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ALEXANDRIA, VA (July 13, 2001)–The Salvation Army today issued a statement to reaffirm its mission to serve those in need, clarify its employment practices, and dispel confusion that came to light in recent news coverage regarding The Salvation Army’s involvement with President Bush’s faith-based initiative and the Community Solutions Act of 2001 (HR7).
“At the heart of our efforts to clear up this confusion is our compassionate commitment to helping people in need 365 days of the year,” said Commissioner John Busby, National Commander of The Salvation Army. “The Salvation Army assisted more than 36 million people last year in a variety of ways, guided by our mission to ‘serve those in need without discrimination.’ The Salvation Army is devoted to helping all who come to us seeking assistance.”
Equally vital to The Salvation Army’s mission is the dedication to employees who work in the 9,200 centers of operation throughout the United States. The hiring practices of these individuals have been the source of great misunderstanding.
The Salvation Army has and does not show bias in its employment practices because all Salvation Army positions of full-time service, lay leadership, employment, and volunteer service are open to qualified individuals, with exceptions only dictated by the religious purposes or moral position of The Salvation Army.
“Among the 45,000 employees in the USA, there are people of all races, religions and sexual orientation,” added Busby. “In practice, we consistently seek competent individuals who believe in our mission to serve.”
The Salvation Army, with many other faith-based organizations, has supported President Bush’s faith-based initiative since it was announced in January. The Salvation Army also publicly supported the Community Solutions Act of 2001. This bill is designed to stimulate charitable giving, expand the outreach of social services to the poor, and to remove the barriers currently restricting religious organizations from qualifying for government contracts.
“We supported both of these initiatives because they are designed to help people in need and helping people in need is our business,” said Busby.
In a letter to the two million Salvation Army officers, employees, volunteers and advisory organization members, Commissioner Busby reminded all that as demonstrated in their great dedication and action every day, The Salvation Army is an organization of compassion to all and asked them to remain focused on their mission to serve those in need.
One of the largest charitable and service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865, helping those in need without discrimination. The Salvation Army provides food for the hungry, companionship to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, opportunities for underprivileged children, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, and many more services to assist those in need.
