Is the Salvation Army a Christian Organization?

More Than a Charity — A Church

Most people encounter the Salvation Army through red kettles at Christmas or thrift stores. What many don't know: the Salvation Army is a Christian denomination. Its officers are ordained ministers. Its members are called soldiers. Its worship centers are called corps. Its theology is explicitly evangelical — rooted in the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition of William Booth, who founded it as a mission to reach the urban poor with both the gospel and practical help.

The Salvation Army's mission statement: "To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination." The gospel preaching is as central to their mission as the human needs — they are not a secular charity that happens to have Christian roots.

The LGBT Controversy

The Salvation Army has faced criticism and boycotts from LGBT advocacy groups who claim the organization discriminates. The Salvation Army's official position: they serve all people regardless of sexual orientation, oppose discrimination in their social services, but hold traditional Christian teaching on marriage and sexuality as a matter of theological conviction. They have explicitly distanced themselves from claims that they turn away LGBT people from their homeless shelters or other services.

For Christian families: the Salvation Army's theological position on marriage and sexuality is consistent with evangelical Christianity. They are a sound Christian organization and an excellent destination for charitable giving.

Where to Give

The Salvation Army's USA website allows direct online donation. The red kettle campaign at Christmas directly funds local community services. Their thrift stores fund social programs. All are legitimate Christian charitable giving.

Frequently Asked Questions

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