Definition of Salvation Army

In the last third of the nineteenth century, the city of London presented important nuclei of marginalization and of poverty. In that context, a Methodist pastor and his wife, Willian Booth and Catherine, created a religious organization with the purpose of helping the most disadvantaged in society.

In 1878 the Salvation Army was officially founded. From its origins the objective of this entity has been to preach the gospel and, at the same time, to serve the oppressed in the name of Jesus Christ.

Its members are known as Salvationists and in the Anglo-Saxon world as saved or other denominations depending on each territory.

Is association With an altruistic spirit and inspired by the principles of Protestantism, it is headquartered in London, but is present in more than 120 countries around the world. From an organizational point of view, their leaders use military terminology (the maximum responsible is the In general, the heads of the territorial headquarters are commanders and in the middle commands there are sergeants and lieutenants).

More than four million volunteers dedicated to the most disadvantaged

The members of this humanitarian entity do not form a church in the strict sense, although they organize religious services and pastoral activities. It is currently considered one of the largest organizations humanitarian agencies of the world.

As for funding, it comes from three sources: private donations, funds raised by recycling and second-hand clothing stores, and state grants.

The range of areas of action is very wide: nurseries and schools, rehabilitation programs for alcoholics and drug addicts, humanitarian assistance in natural disasters, programs of prevention against domestic violence or reintegration workshops labor. The slogans of this organization emphasize a general principle: caring for those most in need.

Curiosities and criticisms

To liven up their meetings and activities they incorporate bands of music. Since the end of the 19th century they have had a search service for people. By 1880 they were harshly criticized and persecuted, as their work to rehabilitate London's alcoholics went against the interests of the city's entertainment venues.

In major natural disasters, Salvation Army volunteers have been especially active. Many young people from this group are integrated into the movement Scout and organize camps and leisure activities.

In recent years, the United States has received harsh criticism for discriminating against people on religious grounds or because of their homosexual inclinations.

Photo: Fotolia - biblebox