exposed to the wrath of God.
# We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has, by His suffering and death, made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
# We believe that repentance towards God, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit are necessary to salvation.
# We believe that we are justified by grace, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ; and that he that believeth hath the witness in himself.
# We believe that continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ.
# We believe that it is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified, and that their whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
# We believe in the immortality of the soul; in the resurrection of the body; in the general judgment at the end of the world; in the eternal happiness of the righteous; and in the endless punishment of the wicked.

[[File:The Mercy Seat in a Salvation Army church London England.jpg|thumb|The [[Mourner's bench|Mercy Seat]] in a Salvation Army citadel.]]
The denomination does not celebrate [[sacrament]]s, such as [[Baptism]] and [[Holy Communion]]. The position of the International Spiritual Life Commission, which is convened by the general to examine and identify aspects of the Army's life which are essential or integral to the spiritual growth, opinion is that enrollment as a Soldier by accepting the call to discipleship should be followed by a lifetime of continued obedient faith in Christ.<ref name="hod">{{cite book |title=Handbook of Doctrine |year=2010 |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org/doctrine/handbookdoctrine |publisher=Salvation Books |isbn=978-0-85412-822-8 |access-date=13 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314042742/https://www.salvationarmy.org/doctrine/handbookdoctrine |archive-date=14 March 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>{{rp|298}} The Commission's considered opinion of Holy Communion is that God's grace is readily accessible in all places and at all times, although Salvationists may participate in Holy Communion if attending a service of worship in another Christian denomination if the host Church allows.{{r|hod|p=300}} 

Although its officers conduct marriages, the Salvation Army holds a traditional Protestant belief that marriage was not instituted by [[Christ]] and therefore is not a sacrament. The [[Mourner's bench|mercy seat]] is a focal point in a Salvation Army Church, symbolizing God's call to his people, and a place for commitment and communion, and is available for anyone to kneel at in prayer.{{r|hod|p=304}}

===Worship services===
The Salvation Army does not require anyone attending a service to be a member of the Salvation Army in any capacity (as a Soldier, Adherent, or Officer). Services in Salvation Army churches feature a variety of activities:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/worship |publisher=Salvation Army International |title=Worship |access-date=13 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314174100/https://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/worship |archive-date=14 March 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* The service often begins with a greeting from the Minister.
* Hymns are sung, accompanied by backing music.
* There is a scripture reading from the Bible.
* Prayers are led by the Minister leading the service.
* Depending on demand, a Sunday School may be run in another room.
* A collection is held to receive a financial offering, either loose money or coins in a ''cartridge envelope''.<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Weapons of Goodwill |last=Coutts |first=Frederick |publisher=The Salvation Army |year=1986 |isbn=0-340-39086-7 |pages=47}}</ref> This is sometimes referred to as "Tithes and Offerings".
* The congregation sings the [[doxology]].
* A sermon on the Bible reading is then given.
* The service concludes with a benediction.

===Soldier's Covenant===
{{wikisource|Articles of War}}
The Soldier's Covenant<ref>{{cite book |title=The Salvation Army Year Book 2018 |year=2017 |isbn=9781911149408 |page=20 |publisher=Salvation Books, The Salvation Army International Headquarters}}</ref> is the [[creed]] of the Salvation Army. All members of the church are allowed to subscribe to this creed; every person has to sign the document before they can become enrolled as a Soldier.<ref>{{cite book |isbn=9781911149408 |title=The Salvation Army Year Book 2018 |year=2017 |page=20|publisher=Salvation Books, The Salvation Army International Headquarters}}</ref> Members have traditionally been referred to as "soldiers" of Christ.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Beherns |first1=David |title=One Army's Crusade in the Salvation Army, all officers are ordained ministers. Soldiers' are congregants who have taken a special vow called Articles of War.' Their enemy: homelessness, poverty, alcohol and drug abuse |newspaper=[[Newsday]] |date=19 December 1990 |id={{ProQuest|278336519}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www1.salvationarmy.org/heritage.nsf/0/fea4acf97c61102c80256a2200443120?OpenDocument&Highlight=0,doctrines |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051024013917/http://www1.salvationarmy.org/heritage.nsf/0/fea4acf97c61102c80256a2200443120?OpenDocument&Highlight=0,doctrines |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 October 2005 |title=Articles of War For Salvation Army Soldiers |date=24 October 2005 |access-date=2 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sandin |first1=Jo |title=Salvation Army rallies troops, spirit Recruiting mission brings a general here for only third time since 1865 |newspaper=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel |date=26 March 1997 |id={{ProQuest|260508955}}}}</ref> These were formerly known as the "Articles of War", and include "Having received with all my heart the salvation offered to me by the tender mercy of God, I do here and now acknowledge God the Father to be my King; God the Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, to be my Saviour; and God the Holy Spirit to be my Guide, Comforter and Strength, and I will, by His help, love, serve, worship and obey this glorious God through time and in eternity."{{r|Salvationists|p=4}}

===Positional Statements===
Positional Statements<ref>{{cite web |title=International Positional Statements |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org/isjc/ips |website=www.salvationarmy.org |access-date=26 December 2020}}</ref> describe Salvation Army policy on various social and moral issues. They are carefully considered by the [[International Headquarters of The Salvation Army]]. They are derived from work by the International Moral and Social Issues Council. The Salvation Army opposes [[euthanasia]] and [[assisted suicide]]. Its official stance on abortion is that "The Salvation Army believes in the sanctity of all human life and considers each person to be of infinite value and each life a gift from God to be cherished, nurtured and redeemed. Human life is sacred because it is made in the image of God and has an eternal destiny. (Genesis 1:27) Sacredness is not conferred, nor can it be taken away by human agreement." The Salvation Army official stance admitted in 2010 exceptions in cases such as rape and incest: "In addition, rape and incest are brutal acts of dominance violating women physically and emotionally. This situation represents a special case for the consideration of termination as the violation may be compounded by the continuation of the pregnancy."<ref>{{cite web |title=International Social Justice Commission: Abortion |publisher=The Salvation Army |date=November 2010 |url=http://www1.salvationarmy.org/IHQ/www_ihq_isjc.nsf/vw-sublinks/FE3C992C78838853802577DF0071D796?openDocument |access-date=22 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118035918/http://www1.salvationarmy.org/IHQ/www_ihq_isjc.nsf/vw-sublinks/FE3C992C78838853802577DF0071D796?openDocument |archive-date=18 November 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> It is also against the [[death penalty]]: "The Salvation Army recognises that the opinions of Salvationists are divided on the moral acceptability of capital punishment and its effectiveness as a deterrent. However, to advocate in any way the continuance or restoration of capital punishment in any part of the world would be inconsistent with the Army's purposes and contrary to the Army's belief that all human life is sacred and that each human being, however wretched, can become a new person in Christ."{{cn|date=November 2025}}

In 2012, the Salvation Army, Australian Territories published a "Positional Statement on Homosexuality" after receiving adverse publicity about their position on [[homosexuality]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2012/s3532177.htm |title=Salvation Army apologises after 'homosexuals should die' statement |website=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=24 June 2012 |access-date=28 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313150607/http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2012/s3532177.htm |archive-date=13 March 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

{{blockquote|The Bible teaches that God's intention for humankind is that society should be ordered on the basis of lifelong, legally sanctioned heterosexual unions.... A disposition towards homosexuality is not in itself blameworthy nor is the disposition seen as rectifiable at will.... Homosexual practice however, is, in the light of Scripture, clearly unacceptable. Such activity is chosen behaviour and is thus a matter of the will. It is therefore able to be directed or restrained in the same way heterosexual urges are controlled. Homosexual practice would render any person ineligible for full membership (soldiership) in the Army.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://salvos.org.au/about-us/overview/documents/Human-Sexuality.pdf |title=Salvos questioned over stance on homosexuality |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617043431/http://salvos.org.au/about-us/overview/documents/Human-Sexuality.pdf |archive-date=17 June 2012 |work=The Salvation Army Australian Territories Positional Statement}}</ref>}}

On 8 December 2017, the Salvation Army released an International Positional Statement on racism which says that racism is "fundamentally incompatible with the Christian conviction that all people are made in the image of God and are equal in value. The Salvation Army believes that the world is enriched by a diversity of cultures and ethnicities."<ref>{{cite web |title=International Positional Statement on Racism |website=The Salvation Army International |date=8 December 2017 |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/news/inr081217 |access-date=25 November 2021}}</ref>

==Community services==
{{More citations needed section|date=February 2023}}

===Disaster relief===
[[File:Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Trailer.jpg|thumb|Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Trailer]]
[[File:""Like An Angel of Mercy She Comes To Serve!" Salvation Army Home Service Campaign." - DPLA - 0d7e7b2958eac1d3bcc59045a6abb276 (cropped).jpg|left|thumb|'''"Like An Angel of Mercy She Comes To Serve!", 1914-1918''']]
In the United States, the Salvation Army's first major forays into disaster relief resulted from the [[Tragedy (event)|tragedies]] of the [[Galveston Hurricane]] of 1900<ref name="Peer Magazine">{{Cite magazine |title=Looking Back: A Salvation Army History Timeline |url=https://peermag.org/articles/looking-back-a-salvation-army-history-timeline/ |access-date=19 March 2023 |magazine=Peer Magazine |publisher=The Salvation Army}}</ref> and the [[1906 San Francisco earthquake]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Archive Record |url=https://sawest.pastperfectonline.com/archive/F728BED7-A99F-4CE9-B27F-842226050060 |access-date=22 February 2024 |website=sawest.pastperfectonline.com}}</ref> General [[Evangeline Booth]] offered the services of Salvationists to President [[Woodrow Wilson]] during the First World War.<ref name="Peer Magazine"/>

The Salvation Army is a [[Non-governmental organization|nongovernmental relief agency]]. After the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake|Indian Ocean tsunami]] in 2004, they arrived at the disaster sites to help retrieve and bury the dead. Since then they have helped rebuild homes and construct new boats for people to recover their livelihood. Members were prominent among relief organisations after [[Hurricane Hugo]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 September 2019 |title=Remembering Hurricane Hugo in 1989 |url=https://thetandd.com/news/local/remembering-hurricane-hugo-in-1989/collection_3bffb9e2-da49-11e9-ad7f-dfc9a000604e.html |access-date=22 February 2024 |website=The Times and Democrat}}</ref> and [[Hurricane Andrew]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Salvation Army responds to Hurricane Andrew - UPI Archives |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1992/08/27/Salvation-Army-responds-to-Hurricane-Andrew/1720714888000/ |access-date=22 February 2024 |website=UPI}}</ref>

[[File:Williamboothcollege.jpg|thumb|left|The William Booth Memorial Training College, Denmark Hill, London: The College for Officer Training of the Salvation Army in the UK|269x269px]]
Since Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, the Salvation Army has allocated donations of more than US$365 million to serve more than 1.7 million people in nearly every American state. The Army's immediate response to Hurricane Katrina included the mobilization of more than 178 canteen feeding units and 11 field kitchens which together served more than 5.7 million hot meals, 8.3 million sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Its SATERN ([[Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network]])<ref>{{cite web |url=https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc/satern-program/ |title=Salvation Army SATERN webpage |access-date=29 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.satern.org/ |title=SATERN |publisher=SATERN |access-date=11 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419125126/http://www.satern.org/ |archive-date=19 April 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> network of amateur ham-radio operators picked up where modern communications left off to help locate more than 25,000 survivors. Salvation Army pastoral care counselors were on hand to comfort the emotional and spiritual needs of 277,000 individuals.

The Salvation Army, along with the [[American National Red Cross]], [[Southern Baptist Convention]], and other disaster relief organisations, are members of the National Voluntary Organisations Active in Disaster (NVOAD).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nvoad.org/ |title=National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster |publisher=Nvoad.org |date=18 July 2011 |access-date=11 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070105045432/http://www.nvoad.org/ |archive-date=5 January 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Around the world, the Salvation Army have emergency services support emergency disaster services in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |title=Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services |url=https://photos.irp.us/Public-Safety/Salvation-Army/Chicago |website=Incident Response |access-date=7 May 2021}}</ref> These are mobile canteen vehicles<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/launch-new-salvation-army-emergency-response-vehicle-suffolk |title=Emergency response vehicle (county of Suffolk, England) |date=12 January 2016 |website=Salvation Army UK territory |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929233236/https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/launch-new-salvation-army-emergency-response-vehicle-suffolk |archive-date=29 September 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> that provide food and other welfare to members of the [[Emergency Services]] at [[bushfires]], [[floods]], [[search and rescue|land search]], and other large- and small-scale emergency operations undertaken by Police, Fire, Ambulance, and [[State Emergency Service]] members, and to the general public affected by such events.

