THE SALVATION ARMY
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
Rank-ordering and discrimination have been features of many societies throughout much of human history. However the concept of race based in differences of inherited characteristics like skin color only emerged in recent centuries.¹
The concept of race has been used to justify the most appalling policies of discrimination and murder. Science has shown, however, that there is no evidence to support the existence of biologically different human races. There is much more genetic variation within each so-called racial group than there is between them.²
Racism is manifest in the tendency to stereotype and marginalize whole segments of populations who are perceived as inferior, or, in some cases, a threat. Racism can take many expressions, including open hatred, indifference, or lack of care. As a result of racism, people are denied opportunities for full participation and advancement in many facets of society. Racial division may be hidden, yet still embedded in institutional
life in ethnocentric, class, colonial or xenophobic systems. In many places around the world, racism still denies people access to income, health care, justice, housing, education, employment, human rights and human security.
For many people, decades of racist structures and prejudices have created inter-generational effects and disadvantages. This can be so entrenched in institutions and culture that people can unwittingly perpetuate racial division.
While blatant expressions of racial prejudice are often easily recognized, there are more subtle forms that are recognized only with effort. Addressing racism requires initiatives related to laws, systems, organizational structures and a genuine change in the mind and behavior of individuals.
- George M. Fredrickson, The Historical Origins and Development of Racism http://www.pbs.org/race/000_ About/002_04-background-02-01.htm. See also, ‘Race’ in New Dictionary of Christian Ethics and Pastoral Theology, eds, David J. Atkinson, David F. Field, Arthur Holmes and Oliver O’Donovan. Downers Grove: IVP 1995.
- e.g., Long JC, Kittles RA. (2003). Human genetic diversity and the non-existence of biological races. Hum Biol. 75(4):449-71.; Alan R. Templeton. (2013). Biological Races in Humans. Stud Hist Philos Biol Biomed Sci. 44(3): 262–271.; Bamshad MJ, Olson SE. (2003). Does race exist? Scientific American. 289(6): 78-65.
PRACTICAL RESPONSES
The universality of God’s love is clearly declared in Scripture, and must be actualized in the daily living of people (1 John 4:20). Racism is a wrong that needs to be countered and calls for truthful acknowledgement, rectification and reconciliation on an organizational, individual and societal level.
Responding at an organisational level:
The Salvation Army is committed to equality, disavows discrimination and affirms racial diversity. Sorrow and repentance are needed for any negative legacy that past shortcomings have created. We acknowledge that Salvationists have sometimes conformed to economic, political, social and internal pressures that perpetuate racism.
- The Salvation Army will make and encourage efforts to challenge and overcome racism wherever it exists.
- The Salvation Army must always be vigilant and guard against the infiltration of racism in our organization.
- The Salvation Army recognizes the importance of robust systems to report and discuss racism without fear and will endeavor to provide these. • The Salvation Army will continue to make efforts to ensure ethnic diversity in international and territorial leadership.
- The Salvation Army will promote the value of ethnic diversity and inclusiveness in all expressions of Salvation Army life including prioritizing resources for the education and development of all personnel.
- The Salvation Army will regularly review its investment portfolios to ensure that they are consistent with the values and beliefs it proclaims.
Responding at an individual level:
- Salvationists are expected to take personal action against racism motivated by their obedience to the example of Jesus and their respect of the image of God in every person.
- Salvationists are expected to seek to influence the attitudes of others by expressly rejecting racial stereotypes, slurs and jokes.
- Salvationists should raise their families to appreciate the diversity of cultures and ethnicities.
- Salvationists are encouraged to join with others in combined efforts to bring about justice for the victims of racism.
Responding at a societal level:
The Salvation Army will seek to influence governments, businesses, civil society and other faith communities to:
- Pursue goals of racial and economic justice. This should include efforts to achieve fair working conditions, adequate income, safe and secure housing, educational opportunities that will enhance life, and health care that is accessible irrespective of ethnicity.
- Be aware of its responsibility to promote racial justice and ethnic diversity in private and public sectors of life.
- Avoid and resist rhetoric that can contribute to ethnic stereotyping.
- Encourage all people – especially leaders in society – to recognize the negative effects of racism in society and commit to rid the world of this injustice.
Approved by the General, October 2017.
The views expressed in this international positional statement constitute the official position of The Salvation Army on the issue addressed, and they may not be modified or adapted in any way without the express written permission of International Headquarters.
PRACTICAL RESPONSES
The universality of God’s love is clearly declared in Scripture, and must be actualized in the daily living of people (1 John 4:20). Racism is a wrong that needs to be countered and calls for truthful acknowledgement, rectification and reconciliation on an organizational, individual and societal level.
Responding at an organisational level:
The Salvation Army is committed to equality, disavows discrimination and affirms racial diversity. Sorrow and repentance are needed for any negative legacy that past shortcomings have created. We acknowledge that Salvationists have sometimes conformed to economic, political, social and internal pressures that perpetuate racism.
- The Salvation Army will make and encourage efforts to challenge and overcome racism wherever it exists.
- The Salvation Army must always be vigilant and guard against the infiltration of racism in our organization.
- The Salvation Army recognizes the importance of robust systems to report and discuss racism without fear and will endeavor to provide these. • The Salvation Army will continue to make efforts to ensure ethnic diversity in international and territorial leadership.
- The Salvation Army will promote the value of ethnic diversity and inclusiveness in all expressions of Salvation Army life including prioritizing resources for the education and development of all personnel.
- The Salvation Army will regularly review its investment portfolios to ensure that they are consistent with the values and beliefs it proclaims.
Responding at an individual level:
- Salvationists are expected to take personal action against racism motivated by their obedience to the example of Jesus and their respect of the image of God in every person.
- Salvationists are expected to seek to influence the attitudes of others by expressly rejecting racial stereotypes, slurs and jokes.
- Salvationists should raise their families to appreciate the diversity of cultures and ethnicities.
- Salvationists are encouraged to join with others in combined efforts to bring about justice for the victims of racism.
Responding at a societal level:
The Salvation Army will seek to influence governments, businesses, civil society and other faith communities to:
- Pursue goals of racial and economic justice. This should include efforts to achieve fair working conditions, adequate income, safe and secure housing, educational opportunities that will enhance life, and health care that is accessible irrespective of ethnicity.
- Be aware of its responsibility to promote racial justice and ethnic diversity in private and public sectors of life.
- Avoid and resist rhetoric that can contribute to ethnic stereotyping.
- Encourage all people – especially leaders in society – to recognize the negative effects of racism in society and commit to rid the world of this injustice.
Approved by the General, October 2017.
The views expressed in this international positional statement constitute the official position of The Salvation Army on the issue addressed, and they may not be modified or adapted in any way without the express written permission of International Headquarters.
