Salvation Army Position Statements
(as at May 2004)
For more information regarding the Position Statements of The Salvation Army,
Canada & Bermuda Territory, please contact: The Social Issues Committee c/o
Salvation Army Ethics Centre 203-290 Vaughan Street Winnipeg, MB CANADA R3B 2N8
or by email using the contact form at this website.
Position
Statement on Abortion
The Salvation Army believes in the sanctity of human life because human
beings are made in the image of God. Each person is of eternal value and each
life a gift from God worth cherishing, nurturing, and preserving.
The Salvation Army therefore takes seriously the needs, rights and
responsibilities of parents and unborn children when considering the matter of
abortion. We are committed to the protection and care of the unborn, and to the
promotion of societal systems that promote wholeness, freedom, quality of life
and the development of the potential of all persons.
The Salvation Army supports responsible measures necessary to avoid unwanted
pregnancy and is opposed to abortion as a means of birth control. We are
concerned about a growing social acceptance of abortions and believe that a
genetic abnormality in the unborn child is not generally sufficient to warrant a
termination of pregnancy.
When an unwanted pregnancy occurs, The Salvation Army counsels that the parents
receive caring support for their emotional, physical, social and spiritual
needs, and that the unborn child be carried to term.
The Salvation Army recognizes tragic and perplexing circumstances that require
difficult decisions regarding a pregnancy. Such decisions should be made only
after prayerful and thoughtful consideration, with appropriate involvement of
the woman’s family and pastoral, medical and other counsel.
Women who have had an abortion deserve care and respect, and The Salvation Army
will offer them its services in a loving and compassionate manner without
discrimination.
Position
Statement on Artificial Insemination & In Vitro Fertilization
Many married couples face the pain of childlessness, and their anguish
elicits a compassionate response from those who are in the helping professions.
That response includes understanding, counselling, and the provision of
specialized services and procedures which may be helpful in eliminating
impediments to fertility.
Reproductive technology today provides solutions to infertility for many
couples, but it also opens doors to techniques, some of which are clearly
immoral and others which are clouded in ethical uncertainties. Its use raises
questions in the light of theological premises and is potentially dangerous to
the sanctity and dignity of human life. With an array of possibilities for
assistance, or interference, in the sacred act of procreation, man’s knowledge
and skill must be matched with a deep sense of responsibility and reverence for
life.
ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION BY HUSBAND (AIH)
The Salvation Army recognizes artificial insemination, in which the husband’s
sperm is introduced into the uterus of his wife, as an acceptable procedure to
assist the married couple to conceive, after natural methods have been
unsuccessful and within the context of a stable heterosexual marriage.
ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION BY DONOR (AID)
For some married couples AIH will be unsuccessful and the deep desire to have a
child may lead the husband and wife to consider the option of artificial
insemination by a donor. The Salvation Army advises against this procedure
because of the serious legal, ethical, moral and social implications that may
adversely affect the couple, the donor, the child, and society at large.
IN VITRO FERTILIZATION -- HUSBAND AND WIFE
The Salvation Army recognizes that for married couples who are unsuccessful in
conceiving through normal copulation or artificial insemination (AIH), in vitro
fertilization (IVF) may be considered, using the ova and sperm of the wife and
husband.
The Army recommends that couples considering such a possibility be counselled
and given a full explanation of the procedures, risks and potential
consequences. This counselling ought to include alternatives to in vitro
fertilization which are childlessness, adoption, and fostering.
The life that is conceived in vitro must be treated with respect, reverence and
dignity. It is to be protected from harm, experimentation and death. Care must
be taken so that unwanted or “extra” fertilized ova are not produced. All
fertilized ova are to be inserted for implantation, and every effort must be
made to safeguard the pregnancy.
IN VITRO FERTILIZATION -- THIRD PARTY DONOR
Many of the problems associated with AID apply equally to in vitro fertilization
in which a third party donor is involved. The Salvation Army advises against IVF
in which donor sperm and/or donor ova are used.
The use of a third party donor in IVF opens the door to a host of bizarre
possibilities such as unlimited experimentation with unused gametes, foster
wombs for the fetus’ growth, selection for “super-babies”, and children for
homosexual couples.
The Salvation Army believes IVF should be limited to couples in stable
heterosexual marriages.
