The Salvation Army's Position on Human Equality
As an international branch of the Christian church, The Salvation Army has been concerned from its inception with the spiritual and social needs of all people, recognizing that all bear the divine image and are equal in intrinsic value. "God created human beings in his image. In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female." (Genesis 1:27 New Century Version [NCV]) "From one person God made all nations who live on earth." (Acts 17:26 Contemporary English Version [CEV])
The Salvation Army affirms its full support, on all levels, to the Biblical and Christian imperatives of human and civil rights. We oppose unlawful, unjust, or immoral discrimination and seek to promote sensitivity, understanding, and communication. Christ-like attitudes compel and empower the building of strong cross-cultural relationships. Shared values and common goals shape and positively influence the broad culture of Salvation Army ministries. Diversity strengthens those ministries. Christ brings unity within diversity.
All Salvation Army positions of full-time service, lay leadership, employment, and volunteer service are open to qualified persons, with exceptions dictated only by the religious purposes and moral positions of The Salvation Army.
All Salvation Army social welfare services are provided on a non-discriminatory basis; such services shall be equally available to all persons on the basis of need and capacity to benefit from the service.
All Salvation Army worship services are open to everyone. We affirm that racial and multicultural integration of believers is desirable and feasible within a local body of Christ because the gospel transcends human culture. "Faith in Christ Jesus is what makes each of you equal with each other, whether you are a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free person, a man or a woman." (Galatians 3:28 CEV) The Salvation Army is intentional in its efforts to incorporate different styles of worship to meet the specific needs of its increasingly diverse ministries. "You Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens with everyone else who belongs to the family of God." (Ephesians 2:19 CEV)
Recommended for approval by the Commissioners' Conference September 2001
Approved by International Headquarters July 2001