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The Salvation Army. The world for God—but only on their terms?
1965 marked a significant milestone for The Salvation Army as it celebrated its centenary in London. Thousands of Salvationists worldwide gathered for a ten-day celebration of this truly remarkable global organisation. The centenary celebrations were a testament to the dedication and hard work of past Salvationists and the Salvation Army. They served as a reminder that celebrating accomplishments is a crucial part of personal and organisational growth. Notable figures, including the Queen of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Home Secretary representing the Prime Minister, graced the opening ceremony with their presence and spoke of the Army's tremendous impact on society. Queen Elizabeth II said, “I and the members of my family have first-hand experience of the Army at work during our travels throughout the world. Today, we thank God for what has been accomplished” (War Cry, 3 July 1965).
Nevertheless, the centenary celebrations, rather than focusing on the plight of the poor and marginalised, for which they were famous and respected, served as a jubilant commemoration of the Salvation Army's unique Subculture. The Subculture, brilliantly designed to meet the purpose of the Salvation Army, had become the purpose of the Salvation Army itself. What had been designed to connect to and serve the world in which early Salvationists lived became increasingly distinct from the broader, secular culture in which Salvationists lived in the 1960s. The world of many Salvationists was the Salvation Army. This world stands in stark contrast to the founder of the Salvation Army, William Booth. He most certainly was a citizen of the world. It was this relationship with the world that Booth had that made him so effective in meeting the needs of the poor that the Salvation Army was designed to do.
Instead of serving the poor from the core of the Salvation Army, as they had once done, the Subculture of the Army began to serve itself, ultimately hindering its ability to grow and adapt. Had the Subculture remained intentional about serving the poor, two things might have happened: first, the Subculture would have changed to better align with the world, and second, the organisation would have continued to thrive. The Salvation Army needed more clarity on its purpose. As it lost its focus on its purpose, it created internal confusion around its identity. Originally a movement to meet the needs of the poor, it now wanted to become a church that met its own needs, precisely what William Booth did not want to happen.
My research is to explore the above themes of this iconic organisation.
Principal supervisor: Professor Joy Damousi
Co-supervisor: Dr Rachel Stevens
Associate supervisor (end-user): Lindsay Charles Cox - Manager, Salvation Army Museum
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