RACE WAR Salvation Army wants white donors to offer a "sincere apology" for their racism

thompson

Certa Bonum Certamen
They officially rolled it out on July 7, 2021



Salvation Army Imposes Racial Wokeness Within Church’s Ranks

Kenny Xu
October 03, 2021

The news is replete with examples of corporations and institutions going woke, from Google to Aunt Jemima. Unfortunately, now The Salvation Army is in danger of joining the ranks of Woke Inc.

In materials prepared for its more than 1.5 million members, The Salvation Army uses terms that echo both radical “anti-racism” jargon and the divisive teachings of critical race theory, which divides people into two camps: the oppressors and the oppressed.

And many of this trusted charitable organization’s donors and other supporters aren’t even aware of the change.

Despite being apolitical historically, The Salvation Army has begun to promote political and racial ideologies under the banner of its New York-based International Social Justice Commission since the protests and riots over George Floyd’s death in police custody began over a year ago.

The International Social Justice Commission works on issues involving human rights and justice, from human traffickers to asylum-seekers. But more recently, the commission, launched in 2007, is unhealthily mixing admirable human rights work with politically charged advocacy based in progressive politics.

As many Americans know, The Salvation Army, founded in London in 1865, is a church organized in an “army” structure encompassing “officers,” “soldiers,” and other volunteers. Collectively called Salvationists, they serve the organization and are inspired to perform good deeds on account of their Christian faith.

Early this year, Brian Peddle, general and international leader of The Salvation Army, announced an initiative called “Let’s Talk About Racism,” a curriculum with devotionals, videos, and other materials dedicated to helping Salvationists conduct “courageous conversations about racism.”

Peddle, who is Canadian, says in the video announcement Feb. 9 that the resource would help Salvationists “overcome the damage racism has inflicted upon the world, and yes, The Salvation Army.”

The brief video, however, makes no attempt to back up or explain the bold accusation that racism has damaged The Salvation Army at any significant level.

‘Let’s Talk About Racism’

The Salvation Army has a long, storied history of meeting spiritual and physical needs around the world. Many Americans may interact with the church only around Christmastime, when its volunteers ring bells in front of grocery stores to attract cash contributions in red kettles. The organization also runs hundreds of thrift stores and shelters in over 100 countries.

Salvationists throughout the world attend church services on Sundays as part of their local chapter, and some shepherd these congregations. The first goal listed on the website of The Salvation Army International is “advancement of the Christian religion.”

Having met many Salvationists personally, I can attest to the depth of their faith and commitment to evangelism. In many ways, The Salvation Army is a prime example of what it looks like for the Christian church to be devout in both faith and deed.

But today, the Christian witness of this esteemed institution is under threat from within.

The “Let’s Talk About Racism” initiative, officially rolled out July 7, is described in five slides that outline the larger Christian church’s alleged complicity in racism and provide action plans to combat racism through what the initiative calls an “anti-racist” lens. (The resource page provides translations in Spanish and Portuguese.)

One Salvation Army captain told me that the leadership of the organization disseminated this curriculum via emails, videos, and other presentations through its four territorial commanders and to field officers who serve poor communities across the United States.

In some aspects, the materials are indistinguishable from the “anti-racist” programs of any multinational corporation, or the expounding of critical race theory at a major university.

“Let’s Talk About Racism” accuses white Salvationists of being unable or unwilling to acknowledge their racism, just as Robin DiAngelo argues in her book “White Fragility” that whites are defensive about racism or race-related issues in general.

The Salvation Army initiative attacks “colorblindness” on race with the same argument used by Ibram X. Kendi, author of the book “How to Be an Antiracist,” which is to characterize it as a false neutrality that reveals a person’s inner racism.

Defining ‘Whiteness’

The initiative also includes definitions of institutional racism, systemic racism, and “Whiteness” that identify real or perceived differences in life outcomes (“inequities”) as attributable not to individual effort and other circumstances, but to discrimination.