====Alove UK====
In the 21st century, the Salvation Army in the United Kingdom created a branch for the youth, called Alove:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.salvationarmy.org.uk/alove/alove.nsf/vw-dynamic-arrays/B121E31B9AE62BF8802574FA0054344D?openDocument |title=Alove |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205232044/http://www2.salvationarmy.org.uk/alove/alove.nsf/vw-dynamic-arrays/B121E31B9AE62BF8802574FA0054344D?openDocument |archive-date=5 December 2011}}</ref> the Salvation Army for a new generation. Its purpose is to free the youth of the church and their communities to express themselves and their faith in their own ways. Its mission statement is "Calling a generation to dynamic faith, radical lifestyle, adventurous mission and a fight for justice". It emphasises worship, discipleship, missions, and social action. Alove is a member of the National Council for Voluntary Youth Services ([[NCVYS]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ncvys.org.uk/index.php?page=392 |title=Full list of NCVYS members |publisher=Ncvys.org.uk |access-date=11 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512231646/http://www.ncvys.org.uk/index.php?page=392 |archive-date=12 May 2013}}</ref>

=== Work Against Exploitation ===
The Salvation Army works with a specialist team in partnership with the UK service ''Modern Slavery Helpline'' (telephone 0800 0121 700) to help people who have been exploited for labor or profits. The organisation also assists homeless people by running 461 hostels.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 January 2017 |title=Statistics page, Salvation Army International |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/statistics |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314174058/https://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/statistics |archive-date=14 March 2018 |access-date=18 March 2018 |website=Salvation Army International}}</ref>

=== COVID-19 relief ===
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Salvation Army donated 224,603,024 meals and 1,822,412 [[personal protective equipment]] supply kits in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Salvation Army COVID-19 Impact Report |url=https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/covid-impact-report/pdf/covid-19-impact-report.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Salvation Army 2020 COVID Impact Report |url=https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/covid-impact-report/ |access-date=20 February 2023 |website=www.salvationarmyusa.org}}</ref>

==History==
{{see also|List of Salvation Army corps in the United Kingdom in 1900}}
[[File:William and Catherine Booth, 1862.jpg|thumb|left|334x334px|The Salvation Army founders, [[Catherine Booth]] and [[William Booth]]]]
The Salvation Army was founded in London's [[East End of London|East End]] in 1865 by one-time [[Methodist Reform Church]] minister [[William Booth]] and his wife [[Catherine Booth]] as the East London Christian Mission,{{r|Salvationists|p=21}} and this name was used until 1878.{{r|Salvationists|p=5}} The name "The Salvation Army" developed from an incident on 19 and 20 May 1878. William Booth was dictating a letter to his secretary [[George Scott Railton]] and said, "We are a volunteer army." [[Bramwell Booth]] heard his father and said, "Volunteer! I'm no volunteer, I'm a regular!" Railton was instructed to cross out the word "volunteer" and substitute the word "salvation".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gospeltruth.net/booth/boothbioshort.htm |title=William Bramwell Booth 1829–1912 His Life and Ministry – A Very Short Biography |publisher=Gospeltruth.net |access-date=11 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307190447/http://www.gospeltruth.net/booth/boothbioshort.htm |archive-date=7 March 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Salvation Army was modelled after the military, with its own flag (or colours) and its own hymns, often with words set to popular and folkloric tunes sung in the pubs. Booth and the other soldiers in "God's Army" would wear the Army's own [[Uniform of The Salvation Army#Uniform|uniform]] for meetings and ministry work. He became the "[[Generals of The Salvation Army|General]]" and his other ministers were given appropriate ranks as "[[Officer in The Salvation Army|officers]]". Other members became "[[Soldier in The Salvation Army|soldiers]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/REsalvation.htm |title=Salvation Army |publisher=Spartacus Educational |access-date=11 June 2008 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080610083229/http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/REsalvation.htm |archive-date=10 June 2008}}</ref>

[[File:gsrailton.jpg|thumb|upright|[[George Scott Railton]] – first [[Commissioner (The Salvation Army)|Commissioner]] of the Salvation Army]]
When William Booth became known as the General, Catherine was known as the "Mother of The Salvation Army". William was motivated to convert poor Londoners such as prostitutes, gamblers, and alcoholics to [[Christianity]],<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1863162,00.html |title=The Salvation Army |last=Pickert |first=Kate |date=2 December 2008 |magazine=Time |access-date=25 March 2018 |issn=0040-781X |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327210125/http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1863162,00.html |archive-date=27 March 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> while Catherine spoke to wealthier people, gaining financial support for their work. She also acted as a religious minister, which was unusual at the time. The Foundation Deed of the Christian Mission states that women had the same rights to preach as men. William Booth described the organisation's approach: "The three 'S's' best expressed the way in which the Army administered to the 'down and outs': first, soup; second, soap; and finally, salvation."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.salvationarmy-newyork.org/SSGNY/index.php?id=_about-history |title=History of The Salvation Army – Social Services of Greater New York |access-date=30 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070107004550/http://www.salvationarmy-newyork.org/SSGNY/index.php?id=_about-history |archive-date=7 January 2007}}</ref>

In 1880, the Salvation Army started work in three other countries: Australia, Ireland, and the United States. Salvationists set out for the U.S. in 1880. George Scott Railton and his team started work in Harry Hill's Variety Theatre on 14 March 1880. The first notable convert was Ashbarrel Jimmie who had so many convictions for drunkenness that the judge sentenced him to attend the Salvation Army.{{r|Salvationists|p=113}} The corps in New York were founded as a result of Jimmys' rehabilitation. It was not always an [[Officer of The Salvation Army]] who started the Salvation Army in a new country; sometimes Salvationists emigrated to countries and started operating as "the Salvation Army" on their own authority. When the first official officers arrived in Australia and the United States, they found groups of Salvationists already waiting for them and started working with each other. The Army's organised social work began in Australia on 8 December 1883 with the establishment of a home for ex-convicts.{{r|Salvationists|p=82}} The Army encouraged emigration from 1885, and continued the work until the 1980s; its own resources describe it as the "largest voluntary migration society in the first half of the twentieth century, helping around 250 000 people to emigrate from the British Isles to the British Empire Dominions".<ref>{{cite web |first=Ruth |last=Macdonald |title='The New Exodus': The Salvation Army and Emigration |website=The Salvation Army |date=10 March 1923 |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/about-us/international-heritage-centre/international-heritage-centre-blog/new-exodus-salvation-army |access-date=24 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Salvation Army International Heritage Centre subject guide: Migration |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/sites/default/files/resources/2019-09/3._migration.pdf |access-date=24 March 2025}}</ref>

In 1891, William Booth established a [[Hadleigh, Essex#Salvation Army Farm Colony|farm colony]] in Hadleigh, Essex, which allowed people to escape the overcrowded slums in London's East End. A fully working farm with its own market-gardens, orchards, and milk production, it provided training in basic building trades and household work.<ref>{{cite news |title=Salvation Army Farm Colony milk bottles |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/objects/vVhAIAWDSii_ba1O95MAUg |access-date=30 September 2020 |agency=BBC}}</ref>

The Salvation Army's main converts were at first alcoholics, morphine addicts, prostitutes, and other "undesirables" unwelcome in polite Christian society, which helped prompt the Booths to start their own church.<ref name="Cruz">{{Cite news |last=Cruz |first=Sarah J. |date=December 2008 |title=An Enduring Mission |periodical=Victorian Homes |location=[[Orange, CA]] |publisher=Action Pursuit Group |volume=27 |issue=6 |pages=68–72 |issn=0744-415X}}</ref> The Booths did not include the use of [[sacrament]]s (mainly [[baptism]] and [[Eucharist|Holy Communion]]) in the Army's form of worship, believing that many Christians had come to rely on the outward signs of spiritual grace rather than on grace itself.<ref>{{cite web |title=Was alcohol why the Salvation Army quit both sacraments? Not exactly. |date=29 December 2016 |url=http://www.nodrinking.com/alcohol-why-salvation-army-quit-both-sacraments-not-exactly/ |quote=The Rules of the Christian Mission had required: 'Unfermented wine only to be used' for the sacrament.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |first=Earl |last=Robinson |chapter=A Salvation Army Perspective on Baptism: Theological Understanding and Liturgical Practice |editor-first=Thomas F. |editor-last=Best |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pZ0_2XWXAsMC&pg=PA173 |title=Baptism Today: Understanding, Practice, Ecumenical Implications |year=2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223214632/https://books.google.com/books?id=pZ0_2XWXAsMC&pg=PA173 |archive-date=23 December 2016 |pages=173–180 |publisher=Liturgical Press |isbn=9780814662212}}</ref> Other beliefs are that its members should completely refrain from drinking alcohol<ref>{{cite web |last=Booth |first=William |year=1888 |title=Strong Drink - The Training of Children: How to Make the Children into Saints and Soldiers of Jesus Christ. |url=http://www.nodrinking.com/william-booth-moderation-safe-for-nobody/ |quote=Make the children understand that the thing is an evil in itself. Show them that it is manufactured by man—that God never made a drop of alcohol. To say that alcohol is a good creature of God is one of the devil's own lies fathered on foolish and ignorant people.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Booth |first=Catherine |year=1879 |title=Strong Drink Versus Christianity - Papers on Practical Religion |url=http://www.nodrinking.com/catherine-booth-drink-itself-evil/ |quote=the drink, not the abuse of it, but the drink itself, is an evil thing, in very truth a "mocker," the product of Satanic art and malice, to be rejected and eschewed by all who have any regard for their own or their neighbour's well-being.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Booth |first=Catherine |year=1884 |title=Away with the Drink - War Cry |url=http://www.nodrinking.com/catherine-booth-war-cry-away-with-the-drink/ |quote=strong drink is an evil thing—and you cannot have the moderate use of an evil thing—and therefore no Christian has any right to patronise it or to use it, or have anything to do with people who sell it or make it, or any of the houses wherein it is sold, but should wash their hands of the accursed thing. }}</ref> (Holy Communion is not practised), smoking, taking illegal drugs, and gambling.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.salvationarmy.org/heritage.nsf/0/fea4acf97c61102c80256a2200443120?OpenDocument&Highlight=0,doctrines |title=Articles of War For Salvation Army Soldiers |publisher=.salvationarmy.org |access-date=11 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610164243/http://www1.salvationarmy.org/heritage.nsf/0/fea4acf97c61102c80256a2200443120?OpenDocument&Highlight=0,doctrines |archive-date=10 June 2011}}</ref>

As the Salvation Army grew rapidly in the late 19th century, it generated opposition in England. Opponents, grouped under the name of the [[Skeleton Army]], disrupted Salvation Army meetings and gatherings with tactics such as throwing rocks, bones, rats, and tar and physical assaults on members of the Salvation Army. Much of this was led by pub owners who were losing business because of the Army's opposition to alcohol and its targeting of the frequenters of saloons and public houses.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.salvationarmy.org/heritage.nsf/36c107e27b0ba7a98025692e0032abaa/4be78290d9a20b738025697c0051c5b2!OpenDocument |title=The Skeleton Army |publisher=.salvationarmy.org |access-date=11 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090805092213/http://www1.salvationarmy.org/heritage.nsf/36c107e27b0ba7a98025692e0032abaa/4be78290d9a20b738025697c0051c5b2!OpenDocument |archive-date=5 August 2009}}</ref>

[[File:Yamamuro Gunpei.png|thumb|{{Interlanguage link|Gunpei Yamamuro|ja|山室軍平}}, the first Japanese officer in the Salvation Army]]In 1882, the Salvation Army was established in Asia with the first outpost in India.<ref>{{cite web |title=Global Mission |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/history-global-mission |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116022133/https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/history-global-mission |archive-date=16 November 2018 |access-date=14 March 2018 |publisher=Salvation Army UK}}</ref>

[[File:Salvation Army activities. Hotel and cafeteria for (African American) men located at 7th and P Stre . . . - NARA - 533627.tif|thumb|left|Hotel and cafeteria for coloured men operated by The Salvation Army, Washington, D.C. circa 1917]]

