The Salvation Army also helps their employees by hiring ex-felons depending on the circumstances because they believe in giving people second chances. Textile items not sold are recycled and turned into other items such as carpet underlay. When items are bought at the Salvation Army thrift stores, part of the proceeds go towards The Salvation Army's emergency reliefs efforts and programs. The Salvation Army's fundraising shops in the United Kingdom participate in the UK government's Work Programme, a workfare programme where benefit claimants must work for no compensation for 20 to 40 hours per week over periods that can be as long as 6 months. Salvation Army store in Victoria, Australia (See also § Stance on LGBT issues section.) See also LGBT clergy in Christianity. Such officer-couples are then assigned together to act as co-pastors and administer corps, Adult Rehabilitation Centres and such.Īs of 2017 the organisation will not appoint homosexual people to posts as ministers, preferring individuals "whose values are consistent with the church's philosophy". Husbands and wives usually share the same rank and have the same or similar assignments. Salvation Army officers were previously allowed to marry only other officers (this rule varies in different countries) but this rule has been relaxed in recent years. The ordination of women is permitted in the Salvation Army. Promotion in rank up to the rank from Lieutenant to Major depends primarily on years of service. Officers ranks include Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Commissioner, and General. The epaulettes have the letter S embroidered on them in white. When acting in their official duties, they can often be recognised by the colour-coded epaulettes on their white uniform dress shirts. The Salvation Army refers to its ministers as "officers". Main article: Officer (The Salvation Army) 10.3 Proselytising during government-funded social service in New York.7.8 Red Shield Appeal and Self-Denial Appeal.The current international leader of The Salvation Army and chief executive officer (CEO) is General Brian Peddle, who was elected by the High Council of The Salvation Army on 3 August 2018. Its highest priority is its Christian principles. In 1878, Booth reorganised the mission, becoming its first General and introducing the military structure which has been retained as a matter of tradition. The Army was founded in 1865 in London by one-time Methodist preacher William Booth and his wife Catherine as the East London Christian Mission, and can trace its origins to the Blind Beggar tavern. of education, the relief of poverty, and other charitable objects beneficial to society or the community of mankind as a whole". The Army's purposes are "the advancement of the Christian religion . However, the Army's doctrine is otherwise typical of holiness churches in the Wesleyan–Arminian tradition. It does not celebrate the rites of Baptism and Holy Communion. A distinctive characteristic of the Salvation Army is its use of titles derived from military ranks, such as "lieutenant" or "major". The theology of the Salvation Army is derived from the methodist, although it is distinctive in institution and practice. It is present in 132 countries, running charity shops, operating shelters for the homeless and disaster relief, and humanitarian aid to developing countries. Its founders sought to bring salvation to the poor, destitute, and hungry by meeting both their "physical and spiritual needs". The organisation reports a worldwide membership of over 1.7 million, consisting of soldiers, officers and adherents collectively known as Salvationists. The Salvation Army ( TSA) is a Christian church and an international charitable organisation.