As such, the materials starkly resemble the radical “anti-racist” programs such as Coca-Cola’s “Be Less White” program, or The Smithsonian Institution’s own “anti-racism” materials.

The Salvation Army’s materials include sections on police brutality, health care, and black unemployment that assign blame to “racism” and “racial inequity.” This race-based lens informs the curriculum’s explanation of related statistics, stating that disparities are evidence of deep-rooted structural racism while betraying Salvationists’ historical commitment to staying out of partisan politics.

IVNwICy.png


According to its official manual, “Chosen to Be a Soldier,” The Salvation Army doesn’t get involved in partisan politics or political fads of the day.

The “Let’s Talk About Racism” document flirts with accusing The Salvation Army itself of being complicit in systemic racism. For example, while mentioning the organization’s “progressive” view on the subject, it asserts there is “little doubt as to whether racism has impacted The Salvation Army in policy and practice.”

One study question asks: “How would The Salvation Army at the corporate level be strengthened by taking an active stance for racial equity and unity?”

This question implies that the church so far has been passively complicit. And notice that it uses the word “equity” instead of “equality.”

The biggest attack on Salvationists, however, is an admonition that they “repent” and offer “a sincere apology” for racism. In Section Four—called “Describe and Plan: How Then Shall We Live?”—the authors tell members that “the need to receive a sincere apology is necessary.”

“Please take time to write out or think about how you can repent and apologize,” they write.

Another study questions ask: “Who are those who deserve an apology/those who need to give an apology?”

This lesson never outright says it, but everything else in the document suggests that non-black Salvationists need to apologize to blacks. The same section cites the “many things the Black community in America continues to grieve about and experience,” from “police brutality” to “discrimination in health care,” to “mass incarceration.”

hB9sU1v.png

Text from the “Repentance” section of “Let’s Talk About Racism.”

Lure of Grandstanding

Here’s the difference: A Salvationist may be sorrowful for the history of racism in America without having to repent for it. Repentance implies that you, the repenter, have done something wrong, and faithful Salvationists are overwhelmingly unlikely to be the ones in need of repenting and apologizing for racism.

The document’s authors cite zero primary evidence of any systemic failure on The Salvation Army’s part on the subject of race and racism. As the basis for this damning claim, they only quote one retired officer recalling that a fellow Salvation Army cadet “had a doll hanging in his room that he called by my name.”

Today’s so-called anti-racists like to gain power by goading and guilting white people into admitting shame for crimes they did not commit. Nikole Hannah-Jones, founder of The New York Times’ debunked 1619 Project, calls slavery America’s “original sin,” implying the need to repent. Some in the Black Lives Matter movement also have goaded whites into kneeling and asking for forgiveness from the black community for racism.

Self-styled anti-racists have seen some success with other Christian organizations by demanding “apologies” for racism. Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy recently asked his employees to “have an apologetic heart” on racism.

The Salvation Army is at risk of caving to the same grandstanding.

Yet in practice, The Salvation Army confronted racism aggressively long before the rest of America, and the church should be proud of it. In 1898, at least five decades before the U.S. civil rights movement, the organization’s Orders of Regulations for Social Officers stated clearly that “none shall be debarred from any of its benefits … because they are of any particular nationality, race or color.”

The Salvation Army has been a leader in appointing black Americans to national leadership positions. Among them was Israel Gaither, a former national commander who I suppose must have misspoken when he said that “the future is absolutely wide open to African-American Salvationists who would be available for God’s use as officer.”

The organization was a trailblazer on racial equality. Yet these documents, directed at members, at best misrepresent The Salvation Army as weak on confronting issues of race throughout its history. This misrepresentation only will inflame tensions, rather than offer hope for racial healing.

Prescribed ‘Action Steps’

The action steps presented in “Let’s Talk About Racism” are similarly unlikely to create real racial reconciliation. They call on “White culture” to quit denying racism and admit its responsibility for racism. They call upon whites to quit trying to be colorblind on race.

