Salvation army on gays

These links were previously provided as resources under the Salvation Army's section on dealing with "sexual addictions."

"Without discrimination" -- myth or fact? The Salvation Army has recently attempted to counter this perception of the church as homophobic, scrubbing explicitly anti-gay statements from its websites and issuing missives purportedly "debunking" the "myth" of its anti-LGBT stances.

Yet these efforts at cleaning up their image still fail to address the most substantial criticisms of the church's policies.

Partnerships with LGBTQ+ organizations have also been pursued in some regions, albeit with mixed success. Despite efforts to repair its relationship with the community, meaningful change requires more than just words—it demands sustained, accountable action.

This shift in public perception has had tangible consequences.

Some individuals and organizations have chosen to boycott the Salvation Army, redirecting their donations to other charities perceived as more inclusive. Despite facing violence and persecution, the organization grew, converting 250,000 people across the British Isles between 1881 and 1885. Both of these truths can coexist, and as members of the LGBTQ+ community, it's essential to be mindful of where our dollars go, especially when some organizations may use our contributions to fund causes that don’t have our best interests at heart.

The Salvation Army: A Global Mission of Service

The Salvation Army is an international movement operating in 134 countries, with a membership of over 1.8 million people worldwide.

While some facilities have been found to promote inclusive practices, others have been accused of harboring anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes or even subtly encouraging individuals to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Salvation Army’s Official Stance on LGBTQ+ Issues

In recent years, the Salvation Army has made efforts to clarify its position on LGBTQ+ issues and distance itself from conversion therapy practices.

The organization’s current official statements emphasize a commitment to non-discrimination and serving all people in need, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. (2021).

10. Journal of Medical Regulation, 102(2), 7-12. As society continues to progress towards greater acceptance and equality, organizations like the Salvation Army must adapt or risk becoming increasingly irrelevant.

In the United States alone, the organization assisted more than 27 million individuals in 2023, providing a wide array of services to meet urgent human needs.

The organization's mission is rooted in evangelical Christian values and is motivated by the love of God. The Salvation Army's goal is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ while addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people, without discrimination.

Its origins date back more than 170 years.

The Salvation Army’s alleged involvement in such practices has raised serious concerns about its commitment to serving all members of society without discrimination. In Baltimore, the Salvation Army works with local officials to address the rising problem of trafficking among transgender individuals.

Additionally, the Salvation Army’s website features a dedicated page for LGBTQ+ support, detailing the organization's commitment to assisting individuals in areas such as homelessness, food insecurity, substance abuse, suicide prevention, and job training.

The organization’s current position on conversion therapy is clear: it does not practice or support such methods. Some local Salvation Army chapters have taken proactive steps to demonstrate their commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, such as participating in Pride events or partnering with LGBTQ+ organizations. These nonprofits work tirelessly to advocate for, provide services to, and uplift the LGBTQ+ community in various ways:

1. The Trevor Project – Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth.
2. True Colors United – Works to end homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth.
3. The Ali Forney Center – Supports homeless LGBTQ+ youth with housing and job.
4. GLAAD – Promotes LGBTQ+ representation in the media and combats media discrimination.
5. SAGE – Provides housing, resources, and advocacy for older LGBTQ+ adults.
6. Advocates for Trans Equality – Advocates for policy changes to improve the rights of transgender individuals.
7. Lambda Legal – Offers legal support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.

And don't forget to support your local equality center, which provides vital resources and services for the LGBTQ+ community in your area.

Supporting Inclusive Organizations

While The Salvation Army provides important services, its history of anti-LGBTQ+ actions and statements cannot be overlooked.

(2021). Moving forward, it’s crucial to direct support toward organizations that proactively create safe, inclusive spaces and foster genuine allyship.

And remember: every day is all we have, so you've got to make your own happiness.

For more information on this topic, listen to Episode 131.

One significant step was the creation of an LGBTQ+ liaison position within the organization to better understand and address the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Lieutenant Colonel Richard Love stated:

We simply cannot agree to be in compliance of the ordinance.

In 2004, the Salvation Army in New York City also threatened to close down all of its services for the city's homeless due to a similar non-discrimination ordinance.

2000 — The Salvation Army of Scotland submitted a letter to Parliament opposing the repeal of Section 28, a law prohibiting "the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship".

However, the journey to this position has been long and fraught with controversy. Sexual orientation change efforts within religious contexts: A personal account of the battle to heal homosexuals.