Today, in the U.S. alone, over 25,000 volunteer bell ringers with red kettles are stationed near retail stores during the weeks preceding Christmas for fundraising.<ref name="Cruz"/>

The Salvation Army was one of the original six organisations that made up the [[United Service Organizations|USO]], along with the [[YMCA]], [[YWCA]], [[National Catholic Community Service]]s, [[National Jewish Welfare Board]], and [[National Travelers Aid Association]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 February 2012 |title=Serving the Troops for 71 Years |url=http://www.uso.org/stories/1096-the-uso-mission-serving-the-troops-for-71-years |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507154008/https://www.uso.org/stories/1096-the-uso-mission-serving-the-troops-for-71-years |archive-date=7 May 2018 |website=The USO}}</ref>

National Salvation Army week was created by [[Dwight D. Eisenhower|President Dwight D. Eisenhower]] on 24 November 1954, encouraging people to honour the Salvation Army for its work in the United States throughout the past seventy-five years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dwight D. Eisenhower: Proclamation 3078—National Salvation Army Week |url=http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=107224 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425183743/http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=107224 |archive-date=25 April 2018 |access-date=25 April 2018 |website=www.presidency.ucsb.edu}}</ref>

===History of Doughnut Day===
In 1917, over 250 Salvation Army volunteers went to soldiers' camps in France during World War I  to provide supplies and baked goods, including doughnuts, to soldiers. The women who served doughnuts to the troops fried them in soldiers' helmets. They were known as "Doughnut Lassies" and are credited with popularising doughnuts in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/metro/donutdayhistory/ |title=The History of Donut Day |website=The Salvation Army |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151207210850/http://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/metro/donutdayhistory/ |archive-date=7 December 2015 |url-status=dead |access-date=25 March 2018}}</ref> [[National Doughnut Day]] is now celebrated in the United States on the first Friday of June every year, a tradition that started in Chicago in 1938, to honour those who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I.<ref>{{cite news |first=Kevin |last=Fagan |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/06/BAEQ181KO9.DTL |title=A holey holiday – National Donut Day |work=S.F. Chronicle |date=6 June 2009 |access-date=20 September 2020}}</ref>

===Salvation Navy===
In 1911, New York City architect [[Bradford Gilbert]] donated a yacht, ''The Jerry McAuley'', to the Salvation Army.<ref name="Brinton-1911">{{cite news |last=Brinton |first=Arthur J. |date=2 August 1911 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96219347/missionary-ship-jerry-mcauley/ |title=Salvation Army Finds It Needs a Navy and Sends Off First Boat, The Jerry McAuley, to Fight Satan |work=The Asheville Weekly Citizen |location=Asheville, North Carolina |page=6 |access-date=5 March 2022}}</ref> [[Jerry McAuley]] was a reformed criminal who founded the McAuley Water Street Mission (now the [[New York City Rescue Mission]]) in [[Lower Manhattan]]; he was also Mrs. Gilbert's first husband.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CBT2310008051&v=2.1&it=r&sid=GPS&asid=0763e1bf |chapter=Jeremiah McAuley |title=Dictionary of American Biography |publisher=Charles Scribner's Sons |date=1936 |access-date=14 July 2020}}</ref> This 35-foot powerboat with two cabins was the first vessel in the Salvation Navy in America; there were already two or three such vessels in [[Scandinavia]].<ref name="Brinton-1911"/> Its purpose is "to cruise the Atlantic coast, north in the summer and south in the winter, doing missionary work among the seamen of the ports."<ref name="Brinton-1911"/> There was a six person crew; the captain was evangelist Major Nils Erikson.<ref name="Brinton-1911"/><ref>{{Cite news |date=23 June 1911 |title=The 'Army's' Navy: The Jerry McAuley Going to Sailors and Many Ports |pages=5 |work=The Raleigh Times (Raleigh, North Carolina) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/96240397/jerry-mcauley-yacht/ |access-date=5 March 2022 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>

=== Safeguarding Work ===
The involvement of the Salvation Army in work to combat [[slavery]] and [[human trafficking]] can be traced back to William Booth publishing a letter in ''The War Cry'' in 1885.<ref>{{cite web |title=William Booth on Trafficking |url=http://www.florenceboothhouse.com/?page_id=16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030210028/http://florenceboothhouse.com/?page_id=16 |archive-date=30 October 2017 |access-date=13 April 2018}}</ref> The same year an escapee from a prostitution house arrived at the door of the Salvation Army headquarters and sought help from Bramwell Booth.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of the Salvation Armys provision of services |url=http://www.florenceboothhouse.com/?page_id=16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030210028/http://florenceboothhouse.com/?page_id=16 |archive-date=30 October 2017 |access-date=13 April 2018}}</ref>

An early precursor to the Salvation Army becoming involved in [[safeguarding]] work was [[Catherine Booth]] writing to [[Queen Victoria]] regarding a Parliamentary bill for the protection of girls.<ref>{{cite web |title=Personal papers |url=http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra/lists/gb-2133-sa.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307182430/http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nra/lists/gb-2133-sa.htm |archive-date=7 March 2009 |access-date=23 February 2009 |publisher=The National Archives, UK}}</ref> Safeguarding legislation was strengthened by a new act of Parliament, the "Public General Act, an Act to make further provision for the protection of women and girls, the suppression of brothels, and other purposes, (otherwise known as the [[Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885]])", which received Royal Assent on 14 August 1885<ref>{{cite web |title=Parliamentary Archives Helpdesk |url=http://www.parliament.uk/archives |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727195342/http://www.parliament.uk/archives |archive-date=27 July 2016 |access-date=29 March 2018}}</ref> The Salvation Army was involved in getting this Act passed.<ref>{{cite web |title=Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885 |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/international-heritage-centre |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713074751/https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/international-heritage-centre |archive-date=13 July 2017 |access-date=13 March 2018}}</ref> Its work included a petition (numbering 340,000 signatures, deposited on the floor of the House of Commons by eight uniformed Salvationists),<ref>{{Cite book |last=Coutts |first=John |title=The Salvationists |publisher=A R Mowbray & Co Ltd |year=1977 |isbn=0-264-66071-4 |location=Oxford, England |pages=84}}</ref> mass meetings, and an investigation into child prostitution. W.T. Stead of ''[[The Pall Mall Gazette]]'' launched a campaign in 1885 by writing articles on ''The Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon'' to expose the extent of child prostitution,{{r|Salvationists|p=84}} which involved procuring a girl, Eliza, for £5.

The newly founded Salvation Army in Japan also encountered child prostitution, derived from a system of ''Debt Bondage''. An imperial ordinance (written in classical Japanese which few could understand) declared the girls' right to freedom; the pioneer Salvationist {{Interlanguage link|Gunpei Yamamuro|ja|山室軍平}} rewrote it in colloquial speech.{{r|Salvationists|p=86}}

==Organisational structure==
{{See also|International Headquarters of The Salvation Army}}[[File:salvation.army.hq.london.arp.jpg|thumb|The Salvation Army International Headquarters in London|268x268px]]
The Salvation Army operates in 133 countries.<ref name="128 countries"/> The [[General of The Salvation Army|General]] is the head of the Salvation Army. The organisation divides itself geographically into five zones: Americas and Caribbean, Europe, South Asia, South Pacific and East Asia, and Africa.<ref>{{cite book |isbn=978-1-911149-40-8 |access-date=11 April 2018 |title=World map by zone, 2018 year book |year=2017 |publisher=Salvation Books, The Salvation Army International Headquarters |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org/worldmap}}</ref> The "zonal departments" at International Headquarters<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org |title=international headquarters |access-date=9 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309143303/https://www.salvationarmy.org/ |archive-date=9 March 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> in London, United Kingdom, are the head of global territories and commands.<ref>{{cite book |isbn=978-1-911149-40-8 |title=the salvation army year book 2018 |year=2017 |page=43 |publisher=Salvation Books, The Salvation Army International Headquarters}}</ref>

Each territory is further divided into territories, which are then sub-divided into divisions. Some territories cover several countries (like Italy and Greece)<ref name="Salvation Books, The Salvation Army International Headquarters-2017">{{cite book |isbn=978-1-911149-40-8 |title=The Salvation Army Year Book 2018 |year=2017 |publisher=Salvation Books, The Salvation Army International Headquarters}}</ref> while some countries may have several territories (e.g. ''Australia Eastern'' and ''Australia Southern'')<ref name="Salvation Books, The Salvation Army International Headquarters-2017"/>

===High Councils===
{{Main|High Council of The Salvation Army}}
Much of what happens at the High Council is governed by British law, as set out in the Salvation Army Acts ([[Salvation Army Act 1931|1931]], [[Salvation Army Act 1963|1963]], 1968, [[Salvation Army Act 1980|1980]]). The 2013 High Council consisted of 118 members (62 women and 56 men) made up of the Chief of Staff, all the active commissioners and territorial leaders (some territories are led by colonels), each of whom was summoned by the Chief of the Staff for the sole purpose of electing a new General.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/news/inf260713 |title=The Salvation Army International – What is the High Council?|website=www.salvationarmy.org |access-date=25 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426011910/http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/news/inf260713 |archive-date=26 April 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Heritage Centres ===
Heritage Centres are museums run by the Salvation Army which have exhibits and historical documents related to the history and work of the organisation. Heritage Centres collect, preserve, catalogue, research, and share material about the life and work of The Salvation Army. The International Heritage Centre in London can provide details of premises in any specific territory.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk |title=The Salvation Army |date=23 February 2016 |website=The Salvation Army |access-date=25 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325070247/https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/ |archive-date=25 March 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/international-heritage-centre |title=International Heritage Centre |website=Salvation Army |access-date=13 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713074751/https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/international-heritage-centre |archive-date=13 July 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Relevant legislation ===
Various Constituting Instruments apply to different aspects of the work of the Salvation Army. Legislation passed in the United Kingdom Parliament covered the following:
* The [[Salvation Army Act 1931]] contained several provisions,{{r|Salvationists|p=26}} firstly that the High Council be convened to elect a new General when the role became vacant, and reorganised custody of property held in charitable trust<ref>{{cite web |title=Salvation Army Act 1931 |url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/acts/salvation-army-act-1931 |publisher=Her Majesty's Stationery Office |access-date=13 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121222021729/http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/acts/salvation-army-act-1931 |archive-date=22 December 2012 |work=[[Hansard|Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)]] |url-status=live }}</ref> by the foundation of the Salvation Army Trustee Company being formed to hold all property previously vested in the general. Section 4 relates to a serving General giving notice of their intention to retire.<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Weapons of Goodwill |last=Coutts |first=Frederick |year=1986 |isbn=0-340-39086-7 |location=United Kingdom |pages=67}}</ref>
* The [[Salvation Army Act 1963]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/acts/salvation-army-act-1963 |title=Salvation Army Act 1963 |publisher=Her Majesty's Stationery Office |access-date=13 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151206150026/http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/acts/salvation-army-act-1963 |archive-date=6 December 2015 |work=[[Hansard|Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)]] |url-status=live}}</ref> established a non-contributory pension fund for Officers of the Salvation Army.
* The Salvation Army Act 1968 relates to management of Salvation Army trusts.<ref>{{cite web |title=Salvation Army Act 1968 |url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/acts/salvation-army-act-1968 |publisher=Her Majesty's Stationery Office |access-date=13 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121222021729/http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/acts/salvation-army-act-1968 |archive-date=22 December 2012 |work=[[Hansard|Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)]] |url-status=live}}</ref>
* The [[Salvation Army Act 1980]] revised and consolidated the constitution of the Salvation Army to continue its work.<ref>{{cite web |title=Salvation Army Act 1980 |url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/acts/salvation-army-act-1980 |publisher=Her Majesty's Stationery Office |access-date=13 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121222021730/http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/acts/salvation-army-act-1980 |archive-date=22 December 2012 |work=[[Hansard|Parliamentary Debates (Hansard)]] |url-status=live}}</ref>
** Schedule 1 covered the Religious Doctrines of the Army
** Schedule 2 related to Common Investment Schemes and the establishment of a Central Finance Council
** Part V covered the Election of the General

