The Salvation Army's Position on Religious Persecution
Religious persecution, whether of Christians or persons of other faiths, is an injustice against humanity. The Salvation Army is adamantly opposed to the religious persecution of any individual, community, organization or institution.
The persecution of Christians around the world is a grave concern. Salvationists have a particular scriptural responsibility to those who make up the worldwide Body of Christ.1 The Salvation Army is committed to praying for and upholding our brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer religious persecution.
Religious persecution of Christians may take the form of denial of the right to worship together in congregate bodies, to speak openly about Christ, to own or carry a Bible, to witness to others, or to raise children in the Christian faith. In other instances, people are denied the freedom to convert to Christianity. In some countries our brothers and sisters are subjected to political suppression and social discrimination, incarceration, torture or murder for their belief.
Salvationists are encouraged to pray for all those who suffer persecution on the basis of their faith.
1 1 Corinthians 12:26-27
Scripture references: 1 Thessalonians 3:7, Acts 11:19, Acts 8:1, Revelation 2:10, 2 Timothy 3:12, Hebrews 13:3, 1 Peter 2:16
Recommended for approval by the Commissioners' Conference, February 2007
Approved for use within the USA by International Headquarters, May 2007