General Brian Peddle has taken office as The Salvation Army’s 21st international leader, succeeding General André Cox, who has retired. He is joined in leading the global Salvation Army by Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, World President of Women’s Ministries.
The Peddles are Salvation Army officers of the Canada and Bermuda Territory, originating from Newfoundland. The General was a cadet of the Companions of Christ Session (1975-1977) and Rosalie Peddle the Overcomers Session (1974-1976). After marrying in 1978, they shared ministry in various appointments in corps, divisional headquarters and training college in Canada.
In 2007, then-Majors Peddle were appointed to the Northern Division of the New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory. Promotion to colonel and a change of country came in 2009 as the Peddles were appointed as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries in the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland.
In July 2011, the Peddles returned to Canada as territorial leaders. Then Commissioner Brian Peddle was appointed as Territorial Commander and Commissioner Rosalie held simultaneous appointments as Territorial President of Women’s Ministries and Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development.
The pair were appointed to serve at International Headquarters (IHQ) in September 2014, with Brian Peddle appointed as International Secretary for the Americas and Caribbean Zone and Rosalie as Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries. In November 2015, they were appointed as Chief of the Staff and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries, respectively.
Such international service has helped prepare them for the international leadership of The Salvation Army.
Rosalie Peddle received a bachelor’s degree in Biblical and Theological Studies in October 2007 from the William and Catherine Booth Bible College in Winnipeg, Canada. Both the General and Commissioner Peddle are graduates of The Salvation Army’s Executive Leadership Program from Simon Fraser University in Canada.
Outside of their ministry, the international leaders have a variety of interests. The General enjoys kayaking, cycling, hiking and fishing, while Rosalie Peddle enjoys reading, cycling and hiking. Personal conversation with family and friends remains a priority, even in the midst of busy lives.
Fueled by their conviction that God continues to use The Salvation Army to impact the world, the Peddles share a strong sense of calling as Salvation Army officers. They are convinced of their responsibility to preach the gospel, encourage the saints and serve those in need. They fully embrace and celebrate the diversity of The Salvation Army, while sensing deeply the joy of leading an international Army that is unified through its calling to mission.
The Peddles have two daughters, Stephanie and Krista, and five grandchildren. Stephanie and her husband, Adam, are actively involved in the Sauble Christian Fellowship Community Church in Ontario. Krista and her husband, Tim, are Salvation Army officers, currently serving in Australia.
The IHQ welcome to the new international leaders is slated for Aug. 6, and the public welcome, which will be live-streamed, will be held at William Booth College in London, on Sept. 23.
Salvationists and friends around the world are asked to support their leaders in prayer now and in the coming days.