SURROGATE MOTHERHOOD
The Salvation Army is opposed to surrogate motherhood. A third party implanted
with the sperm of a man whose wife is unable or unwilling to bear a child is in
opposition to the Army’s concept of Christian ethics. It is also fraught with
legal complications and deep psychological forces that can scar for life. It is
in conflict with the Army’s attempt to support and promote stable family life,
and infringes on marriage relationships.
SUMMARY
Artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization are acceptable when the sperm
and ova of a husband and wife are used. The Salvation Army strongly advises
against the use of donors because of legal, moral, social, psychological and
ethical complications and implications.
The issues in the use of human assisted reproduction are many and complex. There
are no easy answers. The Salvation Army will continue to make every effort to
balance strong doctrine and principle with strong mercy and sensitivity. The
Salvationist will not alter his beliefs, but neither will he condemn those who
choose extraordinary means of achieving parenthood. The ultimate desire should
be to offer love and counsel in Christ’s name.
Position
Statement on Capital Punishment
Because Salvationists believe in the sanctity of all human life and in a
Christian gospel that offers the hope of redemption to fallen mankind, The
Salvation Army in Canada would never campaign for the reintroduction of the
death penalty as an ultimate punishment for any crime. It is contrary to our
convictions to declare anyone hopeless and deny the possibility of reclamation.
However, Salvation Army territorial administration acknowledges there are
Salvationists who very sincerely would uphold the state’s right to execute in
certain circumstances.
Long experience of rendering service within the criminal justice systems of many
lands, and in ministering both to offenders and the victims of crime, has
confirmed The Salvation Army’s continuing belief in the possibility of
redemption for all through repentance toward God, faith in Christ and
regeneration by the Holy Spirit.
The Salvation Army affirms that society must be protected from the violent
criminal. Church, judiciary and medicine must together further explore crime
prevention and treatment. Society itself must honestly examine what it now
tolerates in mass media communication and courageously legislate against all
that reduces the dignity of man, corrupts moral values and incites the worst of
human passion.
Position
Statement on Responsibility for the Environment
As people made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), we have been entrusted with
the care of the earth’s resources (Genesis 2:15). Stewardship requires that we
use these resources in a manner which ensures the well-being of present and
future generations.
God’s instruction to ‘subdue’ the earth and ‘rule’ over every living thing
(Genesis 1:28) cannot be interpreted to justify abuse or disregard for any life,
not only human life. The privileges granted require our accountability to Him
and one another.
Given the finite resources of our world, its expanding population, and the
impact of industrialization, development must take account of environmental
needs.
Salvationists as individuals and The Salvation Army as an organization should
accept responsibility for the environment by taking practical steps to
regenerate and conserve God’s creation.
Position
Statement on Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide and Advance Health Care Directives
Human life is a sacred gift from God. The Salvation Army believes, as a
consequence, that euthanasia and assisted suicide are morally wrong. The
Christian faith puts death into its proper perspective as the transition from
earthly life to life eternal. It is appropriate to make suitable preparation for
death, especially spiritual preparation, and to inform loved ones and caregivers
about one’s wishes.
Euthanasia undermines, rather than enhances, human dignity. “Euthanasia” is
defined as a deliberate act undertaken by one person with the intention of
ending the life of another person, intended to relieve that other person’s
suffering, where that act is the cause of death. Euthanasia does not include
withholding or withdrawing medical treatment which serves only to prolong the
dying process where the burden of the treatment on the dying person outweighs
its benefit. Euthanasia does not include the proper medical use of pain
controlling drugs for a dying person, even if the secondary effect may be to
shorten life. Nor is it euthanasia to respect a competent adult’s refusal of
treatment or request to discontinue treatment.
Assisted suicide undermines, rather than enhances, human dignity. “Assisted
suicide” is defined as counselling, abetting, aiding or otherwise assisting
someone with the intention of ending the life of the person being assisted.
Advance health care directives which take effect when one is no longer able to
make decisions about one’s own medical care can provide valuable assistance to
loved ones and caregivers. However, the possibility does exist that subtle
pressure will be placed on the sick, the elderly, the disabled and the dying to
act contrary to their true interests and wishes in order not to become an
unwanted burden. It is important to communicate by word and deed that all
persons are worthy of respect, that they are loved and that they will not be
abandoned.
Palliative care, as a program of active, compassionate care provided to patients
and their families when the hope for cure is no longer medically possible, is
promoted by The Salvation Army.
