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A High Council to elect the next General of The Salvation Army is slated to begin in London May 17 with a public welcome to the High Council and farewell meeting for General André and Commissioner Silvia Cox planned for May 19 at Westminster Central Hall.
A High Council comprises all active Salvation Army commissioners (except the spouse of the serving General), territorial commanders and territorial presidents of women’s ministries. Its sole purpose is to prayerfully elect the next international leader of The Salvation Army, who will assume responsibility when Cox retires Aug. 2. Membership of the High Council and some other aspects of its procedures are set out in the “Salvation Army Act 1980,” enacted by the British Parliament.
Currently, there are 111 Salvation Army officers eligible for membership of the 2018 High Council, subject to the issuance of a formal summons by Chief of the Staff Commissioner Brian Peddle. The Chief will preside over the opening of the High Council until president and vice president are elected from among its members. Any active Salvation Army officer is eligible to be elected as General, regardless of membership of the High Council.
In order to ensure that each High Council member can fully contribute in the holy tasks of prayer, worship, devotion and deliberation, it is anticipated that translation will be provided in French, Hindi, Korean and Spanish.
For the second time, the High Council will meet at the Renaissance Hotel close to Heathrow Airport in West London. “It was a difficult decision not to return to Sunbury Court with its historical significance for many High Councils but the number attending and required infrastructure during an extended period necessitates the change,’ Peddle said.
A live webcast will announce the identity of the 21st General of The Salvation Army at the conclusion of proceedings.