=== Membership ===
[[File:Salvation army world map.PNG|thumb|left|The worldwide expansion of Salvation army|303x303px]]Statistics for membership<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/statistics |title=statistics |access-date=13 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314174058/https://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/statistics |archive-date=14 March 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> from the 2018 year book,<ref>{{cite book |isbn=978-1-911149-40-8 |publisher=Salvation Books |title=The Salvation Army Year Book 2018 |year=2017}}</ref> are: 111,859 employees, 17,168 Active Officers, 9,775 Retired Officers, 1,050 Cadets, 175,811 Adherents, 411,327 [[Junior Soldier]]s and 1,182,100 Senior Soldiers. Previous membership statistics (as quoted from 2010 year book) include 16,938 active and 9,190 retired officers, 39,071 Corps Cadets and more than 4.5 million volunteers. Members of the Salvation Army also include "adherents"; these are people who do not make the commitment to be a soldier but who recognise the Salvation Army as their church. (According to the 2006 Salvation Army year book, in the United States there are 85,148 senior soldiers and 28,377 junior soldiers, 17,396 adherents and around 60,000 employees.){{cn|date=November 2025}}

[[File:Salvation Army Monument, Kensico Cemetery, 2011.JPG|thumb|The monument to the Salvation Army in [[Kensico Cemetery]]|278x278px]]

=== International Congress of the Salvation Army ===
The International Congress of the Salvation Army is normally held every ten years<ref>{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9F02E6DB1F39E633A25752C3A9639C946596D6CF |title=40,000 Salvation Army Delegates To Meet In London |date=31 May 1914 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611143445/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9F02E6DB1F39E633A25752C3A9639C946596D6CF |archive-date=11 June 2016 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> as a conference for all Salvationists from around the world to meet. The first such conference took place in London, U.K., from 28 May to 4 June 1886, and subsequent Congressional meetings were held sporadically until 1904 and then 1990.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq%5Cwww_sa.nsf/vw-search/B3A5335DE083697E802573C400544826?opendocument |title=Important Events in Salvation Army History |access-date=23 December 2009 |archive-date=28 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928012842/http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq%5Cwww_sa.nsf/vw-search/B3A5335DE083697E802573C400544826?opendocument |url-status=dead}}</ref> The seventh International Congress in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, from 28 June to 2 July 2000, was the first held outside of the U.K.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.salvationist.org/intnews.nsf/vw_web_articles/C2E7ED6C471A481880256C00003160AE?opendocument |title=Salvation Army News: International News |publisher=Salvationist.org |access-date=11 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314012410/http://www.salvationist.org/intnews.nsf/vw_web_articles/C2E7ED6C471A481880256C00003160AE?opendocument |archive-date=14 March 2012 |url-status=usurped}}</ref>

=== Presence in Russia ===
In Russia the Army was founded around 1917{{r|Salvationists|p=99}} and it struggled until 1922 at which point the situation had become extremely challenging.{{r|Salvationists|p=100}} A Moscow court ruled that the Salvation Army was a paramilitary organisation subject to expulsion. In October 2006, the [[European Court of Human Rights]] ruled the decision illegal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.stetson.edu/~psteeves/relnews/0610a.html |title=Russia's refusal to register Salvation Army is illegal, court rules |publisher=[[International Herald-Tribune]] |date=5 October 2006 |access-date=20 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090701092448/http://www.stetson.edu/~psteeves/relnews/0610a.html |archive-date=1 July 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Salvation Army International website<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org/ |title=Salvation Army International |publisher=Salvation Army International |access-date=13 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309143303/https://www.salvationarmy.org/ |archive-date=9 March 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> lists the Russian Federation as part of the Territory of Eastern Europe.<ref>{{cite web |title=Salvation Army Eastern Europe Territory |url=http://web.salvationarmy.org/eet/www_eetr.nsf |publisher=Salvation Army Eastern Europe Territory |access-date=13 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312042343/http://web.salvationarmy.org/eet/www_eetr.nsf |archive-date=12 March 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Presence in China ===
William Booth's dying wish for the Salvation Army to be established in China<ref>{{cite sign |title=Reaching out to the East |type=Interpretation board |location=International Heritage Centre run by the Salvation Army, William Booth College, London, England |publisher=Salvation Army}}</ref> was taken up in a pledge made in 1912 by [[Bramwell Booth]] to his father.<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Weapons of Goodwill |last=Coutts |first=Frederick |publisher=The Salvation Army |year=1986 |isbn=0-340-39086-7 |pages=59}}</ref>

==Symbols==
===Flag===
[[File:Standard of the Salvation Army.svg|thumb|Standard of The Salvation Army ([[English language|Anglophone]] version)]]
The Salvation Army flag is a symbol of the Army's war against sin and social evils. The red on the flag symbolises the blood of Jesus Christ, the yellow for the fire of the Holy Spirit, and the blue for purity and God.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Swain |first1=Jason |title=Why a Flag? |url=https://www.thewarcry.org/articles/why-a-flag/ |website=thewarcry.org |publisher=The War Cry |access-date=2 June 2023}}</ref>

===Crest===
[[File:Crest of The Salvation Army.png|thumb|Crest of The Salvation Army ([[English language|Anglophone]] version)]]
The oldest official emblem of The Salvation Army is the crest. In 1878 Captain W.H. Ebdon suggested a logo, and in 1879 it was to be found on the letterhead of the Salvation Army Headquarters. The captain's suggested design was changed only slightly and a crown was added.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Crest Symbolism |url=https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/northern/the-salvation-army-crest/ |access-date=2 June 2023 |website=The Salvation Army}}</ref><ref name="Salo AU">{{cite web |title=Structure, symbols and terminology |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/about-us/leadership-and-structure/structure-symbols-and-terminology/ |publisher=The Salvation Army of Australia |access-date=2 June 2023}}</ref>

The Army's crest contains Biblical references though its symbolism:{{cn|date=November 2025}}

{{blockquote|
* The sun with its rays represents the light and fire of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:11)
* The cross represents the cross of Jesus on which He died as a sacrifice for our sins. (Romans 3:25)
* The letter "S" represents the salvation which is available to all people through Jesus Christ. (John 3:16–17)
* The crossed swords represent God's Word (Hebrews 4:12). God's Word is the Christian's weapon in the salvation war (the war against Satan and evil).
* The Gospel shots (Psalm 119:160) represent the basic truths of the Gospel; there are 7 in all.{{Ordered list |The existence of a Holy God; |The evils of sin are against God and man; |There will be punishment for sin that is fair and everlasting; |Jesus died on the cross for the human race; |Salvation is for all mankind and is free to all who accept Jesus Christ; |It is the responsibility of every Christian to do whatever they can do to spread the Gospel; |God rewards those who are faithful with eternal life in Heaven with Him.}}
* The words "Blood and Fire" as the "war cry" of the Salvation Army. It is Jesus' blood that washes us clean from sin and it is the fire of the Holy Spirit that makes us pure and helps us live lives that are pleasing to God.
* The crown represents the "Crown of Life and Glory" which God will give to all those who have been faithful to Him (James 1:12).}}

===Red Shield===
The Red Shield has its origins in Salvation Army work during wartime. At the end of the 19th century, Staff-Captain Mary Murray was sent by William Booth to support British troops serving in the [[Boer War]] in South Africa. Then, in 1901, this same officer was given the task of establishing the Naval and Military League, the forerunner of the Red Shield Services.<ref name="Salo AU"/>

[[File:Armee-du-salut.jpg|thumb|The Salvation Army red shield logo, displayed on the side of a night shelter in [[Geneva]], Switzerland.]]
Salvation Army officers serving in the Red Shield Services in wartime performed many functions. The Doughnut Girls of World War I are an early example, who served refreshments to troops in the trenches. They also provided first aid stations, ambulances, chaplaincy, social clubs, Christian worship, and other front-line services.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki%5Cwww_uki_ihc.nsf/stc-vw-sublinks/88C38CD01C4E9F518025747A003178D0?openDocument |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928014925/http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki%5Cwww_uki_ihc.nsf/stc-vw-sublinks/88C38CD01C4E9F518025747A003178D0?openDocument |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 September 2011 |title=International Heritage Centre: Red Shield |publisher=.salvationarmy.org.uk |access-date=11 April 2012}}</ref>

This symbol is still used in Blue Shield Services that serve the British Armed Forces but it is widely used as a simple, more readily identifiable symbol in many Salvation Army settings. It is common to see the Red Shield used on a casual Salvation Army uniform. It is now official Salvation Army policy in the U.K. that the red shield should be used as the external symbol of the Salvation Army, with the Crest only being used internally. Therefore, any new Salvation Army building will now have the red shield on the outside rather than the crest which certainly would have been used on its Corps (church) buildings. This was "imposed" in the U.K. by the Senior Management with little or no consultation with members. Not all have welcomed this change.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sps-shop.com/ukt%5Cspnsshop.nsf/default.html |title=SP&S Online Store |publisher=Sps-shop.com |access-date=11 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716122813/http://www.sps-shop.com/ukt/spnsshop.nsf/default.html |archive-date=16 July 2011}}</ref>

===Uniform===
{{see also|Officer (The Salvation Army)#The rank structure and uniform}}
Salvation Army officers, cadets<ref>{{cite book |title=Handbook of Doctrine |year=2010 |page=xiii |publisher=Salvation Books |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org/doctrine/handbookdoctrine |access-date=13 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314042742/https://www.salvationarmy.org/doctrine/handbookdoctrine |archive-date=14 March 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> (trainee officers) and soldiers often wear uniforms. The idea that they should do so originated with [[Elijah Cadman]], who, at the Salvation Army's "War Congress" in August 1878, said, "I would like to wear a suit of clothes that would let everyone know I meant war to the teeth and salvation for the world". The uniform identifies the wearer as a Salvationist and a Christian. It also symbolises availability to those in need. The uniform takes many forms internationally but is characterised by the "S" insignia for "Salvation" and carries the meaning "Saved to Serve", or "Saved to Save". Different colours and styles represent different ranks including soldiers, cadets, lieutenants, captains, majors, colonels, commissioner, and General.{{cn|date=November 2025}}

Characteristics of the uniform vary between ranks where accessories (the official term is "trimmings") consist of [[epaulettes]] and hexagonal lapel patches.<ref>{{cite book |date=2012 |title=Uniform(UK)2012 |publisher=Salvation Army UK (International Heritage Centre, William Booth College, London, England)}}</ref>
The uniform varies with the position and rank:
* Soldier: plain black epaulettes (Corps name woven into base of epaulette) and black lapel patch with "S"
* Musician: plain blue or black epaulettes and lapel patch with "S"
* Cadet: black epaulette with 1 or 2 red bars corresponding to number of years of training and black lapel patch with "S"
* Officer ranks:
** Lieutenant: red epaulette with one silver star and red lapel patch with "S"
** Captain: red epaulette with two silver stars and red lapel patch with "S"
** Major: red epaulette with silver crest and red lapel patch with "S"

Other letters are substituted to conform with local language. The words "The Salvation Army" are woven into the fabric of the uniform as a logo on shirts, blouses, and jackets.{{cn|date=November 2025}}

===Tartan===
[[File:Salvation Army Dress Tartan.png|thumb|The Salvation Army Dress Tartan]]
Since 1983 there has been an official Salvation Army [[tartan]]. It was designed by Captain Harry Cooper, for the [[Perth, Scotland|Perth]] Citadel Corps centenary commemoration in Scotland. It is based upon the colours of the Salvation Army flag, with which it shares the same symbolism. It is rarely seen outside Scotland.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tartanDetails.aspx?ref=3647 |title=Tartan Details – The Scottish Register of Tartans |publisher=Tartanregister.gov.uk |access-date=11 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412105624/http://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tartanDetails.aspx?ref=3647 |archive-date=12 April 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Salute===
The Salvation Army has a unique form of salute which involves raising the right hand above shoulder height with the index finger pointing upwards. It signifies recognition of a fellow citizen of heaven, and a pledge to do everything possible to get others to heaven also.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki%5Cwww_uki_ihc.nsf/stc-vw-sublinks/8B36901CFBFAF7468025707B003CB1A4?openDocument |title=International Heritage Centre: The salute |publisher=Salvation Army |access-date=11 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060603201434/http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/www_uki_ihc.nsf/stc-vw-sublinks/8B36901CFBFAF7468025707B003CB1A4?openDocument |archive-date=3 June 2006}}</ref> A Salvationist who salutes in this manner in response to applause, signifies that they wish to give glory to God and not themselves. In some instances, the salute is accompanied with a shout of "hallelujah!"{{cn|date=November 2025}}

