THE SALVATION ARMY MEMPHIS POSITIONAL STATEMENT ON RACISM
No doubt you’ve experienced the angst of all Americans during this most delicate of times. We want you to know that The Salvation Army has and will continue to speak out about racism and its impact on our world. Below, you will find five statements that will help you become familiar with the Army’s strong position.
International Position Statement On Racism
Racism is the belief that races have distinctive cultural characteristics determined by hereditary factors and that this endows some races with an intrinsic superiority over others. ‘Racism’ also refers to political or social programmes built on that belief.1 The use of the term ‘race’ itself is contested, but is generally used to refer to a distinct group sharing a common ethnicity, national origin, descent and/or skin colour. The Salvation Army denounces racism in all forms. 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.
General Brian Peddle
Racism is a negative force in our world and yet a reality for many as we victimize others and, in turn, ourselves by applying value and respect based on a person's identity which is associated with colour, ethnicity or origins.
As the leader of the International Salvation Army serving in 131 countries, I am acquainted with injustice, inequity, gender inequality and a lengthy list of societal challenges that lead to people saying "I can’t breathe." While this statement is linked to the United States, if you listen carefully you can hear it coming from the Rohingya people, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. You can hear it from the victims of COVID-19 where ventilators are not available and breathing is impossible. Life is hardly fair for everyone.
Commissioner Willis Howell (Southern Territory)
Commissioner Bill Bamford (Eastern Territory)
Watch below for a statement by Territorial leader of The Salvation Army USA East, Commissioner Bill Bamford, on the racial injustice within our society expressed recently by the death of George Floyd.
National Statement
The Salvation Army joins in the sorrow, anger and confusion felt by Americans all across the country following the death of George Floyd. Mr. Floyd was a former Salvation Army employee in Minneapolis, and the nature of his death is shocking to all of us who believe in a just, lawful and equal society.
The Salvation Army believes that God’s love is all-encompassing and it urges us to reject racism and discrimination. The Bible commands us to “be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” We are committed to fighting racism wherever it exists and will speak up wherever we encounter it. As we pray for God’s will to be done on earth as in heaven, The Salvation Army will work toward a world where all people are loved.
We want to hear from you, please let us know if there’s more you need to know, and if you’re inspired to any specific action in response to any of these statements.
God Bless You!