Salvation Army

Salvation Army, international religious and charitable organization dedicated to the propagation of the Christian faith and to helping people in need. It was founded in 1865 in London by the English Methodist minister William Booth. It was originally founded as the Christian Mission, with the aim of carrying on evangelical and welfare work among the inhabitants of the poorest areas of London, and remains active primarily in inner cities. The mission rapidly expanded its activities; in 1878 it was reorganized along its present quasi-military lines and was renamed the Salvation Army. Booth was accorded the title of general, and the officers and members of the organization were given military ranks and titles in accordance with their duties. The organization was later organized into territories, each of which had jurisdiction over a specified country or other major geographical area.

The international character of the Salvation Army dates from 1880, when a group of its members went to the United States and established an American branch in New York. The movement subsequently spread to all parts of the world.

The Salvation Army was particularly active during World War I and World War II, rendering a wide variety of services to Allied soldiers. After World War II the Salvation Army promulgated a programme called Marching Forward, the main objectives of which included helping the homeless with the provision of soup-kitchens and overnight shelter, the promotion of evangelism, the prevention of juvenile delinquency, aid to veterans and their families, extensions of services in police courts and prisons, and programmes to end human suffering in countries devastated by war.

By 1993 the Salvation Army was operating in 99 countries, using more than 125 languages and dialects to preach the gospel. World membership of the group totals more than 3 million people, of whom about 25,000 are officers, graduates of some 30 schools maintained by the Salvation Army in many parts of the world. The facilities operated by organization members throughout the world include schools, maternity homes, children's homes, and hostels, which give free lodging and serve free meals.

Salvation Army members preach and sing hymns, with instrumental accompaniment, on pavements and other outdoor areas, holding thousands of so-called street meetings, or open-air meetings, annually. The doctrines of the group, based on the teachings of the Bible, are considered fundamentally Christian. Social services are offered without discrimination as to race or creed.

The activities of the Salvation Army are financed by voluntary contributions. Its official publication is The War Cry. The international headquarters are in London.

Reviewed by: Salvation Army