===Red kettles===
[[File:Salvation Army red kettle at supermarket entrance Ypsilanti Michigan.JPG|thumb|Red kettle at supermarket entrance, [[Ypsilanti, Michigan]]]]
In many countries, the Salvation Army is recognised during the Christmas season as its volunteers and employees stand outside of businesses and play or sing Christmas carols, or ring bells to inspire passers-by to place donations of cash and cheques inside [[red kettles]]. A tradition has developed in the United States in which, in some places, gold coins or rings or bundles of large bills are anonymously inserted into the kettles. This was first recorded in 1982, in [[Crystal Lake, Illinois]], a suburb of Chicago.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1998/11/28/salvation-army-receives-mystery-donations-of-gold/ |title=Salvation Army Receives Mystery Donations of Gold |work=Chicago Tribune |date=28 November 1998 |access-date=17 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118164113/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1998-11-28/news/9811280127_1_gold-coins-kettle-crystal-lake |archive-date=18 November 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Larimer |first1=Sarah |title=The mystery of 'St. Grand,' the secret donor dropping bundles of cash into Salvation Army kettles in Minnesota |url=https://vancouversun.com/news/world/mystery+98st+grand+secret+donor+dropping+bundles+cash+into/12582455/story.html |access-date=26 December 2016 |agency=WaPo |newspaper=Vancouver Sun |date=24 December 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225152255/http://www.vancouversun.com/news/world/mystery+98st+grand+secret+donor+dropping+bundles+cash+into/12582455/story.html |archive-date=25 December 2016}}</ref> Red kettles are not only used during the Christmas season, but throughout the year at other fundraising events, such as on [[National Doughnut Day]] in the U.S.  On this day, some doughnut shops that teamed up with the Salvation Army have a red kettle set up for donations. Each corps has a monetary goal chosen for them by Divisional Headquarters, which differs based on size and capability.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://journalstar.com/news/local/local-bakeries-offer-free-or-cheap-doughnuts-friday/article_1772f924-e0df-5e24-84af-ebd9a9fd53ca.html |title=Local bakeries offer free or cheap doughnuts Friday |work=Lincoln Journal Star |access-date=1 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605012623/http://journalstar.com/news/local/local-bakeries-offer-free-or-cheap-doughnuts-friday/article_1772f924-e0df-5e24-84af-ebd9a9fd53ca.html |archive-date=5 June 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Red Shield Appeal and Self-Denial Appeal===
The Red Shield Appeal and Self-Denial Appeal are annual fundraising campaigns in some territories, such as the U.K. and Australia. Each year, officers, soldiers, employees, and volunteers take to the streets worldwide to participate in door-to-door or street collections. The money raised is channelled towards The Salvation Army's social work in each respective territory. Within the territory defined by the United Kingdom and Ireland (UKIT) this collection is known as the Annual Appeal, and it often carries another name that the general public would more readily know—in 2012 it became The Big Collection.{{cn|date=November 2025}}

===Music playing===
[[File:SalvationArmyParadeOxford20040905.JPG|thumb|A Salvation Army band parade in [[Oxford]], United Kingdom|293x293px]]
[[File:USA Southern Territory Youth Choir.jpg|thumb|The USA Southern Territory Youth Choir singing in [[Atlanta, Georgia]].|293x293px]]
As the popularity of the organisation grew and Salvationists worked the streets of London attempting to convert individuals, they were sometimes confronted with unruly crowds. A family of musicians (the Frys, from [[Alderbury]], Wiltshire) began working with the Army as their "bodyguards" and played music to distract the crowds.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sacollectables.com/firsts.html |title=Salvation Army Collectables – Salvation Army Firsts |publisher=Sacollectables.com |access-date=11 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419061231/http://www.sacollectables.com/firsts.html |archive-date=19 April 2012}}</ref> In 1891, a Salvation Army band attempted to parade and play music in Eastbourne, Sussex, England.  This was in contravention of local by-laws and resulted in the arrest of nine Salvationists. Unperturbed the Army continued to parade in defiance of the law, with the aim of gathering support for a change in legislation. Over the next few months the situation in the town escalated to such an extent that there were riots, and mounted police had to be called in from surrounding areas to try to maintain order.<ref>{{cite journal |title=The Salvation Army disturbances at Eastbourne |journal=Hansard |date=24 July 1891 |volume=356 cc315-7 |url=https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1891/jul/24/the-salvation-army-disturbances-at |access-date=7 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807185906/https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1891/jul/24/the-salvation-army-disturbances-at |archive-date=7 August 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Sir W Harcourt and the Eastbourne Riots |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22575829/eastbourne_riots/ |access-date=7 August 2018 |newspaper=The Guardian |date=14 October 1891 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807185846/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22575829/eastbourne_riots/ |archive-date=7 August 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The tradition of having musicians available continued and eventually grew into standard brass bands. These are still seen in public at Army campaigns, and at other festivals, parades, and at Christmas. Across the world the [[Brass band (British style)|brass band]] has been part of the Army's ministry and an immediately recognisable symbol to Salvationists and non-Salvationists alike. The Salvation Army also has choirs; these are known as [[Songsters|Songster Brigades]], normally comprising the traditional soprano, alto, tenor, and bass singers. The premier Songster Brigade in the Salvation Army is the [[International Staff Songsters of the Salvation Army|International Staff Songsters]] (ISS). The standard of playing is high and the Army operates bands at the international level—such as the [[International Staff Band]] (a brass band) which is the equal of professional ensembles although it does not participate in the [[Music competition|brass band contest]] scene—and territorial levels such as the New York Staff Band. Some professional brass players and contesting brass band personnel have Salvation Army backgrounds. Many Salvation Army corps have brass bands that play at Salvation Army meetings, although not all. The Salvation Army also fielded large [[concertina]] bands. From the turn of the (20th) century to the Second World War between a third and a half of all SA officers in Britain played concertina. For an evangelist, the concertina's portability, its ability to play both melody and chords, and most especially the fact that the player can sing or speak while playing, were all distinct advantages over brass instruments.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.concertina.info/tina.faq/images/salv.htm |title=Salvation Army Concertina Bands |publisher=concertina.info |access-date=15 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221185404/http://www.concertina.info/tina.faq/images/salv.htm |archive-date=21 February 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKv1_-BIFBs |title=Bramwell Thornett – Salvation Army Concertina Solo (1940) |date=18 July 2011 |publisher=Salvation Army |access-date=15 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904091646/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKv1_-BIFBs |archive-date=4 September 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIru7v0UsHg |title=Archie Burgess and Eric Ball – Salvation Army Concertina Solo (1936) |date=18 July 2011 |publisher=Salvation Army |access-date=15 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705193705/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIru7v0UsHg |archive-date=5 July 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Publications==
The Salvation Army publishes books, magazines, and sheet music.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sps-shop.com |title=Salvationist Publishing & Supplies |access-date=27 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327084355/http://www.sps-shop.com/ |archive-date=27 March 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Due to the way in which the Salvation Army is constituted, copyright of some Army publications is vested in the General of The Salvation Army, and not necessarily the original authors.<ref>{{cite book |title=Handbook of Doctrine |year=2010 |page=4 |publisher=Salvation Books |isbn=978-0-85412-822-8 |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org/doctrine/handbookdoctrine |access-date=13 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314042742/https://www.salvationarmy.org/doctrine/handbookdoctrine |archive-date=14 March 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:The War Cry.jpg|thumb|Edition of ''The War Cry'', 6 August 1887|342x342px]]

===Books and magazines===
* ''New Frontier Chronicle'', news and networking for the Salvation Army<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newfrontierchronicle.org |title=New Frontier Chronicle – The official news source of the Salvation Army USA Western Territory |work=newfrontierchronicle.org |access-date=8 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190710184422/https://www.newfrontierchronicle.org/ |archive-date=10 July 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* ''Caring Magazine'', curating conversation around issues of social concern<ref>{{cite web |url=http://caringmagazine.org |title=Caring Magazine |work=caringmagazine.org |access-date=8 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912071902/http://www.caringmagazine.org/ |archive-date=12 September 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* ''[[The War Cry]]'' newspaper, first published in 1879 in the United Kingdom<ref>{{cite web |title=National Publications: War Cry |url=http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_np.nsf/admin/usn/www_usn_np.nsf/vw-dynamic-index/16572722555488108525753D004D6A39?openDocument |publisher=The Salvation Army USA territory |access-date=21 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213143450/http://salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_np.nsf/admin/usn/www_usn_np.nsf/vw-dynamic-index/16572722555488108525753D004D6A39?openDocument |archive-date=13 February 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* ''Faith and Friends'' magazine<ref>{{cite web |url=http://salvationist.ca/category/faith-and-friends/ |title=Summer of Adventure |work=salvationist.ca |access-date=25 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029223124/http://salvationist.ca/category/faith-and-friends/ |archive-date=29 October 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* ''Salvationist'' magazine<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/Salvationist |title=Salvationist |publisher=United Kingdom and Ireland Territory |access-date=21 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130122012636/http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/Salvationist |archive-date=22 January 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* ''Word and Deed'' journal<ref>{{cite web |url=http://armyonitsknees.org/?p=1317 |title=Word & Deed |publisher=Salvation Army Eastern Territory |access-date=8 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212202411/http://armyonitsknees.org/?p=1317 |archive-date=12 December 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* ''KidZone'' magazine<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.youngsalvationist.org/ |title=Young Salvationist |publisher=Salvation Army |access-date=8 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218093909/http://www.youngsalvationist.org/ |archive-date=18 December 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* ''Priority'' magazine<ref>{{cite web |url=http://prioritypeople.org/ |title=Priority! Magazine |publisher=Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory |access-date=8 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212021636/http://prioritypeople.org/ |archive-date=12 December 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* ''Pipeline'', The Salvation Army's news, features and opinion magazine AUE (discontinued)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/about-us/news-and-stories/publications-and-resources/pipeline-magazine/ |title=Pipeline Magazine |publisher=The Salvation Army Australia |access-date=2 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402111905/https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/about-us/news-and-stories/publications-and-resources/pipeline-magazine/ |archive-date=2 April 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* ''Onfire'' The Salvation Army's news, features and opinion magazine AUS (discontinued)<ref name="others2020">{{cite web |last1=Robertson |first1=Laurie |title=Farewell and thank you to long-serving editor |url=https://others.org.au/news/2020/08/26/farewell-and-thank-you-to-long-serving-editor/ |website=Others |publisher=The Salvation Army |access-date=9 August 2022}}</ref>
* ''Others'' The Salvation Army's news, features and opinion magazine (under newly unified Australian Territory)<ref name="others2020"/>
* ''Adult And Family Ministries Songbook''<ref>{{cite book |isbn=085412-694-5 |title=adult and family ministries songbook |publisher=Salvationist Publishing & Supplies |year=2002}}</ref>
* ''Kids Alive'' children's magazine{{cn|date=November 2025}}
* ''Handbook of Doctrine''<ref>{{cite book |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-85412-822-8 |publisher=Salvation Books |title=Handbook of Doctrine |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org/doctrine/handbookdoctrine |access-date=13 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314042742/https://www.salvationarmy.org/doctrine/handbookdoctrine |archive-date=14 March 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* ''Salvation Story'' (revised ''Handbook of Doctrine'')<ref>{{cite book |isbn=0854126600 |title=Salvation Story (the Handbook of Doctrine) |url=https://archive.org/details/salvationstorysa00lond |url-access=registration |year=1998 |publisher=Salvation Army International Headquarters}}</ref>
* ''The Salvation Army Yearbook 2018'' (website page)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/news/inf090118 |title=The Salvation Army Yearbook 2018 |publisher=Salvation Army |access-date=13 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314174305/http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/news/inf090118 |archive-date=14 March 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* ''Christian Mission Magazine''<ref>{{cite book |title=Christian Mission Magazine |year=1877 |first=William |last=Booth |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/international-heritage-centre |access-date=13 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713074751/https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/international-heritage-centre |archive-date=13 July 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* ''Christian Mission Hymn Book''<ref>{{cite book |title=Christian Mission Hymn Book |year=1870 |first=William |last=Booth |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/international-heritage-centre |access-date=13 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713074751/https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/international-heritage-centre |archive-date=13 July 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* ''Revive''<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://issuu.com/salvationarmyihq/docs/revive-april_2018-web_preview |title=April-June 2018 (issue) |magazine=Revive |publisher=Salvation Army International Womens Ministries |via=[[Issuu]]}}</ref>
* ''The Salvation Army Year Book 2018''<ref>{{cite book |isbn=978-1-9111-49-40-8 |title=The Salvation Army Year Book 2018 |year=2017 |publisher=Salvation Books}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |isbn=978-1-911149-41-5 |title=The Salvation Army Year Book 2018 (e-book) |publisher=Salvation Books}}</ref>
* ''Songbook of The Salvation Army''<ref>{{cite book |title=Songbook of the Salvation Army |year=2015 |publisher=Salvationist Publishing and Supplies, Limited |isbn=978-0-85412-944-7}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Songbook of the Salvation Army (large print) |year=2015 |publisher=Salvation Army |isbn=978-0-85412-945-4}}</ref>

