Salvation Army Leader Meets with Pope Francis to Promote Ecumenical Cooperation

Brian Peddle and Pope Francis

World leader of the Salvation Army, Brian Peddle, met with Pope Francis in Rome on November 8 to express ecumenical oneness and joint efforts to save the world through social action. The pope said, “Holiness transcends denominational boundaries. Catholics and Salvationists can increasingly assist one another and cooperate in a spirit of mutual respect” (“Pope asks Catholics, Salvation Amy to spread God’s love through service,” Crux, Nov. 8, 2019). The previous Salvation Army General, André Cox, was the first Salvation Army leader to visit the pope. During the 2014 visit, the pope said, “The differences between Catholics and Salvationists regarding theological and ecclesiological questions need not impede the witness of our shared love of God and love of neighbour.” The Salvation Army was founded in the 1800s by William and Catherine Booth for the purpose of preaching the gospel and assisting the needy. It is basically Methodist in doctrine and preaches a “holding out faithful” salvation and sinless perfection sanctification. “Continuance in a state of salvation depends upon continued obedient faith in Christ. It is the privilege of all believers to be wholly sanctified” (“Doctrines of the Salvation Army”). The Salvation Army does not practice baptism or the Lord’s Supper. Ecumenism and social welfare have long dominated the organization’s agenda.

(Friday Church News Notes, December 13, 2019, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143)

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