Position
Statement on Family
The Salvation Army believes the family, as the basic community in society, ought
to be the principal way in which values and morality are nourished. In an
environment of love and respect, children and adults find security and wellbeing.
Here they are free to develop morally, spiritually, mentally, physically and
emotionally.
We believe that the family is ideally rooted in the biblical concept of a
marriage covenant of one man and one woman. An enduring commitment to loving
care reflects God’s design for family life which allows no justification for
abuse.
The Salvation Army acknowledges that families of all types struggle, and at
times fail to be communities of love. In following the example of Jesus Christ,
The Salvation Army seeks to strengthen marriage and enrich family life,
extending appropriate ministries of a caring Christian community to all people
in all types of family relationships.
Position Statement on Gambling
Gambling has become a worldwide obsession with tentacles reaching into almost
every aspect of daily life. Government and private lotteries, boosted by sports
betting, have served cunningly to work gambling into the very fabric of the
family.
The Salvation Army deplores the fact that, with the advent and proliferation of
government lotteries, legislators have encouraged the tendency to prey on the
greed and weakness of human nature.
The Salvation Army continues to resist this insidious occurrence and cautions
both governments and individuals of the inherent dangers in this gambling craze.
The Salvation Army warns of the selfishness in gambling in which individuals
seek gain at the expense of others, and is saddened by the plight of those
suffering from gambling addiction. Its social welfare experience underscores the
fact that there are those who disregard the needs of family in order to indulge.
The Salvation Army asserts that gambling runs counter to Christian love which
respects and shows concern for others. Even in its simplest form gambling can
lead to excess and undermine the personality and character of the individual.
Salvationists should resist participation in any scheme which would give them
material advantage on the basis of chance.
Position
Statement on Gay & Lesbian Sexuality
The Salvation Army upholds the dignity of all persons. For this reason, and in
obedience to the example of Jesus Christ, whose compassionate love is
all-embracing, The Salvation Army does not discriminate on the basis of sexual
orientation in the delivery of its services.
The Salvation Army believes that God’s will for the expression of sexual
intimacy is revealed in the Bible, and that living fully in accordance with
biblical standards calls for chastity outside of heterosexual marriage and
faithfulness within it. We do not believe that same-sex attraction is
necessarily blameworthy and we oppose the vilification and mistreatment of gays
and lesbians. We believe that we are accountable for the ways in which we
express our sexuality. While recognizing the challenge that this presents, The
Salvation Army believes firmly in the power of God’s grace to enable all to live
in a manner that is pleasing to Him.
In keeping with our mission, we are committed to proclaiming the good news of
salvation, the forgiveness of sins, and transformation by the Holy Spirit. We
welcome all seekers of faith in Christ to explore Salvation Army church life.
Position
Statement on Human Diversity
The Salvation Army believes that all people are made in the image of God and are
thus of equal intrinsic value.
We seek to treat all people with dignity and respect in response to Jesus’ call
to love our neighbors as ourselves. We oppose oppression or unjust
discrimination based on such differences as race, gender, age, belief,
lifestyle, economic status, or physical or mental ability.
We believe that diversity strengthens and shapes community and ministry.
Therefore, in our community services, employment practices and church life, we
will seek to actively promote sensitivity, understanding and communication in
both intent and practice.
Position Statement on Marriage
The Salvation Army believes marriage is the covenanting together of one man and
one woman for life in a union to the exclusion of all others. This union is
established by an authorized ceremony.
Marriage is a unique reflection of God’s faithful love for all humankind. The
relationship of husband and wife reflects the covenant of self-giving love
between Christ and His church, central to a Christian understanding of marriage.
The pledge of mutual faithfulness is not tentative or conditional. The permanent
nature of the marriage bond gives security and promotes the development of a
trusting relationship. The Christian community has a responsibility to care for,
nurture and prayerfully support the marriage relationship.
The Salvation Army affirms that marriage is the basis of sound family life and
foundational to a healthy society.
Position
Statement on Pornography
The Salvation Army believes that male and female are created equal and in God’s
image with full personhood of body, soul and spirit and that human sexuality is
a divine gift. We abhor the prevalence and escalation of pornography with its
images of domination, perversion, submission and violence in publications, the
theatre, the cinema and videos.
The Salvation Army wholeheartedly supports the proper education of the young on
matters relating to the sanctity of right sexual relationships based on the
teaching of Scripture.