== Public views ==
In 1994, ''[[The Chronicle of Philanthropy]]'', an industry publication, released the results of the largest study of charitable and non-profit organisation popularity and credibility. The study showed that The Salvation Army was ranked as the fourth "most popular charity/non-profit in America" of over 100 charities researched, with 47% of Americans over the age of 12 choosing 'Love' and 'Like A Lot' for The Salvation Army.<ref>{{cite journal |date=13 December 1996 |title=The Charities Americans Like Most And Least |journal=The Chronicle of Philanthropy}}</ref>

==Honours==
{{Main|Order of the Founder}}
General [[Bramwell Booth]] instituted the ''Order of the Founder'' on 20 August 1917.<ref>{{cite book |page=38 |isbn=978-1-911149-40-8 |title=The Salvation Army Year Book 2018 |year=2017 |publisher=Salvation Books, The Salvation Army International Headquarters}}</ref> The first awards were made in 1920 to one Soldier and 15 Officers. General [[George Carpenter (Salvation Army)|George Carpenter]] founded the ''Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service'' in 1941 to express the Salvation Army's gratitude for service given to the organisation by non-Salvationists.<ref>{{cite book |page=39 |isbn=978-1-911149-40-8 |title=The Salvation Army Year Book 2018 |year=2017 |publisher=Salvation Books, The Salvation Army International Headquarters}}</ref>

==Controversies==
===Stance on LGBT rights===
Because the Salvation Army is a church, Title VII of the U.S. [[Civil Rights Act of 1964]] allows it to inquire into people's religious beliefs in its hiring practices. The Salvation Army states that it does not "discriminate against hiring gays and lesbians for the majority of its roughly 55,000 jobs,"<ref name="query.nytimes.com">{{cite web |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9402E7DE1F38F932A25754C0A9679C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all |title=Charity Is Told It Must Abide By Antidiscrimination Laws |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=11 July 2001 |access-date=11 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131105446/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9402E7DE1F38F932A25754C0A9679C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all |archive-date=31 January 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> but has historically supported legislation which would allow it to deny employment and federally-funded services to [[LGBT]] individuals.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2001/07/10/politics/main300601.shtml |title=Rove Under Fire, Bush Aide's Involvement With Salvation Army Request Eyed |publisher=Cbsnews.com |date=10 July 2001 |access-date=11 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526105023/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2001/07/10/politics/main300601.shtml |archive-date=26 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Potter |first=Julian |date=28 August 2001 |title=No salvation from betrayal |url=http://www.advocate.com/html/stories/845/845_potter.asp |url-status=dead |magazine=[[The Advocate (LGBT magazine)|The Advocate]] |issue=845 |issn=0001-8996 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030822220450/http://www.advocate.com/html/stories/845/845_potter.asp |archive-date=22 August 2003 |access-date=28 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://theconversation.com/reviled-reclaimed-and-respected-the-history-of-the-word-queer-197533 |title=Reviled, reclaimed and respected: the history of the word 'queer' |publisher=theconversation.com |date=18 January 2023 |last1=Jones |first1=Timothy W.}}</ref>

In 1986, The Salvation Army campaigned throughout New Zealand against the [[Homosexual Law Reform Act 1986]], which decriminalised homosexuality.<ref name="Baume2019">{{cite web |last1=Baume |first1=Matt |title=Salvation Army Says They're No Longer Homophobic |url=https://www.out.com/news/2019/11/18/salvation-army-says-theyre-no-longer-homophobic |website=Out |access-date=19 November 2019 |date=18 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119060402/https://www.out.com/news/2019/11/18/salvation-army-says-theyre-no-longer-homophobic |archive-date=19 November 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2006, the Army released a statement regretting the ill feelings that persisted following its activity. It stated in part "We do understand though that The Salvation Army's official opposition to the Reform Bill was deeply hurtful to many, and are distressed that ill-feeling still troubles our relationship with segments of the [[LGBT community|gay community]]. We regret any hurt that may remain from that turbulent time and our present hope is to rebuild bridges of understanding and dialogue between our movement and the gay community."<ref>{{cite web |title=The Salvation Army and Homosexual Law Reform Bill 2005 |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/sites/default/files/uploads/_archive/TSA_and_Homosexual_Law_Reform_Bill.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/sites/default/files/uploads/_archive/TSA_and_Homosexual_Law_Reform_Bill.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live |location=Wellington |publisher=The Salvation Army, New Zealand Fiji & Tonga Territory |date=15 May 2008 |access-date=26 September 2022}}</ref>

In 1997, the city of [[San Francisco]] enacted a law requiring all companies doing business with the city government to extend domestic benefits to same-sex partners of employees. In refusing to do so, the Salvation Army declined a US$3.5 million contract.<ref>{{cite book |title=Gay and Lesbian Issues: A Reference Handbook |first1=Chuck |last1=Stewart |publisher=[[ABC-CLIO]] |date=2003 |page=44 |isbn=9781851093724 |oclc=963108678 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sdKvt-GoidYC&pg=PA44}}</ref> In 2001, the Salvation Army pressed the [[Presidency of George W. Bush|Bush Administration]] to exempt it and other religious groups from anti-discrimination legislation which it felt infringed on the organisation's religious freedoms. This request was denied, and was sharply rebuked by David Smith, then-spokesperson for the [[Human Rights Campaign]]. "Gays and lesbians are taxpayers, too," said Smith. "Their money should not be used by religious groups to fund discriminatory practices against them."<ref name="query.nytimes.com"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2001/07/10/charity-cites-bush-help-in-fight-against-hiring-gays/30e536a6-9535-4e1d-812f-180139055546/ |title=Charity Cites Bush Help in Fight Against Hiring Gays |last1=Milbank |first1=Dana |author-link1=Dana Milbank |date=10 July 2001 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=26 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201050734/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2001/07/10/charity-cites-bush-help-in-fight-against-hiring-gays/30e536a6-9535-4e1d-812f-180139055546/|archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite episode |title=D.C. Police Want Congressman to Take Lie Detector Test |series=Inside Politics |series-link=Inside Politics |first1=Judy |last1=Woodruff |author-link1=Judy Woodruff |first2=Major |last2=Garrett |author-link2=Major Garrett |network=[[CNN]] |date=10 July 2001|transcript=(transcript) |transcript-url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0107/10/ip.00.html |quote=A proposed regulation sent to the White House by the Salvation Army would go even further, giving the army and other religious groups the power to discriminate against homosexuals and nonmarried heterosexual couples. Vice President Cheney said the goal was to protect religious groups from having to act against their principles.}}</ref>

In February 2000, the Salvation Army in the United Kingdom publicly opposed the repeal of [[Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988]], which prevented [[Local government in the United Kingdom|local authorities]] from "intentionally promot[ing] homosexuality".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.scottish.parliament.uk/business/committees/historic/x-lg/reports-00/lgr00-06-08.htm#3 |title=Salvation Army Letter to Scottish Parliament |publisher=Archive.scottish.parliament.uk |access-date=22 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208031118/http://archive.scottish.parliament.uk/business/committees/historic/x-lg/reports-00/lgr00-06-08.htm#3 |archive-date=8 February 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The [[The Salvation Army U.S.A. Western Territory|Salvation Army Western Territory]] approved a plan in October 2001 to start offering domestic partnership benefits to employees in same-sex relationships.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=1 December 2001 |title=Salvation Army drops partners provision after religious right blitz |url=https://au.org/church-state/december-2001-church-state/people-events/december-2001-people-events |magazine=Church & State |publisher=[[Americans United for Separation of Church and State]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324131755/https://www.au.org/church-state/december-2001-church-state/people-events/december-2001-people-events |archive-date=24 March 2016 |access-date=28 November 2017}}</ref>

In 2004, the Salvation Army said that it would close operations in New York City unless it was exempted from a municipal ordinance requiring them to offer benefits to gay employees' partners. The City Council refused to make the exemption. Mayor [[Michael R. Bloomberg]]'s administration chose not to enforce the ordinance. The administration's right to decline to enforce the ordinance was upheld by the [[New York State Court of Appeals]] in 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/24/us/beliefs-salvation-army-hears-dissent-over-gay-views.html |title=Salvation Army Hears Dissent Over Gay Views |last1=Oppenheimer |first1=Mark |date=24 December 2011 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=21 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160501015418/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/24/us/beliefs-salvation-army-hears-dissent-over-gay-views.html |archive-date=1 May 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2008, a [[trans woman]] named Jennifer Gale died outside a church in [[Austin, Texas]]. A city council member attributed her death to workers at a Salvation Army shelter refusing to house her in the women's quarters.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://relevantmagazine.com/culture/ellie-goulding-will-perform-halftime-show-after-debate-over-salvation-armys-lgbt-stance/ |title=Ellie Goulding Will Perform Halftime Show After Debate Over Salvation Army's LGBT Stance |date=18 November 2019 |website=RELEVANT Magazine |access-date=20 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119035814/https://relevantmagazine.com/culture/ellie-goulding-will-perform-halftime-show-after-debate-over-salvation-armys-lgbt-stance/ |archive-date=19 November 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://texascivilrightsreview.org/2010/07/21/jennifer-gale-death-caused-by-lack-of-shelter-for-transgender-homeless/ |title=Jennifer Gale Death Caused by Lack of Shelter for Transgender Homeless |date=21 July 2010 |website=Texas Civil Rights Review |access-date=21 November 2019}}</ref> The city council member later partially retracted their statements, stating "The Salvation Army... do apparently have a policy of non-discrimination and they do not turn trans people away, but I'm not fully sold on their ability to actually understand the issue. If they are not full they will give trans people privacy (maybe they have private quarters of some sort), but if full and they are in an overflow shelter situation, as they were Tuesday night, I am under the impression that they will assign people according to their anatomy."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/news/2008-12-19/gale-rumor-untrue/ |title=Gale Rumor Untrue |last1=King |first1=Michael |work=[[The Austin Chronicle]] |access-date=24 November 2019 |date=19 December 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.burntorangereport.com/diary/7670/%20 |title=Public Memorial Service on Sunday in Austin for Jennifer Gale |date=19 December 2008 |website=Burnt Orange Report |access-date=24 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140516063132/http://www.burntorangereport.com/diary/7670/ |archive-date=16 May 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Between 2010 and 2013, a "position statement" with regard to "same-sex" "sexual orientations" was published on the Salvation Army's website:<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hrc.org/resources/entry/stances-of-faiths-on-lgbt-issues-salvation-army |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222034712/http://www.hrc.org/resources/entry/stances-of-faiths-on-lgbt-issues-salvation-army |archive-date=22 December 2011 |website=Human Rights Campaign (via Wayback Machine) |title=Stances of Faiths on LGBT Issues: Salvation Army |access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/24/us/beliefs-salvation-army-hears-dissent-over-gay-views.html |website=The New York Times |title=Beliefs: Salvation Army Hears Dissent Over Gay Views: Sounding Quiet Dissent About a Holiday Perennial |last=Oppenheimer |first=Mark |date=24 December 2011 |access-date=8 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508113441/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/24/us/beliefs-salvation-army-hears-dissent-over-gay-views.html |archive-date=8 May 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/salvation-army/ |website=Snopes.com |title=Did a Salvation Army Official Say That Homosexuals "Deserve to Die"? |last=Mikkelson |first=David |date=23 September 2013 |access-date=8 December 2019}}</ref><ref name="The_Atlantic">{{Cite web |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/06/salvation-army-official-gays-deserve-death/321193/ |website=The Atlantic |title=Salvation Army Official: Gays Deserve Death |last=Abad-Santos |first=Alexander |date=25 June 2012 |access-date=8 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121085106/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/06/salvation-army-official-gays-deserve-death/321193/ |archive-date=21 November 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

{{blockquote|Scripture forbids sexual intimacy between members of the same sex. The Salvation Army believes, therefore, that Christians whose sexual orientation is primarily or exclusively same-sex are called upon to embrace celibacy as a way of life. There is no scriptural support for same-sex unions as equal to, or as an alternative to, heterosexual marriage.

