What’s the Salvation Army?

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The Salvation Army is a Protestant Christian denomination and international charity that has become world-renowned for its work in social services. This Christian denomination is run much like an army, with individuals referred to as “soldiers” and ranking officials in the organization receiving military titles such as “General.” This organization aims to provide social services to the needy while also practicing Christian evangelism, encouraging people to deepen their ties to Christ, and fostering a life of Christian service among its adherents.

This organization was founded in 1865 by William Booth in London, England. His decision to focus on people such as prostitutes, child laborers, and thieves allowed the Salvation Army to thrive without directly competing with other evangelical Christian sects, and his extremely efficient, military-like organization quickly made the organization a major charity.

Funds for the Salvation Army’s work are raised through charitable donations, sales at the organization’s popular thrift stores, and grants from governments and other charitable organizations. The organization regularly organizes charity drives, especially during the winter holidays, when its employees dress up as Santa Claus and stand in department store parking lots asking for donations.

Social services are provided by this charity to a wide variety of individuals in need, including the elderly, people struggling with substance abuse and the homeless. The organization has soup kitchens, residential facilities, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers to provide services, and is also involved in disaster relief around the world. Salvation Army bands march in parades around the world to raise awareness of the organization, and people in almost every country benefit from this organization.

Salvation Army soldiers pledge to refrain from consuming alcohol, tobacco and illegal substances. They are expected to contribute directly to the works of the Church and can participate in a wide variety of ways, from leading Christian youth groups to practicing in Salvation Army hospitals. Members of the general public are always welcome to services and the organization gives charities to all people in need, regardless of race, creed, gender or ethnic origin.

The charity has sometimes sparked controversy. In the 1800s it was opposed by many breweries and pubs because sellers and liquor producers thought the Salvation Army was bad for business. The Salvation Army has also been involved in anti-strike activity, which has drawn the ire of labor organizations, and continues to draw attention for its influence and method of organizing. At one point, the Russian government even accused it of being a “paramilitary organization.”

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