The corrupt depiction of that which God created as potentially pure and holy,
desensitizes and promotes offensive attitudes and aggression against men, women
and children. Pornography commercializes sex in ways that ensure financial gain
for the exploiters and distorts values in the lives of the exploited and in
society.
The Salvation Army stands against this evil which threatens the quality of
personal relationships and national character. We seek constantly to arouse the
public conscience and to encourage involvement in the struggle against it.
Position
Statement on Poverty & Economic Justice
The measure of any society is how well it cares for its weakest citizens. The
persistence both of widespread poverty and indifference to that poverty in
Canada and Bermuda is morally unacceptable. Jesus Christ motivates us to love
our neighbour in practical ways. Our response to the poor is a measure of our
obedience to and love for God.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ should free us from the enticements of consumerism
and desire for individualistic gain. As Salvationists, we remain committed to
The Salvation Army’s historic mission to care for the poor and marginalized.
Therefore, individually and corporately, we will work to eliminate poverty by:
Position
Statement on Substance Abuse
The Salvation Army encourages a healthy spiritual, emotional, mental and
physical lifestyle. The misuse of many substances and drugs, including alcohol
and tobacco, has the potential to harm the body, impair judgement and lead to
addiction. Therefore, we actively support legislation and policy that encourage
healthy lifestyles.
Guided by Christian faith and practice, we hold to the Bible’s wisdom regarding
the destructive consequences of alcohol misuse. Scriptural principles also
inform us about the misuse of other harmful substances. Salvation Army members
(soldiers) make a covenant to abstain from alcohol, tobacco and the harmful use
of other substances.
The Salvation Army is committed to excellence in working with individuals,
families and communities whose health, relationships and social well-being have
been damaged by misuse of and addiction to harmful substances. We place a high
priority on education, treatment and counselling that offer spiritual,
emotional, mental and physical healing for persons affected by addiction.
We believe that abstinence is the most certain way to avoid and overcome
dependencies on harmful substances. Regardless of the choices people make, we
are committed to loving and supporting individuals through to recovery.
We support Christian communities as places of fellowship, help and healing for
all who face these challenges and we believe that by the grace of God people are
freed from substance abuse to lead healthy lives.
Position
Statement on Sunday Observance
Sunday is the day on which the Salvationist especially enjoys an opportunity for
worship, reflection and the proclamation of the gospel. The Salvationist accepts
that the observance of a day of rest is part of the divine law, enunciated in
the Old Testament in the fourth commandment and in the New Testament by the
example and teaching of Jesus. In its recognition of Sunday as the Lord’s Day
(as distinct from the Jewish Sabbath), The Salvation Army aligns itself with
what came to be the custom of the Early Church in joyful commemoration of
Christ’s resurrection.
The Salvationist believes that Sunday should be a day not merely kept free from
unnecessary labor but allowing for the fullest opportunity for worship and
witness. ‘The Sabbath was made for man,’ said Jesus (Mark 2:27), i.e. for his
rest, peace and renewal. The Army is aware that in any highly-organized society
some forms of labor will be essential, but it is opposed to the use of Sunday
for commercial sport, political meetings or any activities tending to the
secularization of a day intended for man’s spiritual refreshment. At the same
time it accepts that legalized compulsion cannot fully secure this end,
especially in multi-cultural communities.
The Salvationist will exert every influence possible to keep or make Sunday a
holy day. He himself will witness to his beliefs by the way he uses Sunday.
Position
Statement on World Peace
The Salvation Army, as part of the universal Christian church, seeks the
establishment of peace as proclaimed by Jesus Christ. The Army recognizes that
the world’s problems cannot be solved by force, and that greed and pride,
coupled with the widespread desire for domination, poison the souls of men and
sow seeds of conflict.
Since there exists in thermonuclear weapons a destructive power of vast
proportions almost too frightful to contemplate, The Salvation Army believes
that nuclear disarmament by all nations is a necessary element of world peace.
However, a nation has the right to defend itself against the aggression of
another nation.
The Salvation Army continues to be deeply concerned with the investment of huge
financial resources to aid the escalating production of terrifying weapons of
mass destruction, rather than the diversion of these funds to socioeconomic
growth throughout the world. Disarmament, peace and development are inextricably
linked.
The Salvation Army pledges its members to pray and work for peace and to seek to
revitalize the Church’s unique witness to the source of true peace, God Himself.