Likewise, there is no scriptural support for demeaning or mistreating anyone for reason of their sexual orientation. The Salvation Army opposes any such abuse.

In keeping with these convictions, the services of The Salvation Army are available to all who qualify, without regard to sexual orientation.}}

This position statement was deleted by June 2012,<ref name="The_Atlantic"/> replaced by a statement that the organisation's position on homosexuality is under review.<ref name="CTV_News">{{Cite web |url=https://bc.ctvnews.ca/b-c-salvation-army-volunteer-tells-gay-rights-supporters-not-to-donate-1.1081136 |website=CTV News |title=B.C. Salvation Army volunteer tells gay rights supporters not to donate |date=15 December 2012 |access-date=8 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209053033/https://bc.ctvnews.ca/b-c-salvation-army-volunteer-tells-gay-rights-supporters-not-to-donate-1.1081136 |archive-date=9 December 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 15 December 2012, in Canada, Andrea Le Good noticed a Salvation Army bell-ringer carrying a sign reading "if you support [[gay rights]]: please do not donate". While the bell-ringer claimed he had permission from the charity to wear the sign, Salvation Army spokeswoman Kyla Ferns said that it had no part in the sign, and that the bell-ringer was pulled away immediately when the charity learned about it.<ref name="CTV_News"/>

In November 2013, it was made known that the Salvation Army was referring LGBT individuals to one of several [[conversion therapy]] groups.<ref>{{cite web |last=Besen |first=Wayne |title=Salvation Army Refers People to Ex-Gay Groups |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/wayne-besen/salvation-army-refers-people-to-ex-gay-groups_b_4344605.html |website=[[Huffington Post]] |location=New York City |date=26 November 2013 |access-date=9 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209034342/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wayne-besen/salvation-army-refers-people-to-ex-gay-groups_b_4344605.html |archive-date=9 December 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> As a response, the Salvation Army removed links to the conversion groups from their website.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.advocate.com/business/2013/11/27/salvation-army-does-not-consider-homosexual-orientation-sin |title=Salvation Army 'Does Not Consider Homosexual Orientation a Sin' |work=[[The Advocate (LGBT magazine)|The Advocate]] |date=27 November 2013 |access-date=11 December 2013 |author=Brydum, Sunnivie |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210190457/http://www.advocate.com/business/2013/11/27/salvation-army-does-not-consider-homosexual-orientation-sin |archive-date=10 December 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2016, The Salvation Army withdrew support for an Australian [[Safe Schools Coalition Australia|safe schools program]] that focused on LGBT students,<ref name="Baume2019"/> stating that "the provision of a government approved anti-bullying program needs to consider all high risk student groups."<ref>{{cite web |title=Salvation Army Announces National Position on Safe Schools |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/about-us/news-and-stories/media-newsroom/salvation-army-announces-national-position-on-safe-schools/ |website=The Salvation Army Australia |access-date=19 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630121403/http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/about-us/news-and-stories/media-newsroom/salvation-army-announces-national-position-on-safe-schools/ |archive-date=30 June 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In November 2019, according to ''[[The Dallas Morning News]]'', "singer [[Ellie Goulding]]... threaten[ed] to cancel her performance at the [[Dallas Cowboys|Cowboys]]' [[Thanksgiving]] halftime show" out of concern for "the LGBTQ community" following negative responses to an Instagram post that she made promoting the organisation:<ref>{{Cite Instagram |url=B4xM9fAjHJx |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/B4xM9fAjHJx |user=elliegoulding |archive-date=23 December 2021 |url-status=dead |url-access=registration |title=Ok so maybe hairnet not my strongest look but thank you @salvationarmyus for having us in New York. As you know, I have spent a lot of time... |date=12 November 2019 |access-date=8 December 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.metroweekly.com/2019/12/lgbtq-activists-attack-pete-buttigieg-for-previously-volunteering-with-the-salvation-army/ |website=Metro Weekly |title=LGBTQ activists attack Pete Buttigieg for previously volunteering with the Salvation Army |date=6 December 2019 |access-date=8 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207125052/https://www.metroweekly.com/2019/12/lgbtq-activists-attack-pete-buttigieg-for-previously-volunteering-with-the-salvation-army/ |archive-date=7 December 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="The_Dallas_Morning_News">{{Cite web |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/music/2019/11/12/ellie-goulding-threatens-to-cancel-performance-during-cowboys-thanksgiving-halftime-show/ |website=The Dallas Morning News |title=Ellie Goulding threatens to cancel her Cowboys Thanksgiving halftime show over Salvation Army concerns |date=12 November 2019 |access-date=8 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191123071436/https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/music/2019/11/12/ellie-goulding-threatens-to-cancel-performance-during-cowboys-thanksgiving-halftime-show/ |archive-date=23 November 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

{{blockquote|"Upon researching this, I have reached out to The Salvation Army and said that I would have no choice but to pull out unless they very quickly make a solid, committed pledge or donation to the LGBTQ community," she wrote. "I am a committed philanthropist as you probably know, and my heart has always been in helping the homeless, but supporting an anti-LGBTQ charity is clearly not something I would ever intentionally do. Thank you for drawing my attention to this."}}

The show "serves as the kickoff for the Salvation Army's yearly Red Kettle Campaign". Goulding later opted to perform.<ref name="The_Dallas_Morning_News"/><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/13/entertainment/ellie-goulding-cowboys-salvation-army-trnd/index.html |website=CNN |title=Ellie Goulding will perform at the Dallas Cowboys' Thanksgiving show despite threats to cancel |date=15 November 2019 |access-date=9 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117103426/https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/13/entertainment/ellie-goulding-cowboys-salvation-army-trnd/index.html |archive-date=17 November 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2019, 2020, and 2021, The Salvation Army continued to be criticized in publications like ''[[Vox (website)|Vox]]'', ''[[Forbes]]'', and ''[[Out (magazine)|Out]]'', for [[homophobic]] and [[transphobic]] views and practices expressed by its leaders and policies, such as in public statements and lobbying.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valle |first=Gaby Del |date=16 December 2019 |title=The backlash against the Salvation Army, explained |url=https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/12/16/21003560/salvation-army-anti-lgbtq-controversies-donations |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=Vox}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ennis |first=Dawn |title=The Salvation Army Wants You To Believe They've Changed |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dawnstaceyennis/2020/11/27/the-salvation-army-wants-you-to-believe-theyve-changed/ |access-date=17 May 2021 |website=Forbes}}</ref>

====The Salvation Army's response====
In 2013, a positional statement on the Salvation Army U.K. and Ireland site stated:

{{blockquote|The Salvation Army teaches that sexual acts should take place only in a monogamous heterosexual marriage, believing that this reflects God's intentions for sexual behaviour and provides the best environment for raising children.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/PSHumanSexuality |title=Human sexuality |access-date=27 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202223458/http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/PSHumanSexuality |archive-date=2 December 2013}}</ref>}}

The statement was later taken down. The statement was intended explicitly for members of the Salvation Army<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/masic |title=Church & community section – The Salvation Army |work=salvationarmy.org.uk |access-date=9 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206092145/http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/masic |archive-date=6 December 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and the Salvation Army mission statement {{as of|2013|lc=y}} states:

{{blockquote|The Salvation Army stands against [[homophobia]], which victimises people and can reinforce feelings of alienation, loneliness and despair. We want to be an inclusive church community where members of the LGBT community find welcome and the encouragement to develop their relationship with God... Our international mission statement is very clear on this point when it says we will "meet human needs in [Jesus'] name without discrimination". Anyone who comes through our doors will be welcomed with love and service, based on their need and our capacity to provide.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/Non-Discrimination |title=Inclusion – The Salvation Army |work=salvationarmy.org.uk |access-date=9 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131222162527/http://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/Non-Discrimination |archive-date=22 December 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>}}

{{As of|November 2013}}, activists were still calling on the Salvation Army to change its stance on LGBT issues, citing ongoing discrimination.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hyman |first=Jamie |title=Watermark tradition: Boycotting the bell-ringers |url=http://www.watermarkonline.com/2013/11/20/watermark-tradition-boycotting-the-bell-ringers/ |access-date=15 February 2014 |newspaper=Watermark |date=20 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403021750/http://www.watermarkonline.com/2013/11/20/watermark-tradition-boycotting-the-bell-ringers/ |archive-date=3 April 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Chatel |first=Amanda |title=7 Companies That Don't Support Gay Rights |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/16/anti-gay-companies_n_4110344.html |access-date=15 February 2014 |newspaper=Huffington Post |date=16 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515144737/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/16/anti-gay-companies_n_4110344.html |archive-date=15 May 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

{{As of|April 2018}}, the "Inclusion" page on the official U.K. website stated that the Salvation Army stands against homophobia and does not permit discrimination in its employment practices or delivery of care.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/inclusion |title=Inclusion, the Salvation Army |access-date=7 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705122836/https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/inclusion |archive-date=5 July 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

{{As of|2018}}, the U.S.A. Central Territory website explicitly states that it serves and welcomes the LGBT community.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc/lgbt_discrimination_debunking_the_myth/ |title=LGBT Discrimination: Debunking the myth |access-date=22 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923052227/https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc/lgbt_discrimination_debunking_the_myth/ |archive-date=23 September 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

On the website of its USA division, the organisation previously published an informative/promotional document titled "The LGBTQ Community and The Salvation Army" which stated (among other things) that it was "committed to serving the LGBTQ community"; "[w]hen a transgender person seeks help from us, we serve them in the same manner as any other person seeking assistance"; it "is an [[Equal Opportunity Employer]]" with regard to "sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression" (et al.); and that it "provide[s] benefits to the spouses of employees in same-sex marriages".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/the-lgbtq-community-and-the-salvation-army/ |website=The Salvation Army USA |title=The LGBTQ Community and The Salvation Army |access-date=9 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191124235317/https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/the-lgbtq-community-and-the-salvation-army/ |archive-date=24 November 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> By October 2025, this page had been removed and replaced by a redirect to a document titled "Commitment to Serving All" which contained no specific mention of the LGBTQ community.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Commitment to Serving All |url=https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/about-us/service-to-all/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250405034143/https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/about-us/service-to-all/ |archive-date=5 April 2025 |access-date=17 October 2025 |website=The Salvation Army USA}}</ref>

===Proselytising during government-funded social service in New York===
In 2004, the Salvation Army's New York division was named in a lawsuit filed by 18 current and former employees of its social service arm, claiming that the organisation asked about the religious and sexual habits of employees in programs funded by local and state government. One member claimed the organisation forced them to agree "to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ".<ref>{{cite news |title=Suit Claims Group's Staff Is Pressured on Religion |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/25/nyregion/25salvation.html |newspaper=New York Times |date=25 February 2004 |access-date=13 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723112156/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/25/nyregion/25salvation.html |archive-date=23 July 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Proselytising or otherwise pursuing religious motives in a government-funded program is generally considered a violation of the [[Establishment Clause]] of the U.S. Constitution. While the employment-discrimination portion of the lawsuit was dismissed in 2005, government agencies agreed in a 2010 settlement to set up monitoring systems to ensure that the Army did not violate [[church–state separation]] in its publicly funded projects. The organisation did not dispute allegations that nine-year-olds in a city-funded foster care program were put through a "confirmation-like" ceremony, where they were given Bibles and prayed over.<ref>{{cite news |last=Newman |first=Andy |title=Settlement in Salvation Army Suit on Proselytizing |url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/17/settlement-in-salvation-army-suit-on-proselytizing/?_r=0 |newspaper=New York Times |date=17 February 2010 |access-date=7 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222183228/http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/17/settlement-in-salvation-army-suit-on-proselytizing/?_r=0 |archive-date=22 February 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Australian sex abuse cases===
{{see also|Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse#Salvation Army}}
From the 1940s to the 1980s the Salvation Army in Australia sheltered approximately 30,000 children. In 2006 the Australian division of the Salvation Army acknowledged that [[sexual abuse]] may have occurred during this time and issued an apology. In it, the Army explicitly rejected a claim, made by a party unnamed in the apology, that there were as many as 500 potential claimants.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/media/statements/2006_child_abuse.asp |title=The Salvation Army's response to child abuse allegations |publisher=The Salvation Army |date=1 August 2006 |access-date=30 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060819030816/http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/media/statements/2006_child_abuse.asp |archive-date=19 August 2006}}</ref>

In 2013 it was reported that private settlements totalling {{AUD|15.5 million}} had been made in [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]] relating to 474 abuse cases; a Salvation Army spokesman said that "This should not have happened and this was a breach of the trust placed in us" and that they were "deeply sorry" whilst claiming that the abuse was "the result of individuals and not a culture within the organisation".<ref>{{cite news |last=Gannon |first=Genevieve |title=Salvo abuse claims dealt with privately |url=http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/salvo-abuse-claims-dealt-with-privately-20130411-2hn4m.html |access-date=30 May 2013 |newspaper=The Age |date=11 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413033324/http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/salvo-abuse-claims-dealt-with-privately-20130411-2hn4m.html |archive-date=13 April 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Rintoul |first=Stuart |title='Ashamed' Salvation Army paid $15m to child sex abuse victims, inquiry told |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/in-depth/ashamed-salvation-army-paid-15m-to-child-sex-abuse-victims-inquiry-told/story-fngburq5-1226618279228 |access-date=30 May 2013 |newspaper=The Australian |date=11 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511232610/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/in-depth/ashamed-salvation-army-paid-15m-to-child-sex-abuse-victims-inquiry-told/story-fngburq5-1226618279228 |archive-date=11 May 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The Salvation Army appearance before the Victorian Parliamentary Committee's Inquiry into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse |url=http://salvos.org.au/about-us/media-centre/documents/MRVictorianParliamentaryCommitteeInquiry.pdf |publisher=The Salvation Army |access-date=31 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828082009/http://salvos.org.au/about-us/media-centre/documents/MRVictorianParliamentaryCommitteeInquiry.pdf |archive-date=28 August 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2014, the [[Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse]], a [[Royal Commission|royal commission of inquiry]] initiated in 2013 by the [[Australian Government]] and supported by all of its [[States and territories of Australia|state]] governments,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/our-work/terms-of-reference/ |title=Letters Patent |work=Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse |access-date=12 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822011715/http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/our-work/terms-of-reference/ |archive-date=22 August 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> began investigating abuse cases at the Alkira Salvation Army Home for Boys at {{QLDcity|Indooroopilly}}; the Riverview Training Farm (also known as Endeavour Training Farm) at {{QLDcity|Riverview}}{{spaced endash}}both in [[Queensland]]; the Bexley Boys' Home at {{NSWcity|Bexley}}; and the Gill Memorial Home at {{NSWcity|Goulburn}}{{spaced endash}}both in [[New South Wales]]. The investigation also examined the Salvation Army's processes in investigating, disciplining, removing, and transferring anyone accused of or found to have engaged in [[child sexual abuse]] in these homes.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.goulburnpost.com.au/story/2067793/royal-commission-torture-and-rape-at-gill-memorial/?cs=180 |newspaper=[[List of newspapers in New South Wales#List of newspapers in New South Wales (G)|Goulburn Post]] |title=Royal Commission: Torture and rape at Gill Memorial |date=5 February 2014 |author=Thrower, Louise |access-date=5 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204224610/http://www.goulburnpost.com.au/story/2067793/royal-commission-torture-and-rape-at-gill-memorial/?cs=180 |archive-date=4 February 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-30/salvation-army-suspends-officer-over-sexual-abuse-inquiry/5228914 |last=Oriti |first=Thomas |title=Salvation Army suspends officer John McIver over child sexual abuse royal commission |date=31 January 2014 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |location=Australia |access-date=5 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140205025526/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-30/salvation-army-suspends-officer-over-sexual-abuse-inquiry/5228914 |archive-date=5 February 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-30/boys-rented-out-for-abuse-at-salvos-boys-home/5227854 |last=Oriti |first=Thomas |title=Boys 'rented out' for abuse at Salvation Army boys' home at Bexley in Sydney's south |date=6 February 2014 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |location=Australia |access-date=15 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150521154243/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-30/boys-rented-out-for-abuse-at-salvos-boys-home/5227854 |archive-date=21 May 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/case-study/a0bd6592-0036-42eb-9c33-62c7ad8312b1/case-study-5,-january-2014,-sydney |title=Case Study 5, January 2014, Sydney |publisher=Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse |date=2014 |access-date=16 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527054235/http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/case-study/a0bd6592-0036-42eb-9c33-62c7ad8312b1/case-study-5,-january-2014,-sydney |archive-date=27 May 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On 27 March 2014, the Royal Commission began investigating the handling by the Salvation Army (Eastern Territory) of claims of child sexual abuse between 1993 and 2014.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-03/salvation-army-whistleblowers-dismissed-for-reporting-abuse/5235430 |title=Salvation Army whistleblowers dismissed from Indooroopilly, Qld, home for reporting alleged abuse, royal commission hears |work=[[PM (ABC Radio)|PM]] |last1=Oriti |first1=Thomas |last2=Bourke |first2=Emily |date=3 February 2014 |publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |location=Australia |access-date=4 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204070812/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-03/salvation-army-whistleblowers-dismissed-for-reporting-abuse/5235430 |archive-date=4 February 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-04/lawyers-seek-information-about-claims-boys-were-flown-interstat/5237482 |last=Oriti |first=Thomas |title=Salvation Army officers allegedly moved interstate if accused of child sex abuse |date=4 February 2014 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |location=Australia |access-date=5 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204132930/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-04/lawyers-seek-information-about-claims-boys-were-flown-interstat/5237482 |archive-date=4 February 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/case-study/6a3d5984-f16c-478e-8e1a-cb5b82541637/case-study-10,-march-2014,-sydney |title=Case Study 10, March 2014, Sydney |publisher=Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse |date=2014 |access-date=16 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423015106/http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/case-study/6a3d5984-f16c-478e-8e1a-cb5b82541637/case-study-10,-march-2014,-sydney |archive-date=23 April 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Kroc Centres ===
{{Main|Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Centers|l1 = Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Centres}}

In 2004, the Army in the United States received a US$1.6 billion donation in the will of [[Joan B. Kroc]], the third wife of former [[McDonald's]] CEO [[Ray Kroc]]. This donation was among the larger individual [[philanthropy|philanthropic]] gifts ever given to a single organisation. The donation came with certain restrictions, such as requiring the funds to be used on new rather than existing centers.<ref>{{cite web |last=Nobles |first=Marla |date=1 November 2006 |title=Slow Going For Kroc Centers |url=http://www.thenonprofittimes.com/news-articles/slow-going-for-kroc-centers/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222213420/http://www.thenonprofittimes.com/news-articles/slow-going-for-kroc-centers/ |archive-date=22 February 2014 |access-date=25 June 2013 |work=The NonProfit Times |quote=When the Salvation Army of San Francisco broke ground this past June on a complex that would include a Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, the project became the first to make it through a maze of guidelines and restrictions to access a share of the $1.6 billion bequest to the Salvation Army from the McDonald's fast-food heiress.... Part of the challenge – and basis for much controversy – is raising matching funds within communities where donors now perceive the Salvation Army as affluent because of the gift.}}</ref> As of 2023, 26 new centers were opened using these funds.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 November 2023 |title=How Joan Kroc's surprise $1.8 billion gift to the Salvation Army transformed 26 communities |url=https://apnews.com/article/joan-kroc-salvation-army-donation-1081f7d06f3691134fb13258380a4f44 |access-date=3 December 2024 |website=AP News}}</ref>

==In films==
{{Main|List of films featuring the Salvation Army}}
The Salvation Army is featured in many popular movies such as ''[[Guys and Dolls (film)|Guys and Dolls]]'' and ''[[Major Barbara (film)|Major Barbara]]''.<ref>Shaw, Bernard und Baziyan, Vitaly. 2-in-1: English-German. Major Barbara & Majorin Barbara. New York, 2020, {{ISBN|979-8692881076}}</ref> A book detailing over 500 films in which the Salvation Army appears or is mentioned was published in 2020 entitled ''The Salvation Army at the Movies''.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.librarything.com/work/25679164 |title=The Salvation Army at the Movies |first=Rob |last=Kinnon-Brettle |isbn=978-1838222802 |date=2020 |publisher=Kinnon}}</ref>

The Salvation Army began producing silent films when they started their own film studio called The [[Limelight Department]] in 1892,<ref name="The Salvation Army">{{Cite news |url=http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/en/Who-We-Are/History-and-heritage/Australias-first-film-studio/ |title=Australia's first film studio |work=The Salvation Army |access-date=27 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313022739/http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/en/Who-We-Are/History-and-heritage/Australias-first-film-studio/ |archive-date=13 March 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> which was the first in Australia. The original studio still stands today and is being preserved by the Salvation Army. One of the films was a documentary called ''[[Inauguration of the Australian Commonwealth (film)|Inauguration of the Australian Commonwealth]]''.<ref name="The Salvation Army"/> In the years between 1898 and 1909, The Limelight Department produced over 300 films and documented Australia's Federation Ceremonies in 1909.<ref name="The Salvation Army"/>

==See also==
{{Portal|London|Christianity}}
* [[The Salvation Army in Australia]]
** [[Limelight Department]]
** [[The Salvation Army, Australia Eastern Territory]]
** [[The Salvation Army, Australia Southern Territory]]
* [[The Salvation Army, Canada]]
* [[Booth University College]]
* [[Chalk Farm Salvation Army Band]]
* [[Chief of the Staff of The Salvation Army]]
* "[[Follow On (hymn)|Follow On]]" (hymn)
* [[Generals of The Salvation Army]]
* [[Maidenhead Citadel Band]]
* [[Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network]]
* [[Soldier in The Salvation Army]]
* [[The Salvation Army in Namibia]]
* The Salvation Army USA
** [[Salvation Army Wai{{okina}}oli Tea Room]]
* [[World Vision]]
* [[Church Army]]
* [[Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885]]
* [[Salvation Army Boys Adventure Corps]]
* [[Army of the Lord]] (Romanian Eastern Orthodox renewal movement)

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==

* Cooper, David Paul. ''Notes on The Salvation Army: An East End History in Photographs''.
* Eason, Andrew M. Roger J. Green, eds. (2012) ''Boundless Salvation: The Shorter Writings of William Booth''. New York: Peter Lang.
* Eason, Andrew M. (2003) ''Women in God's Army: Gender and Equality in the Early Salvation Army''. Waterloo: Wilfrid Laurier University Press. {{ISBN|0-88920-418-7}}.
* {{cite news |first=Dana|last=Milbank|title=Charity Cites Bush Help in Fight Against Hiring Gays: Salvation Army Wants Exemption From Laws|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2001/07/10/charity-cites-bush-help-in-fight-against-hiring-gays/30e536a6-9535-4e1d-812f-180139055546/ |date=10 July 2001|page=A01}}
* Merritt, Major John G. ''Historical Dictionary of The Salvation Army'' (Scarecrow Press, 2006).
* {{cite news |first=Richard N. |last=Ostling |title=The Salvation Army: A distinctive corps simultaneously expands and shrinks |date=15 December 2005 |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2005/12/16/special_reports/religion/19_11_1312_15_05.txt}}
* {{Cite book| first=Pamela J.| last=Walker| year=2001| title=Pulling the Devil's Kingdom Down: The Salvation Army in Victorian Britain| publisher=University of California Press| isbn=0-520-22591-0}}
* {{Cite book| first=Diane| last=Winston| year=2000| title=Red-Hot and Righteous: The Urban Religion of the Salvation Army| publisher=Harvard University Press| isbn=0-674-00396-9}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Salvation Army|The Salvation Army}}
{{Wikisource|Portal:Salvation Army|The Salvation Army}}
* [https://www.salvationarmy.org The Salvation Army International official website]
* [https://www.salvationarmyusa.org The Salvation Army United States official website]
* [https://photos.irp.us/Public-Safety/Salvation-Army The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services]
* [https://story.salvationarmy.org/ Timeline of Salvation Army development]
* [http://www.thearda.com/Denoms/D_977.asp Salvation Army: – Association of Religion Data Archives] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028230237/http://www.thearda.com/Denoms/D_977.asp |date=28 October 2014 }}
* {{PM20|FID=co/066614|TEXT=Documents and clippings about|NAME=}}

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[[Category:Holiness organizations established in the 19th century]]
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