Finally, the action steps encourage whites to read books such as DiAngelo’s “White Fragility” and Kendi’s “How to Be an Antiracist.”

Generally imposed from above, such ideas are deeply unpopular. Ordinary Americans increasingly are tired of being accused of racism simply for existing.

A 2018 poll by Public Religion Research Institute found that 83% of Americans agree that the nation is “somewhat or very divided by race and ethnicity.” Racially divisive woke initiatives, of course, are a strong reason why, but many are scared to speak out against such initiatives.

For the typical American, the social (and even financial) pressure to conform to anti-racist directives can be overwhelming.

The case appears to be particularly dire within The Salvation Army. Yet after countless hours of charity work over the past century and a half, it has one of the cleanest historical records of any major organization.

The vast majority of Salvationists alive today played no role in advancing any “historical” racism that parts of the wider Christian church in America may have sanctioned at one time.

And although reflection on individuals’ past sins related to race within the Christian church is a good thing, “repenting” individually for the church’s past sins on race goes too far. It unfairly characterizes the history of the Christian church as racist, when the faith actually built organizations such as The Salvation Army to assist people of all races.

Speaking Out

To state the obvious, these new admonitions that Salvationists stop trying to be colorblind are unnecessary. The Gospel itself is colorblind. As the Bible says in Galatians 3:28: “There is no longer Greek nor Jew, there is no longer slave nor free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”

The entire point of the faith at the root of The Salvation Army is that Jesus Christ came to save all of humanity, showing no favoritism to any race or group. Faithful Salvationists recognize this.

And despite what the church’s International Social Justice Commission says, ordinary members of The Salvation Army are committed to a colorblind perspective, and admirably so.

I’ve seen this perspective firsthand in speaking with five Salvationists in recent weeks. Across the board, they agreed that The Salvation Army ought to be a colorblind organization that treats everyone equally without regard to race.

Most said they were unaware of the “Let’s Talk About Racism” initiative, and were taken aback when I said it called upon all white Salvationists to repent for complicity in historical racism.

A week ago, I emailed two Salvation Army officials to ask why leadership decided to distribute this material with the expectation that Salvationists would participate in “conversations” about it. Neither responded.

The Daily Signal on Thursday sought comment via email from David Jolley, director of communications for The Salvation Army’s national headquarters in Washington. He had not replied as of Sunday afternoon.

Salvationists have begun to speak out about The Salvation Army’s apparent shift in direction. A petition recently organized by Color Us United (an organization that I lead) and co-written by Salvation Army captains so far has attracted 5,000 signatures from members and long-time donors who oppose this woke script.

Fundamentally, intentional racial division conflicts with the core message of The Salvation Army. And the stakes here are incredibly high.

The Salvation Army has done an incalculable amount of good since its inception. This descent into wokeness threatens its Christian witness and credibility.

As Benjamin Franklin said: “It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.”

Ordinary Americans, including Salvationists, don’t want their communities to be divided on the basis of race. They don’t want to be compelled to apologize for sins in which they played no part.

So much good work remains to be done. The Salvation Army should reject the modern, secular temptation of caving to wokeness if this worthy organization is to protect itself and continue providing for those in spiritual and physical need.
 

20Gauge

TB Fanatic


Along with coins this Christmas, Salvation Army wants white donors to offer a "sincere apology" for their racism
BUSINESS
Janet richard munn

Richard and Janet Munn are leading the Salvation Army's push to get its white donors to apologize for being racist. | Salvation Army/DifferenceMakers.org
By Central Nova News Reports
Nov 23, 2021

The Salvation Army wants its white donors to give it more than just money this Christmas season. Its leadership is also demanding they apologize for being racist.
It's part of a push by the Christian charitable organization to embrace the ideas of Black Lives Matter, an activist group working to, among other things, "dismantle white privilege" and "disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure."

The Salvation Army's Alexandria-based leadership has created an "International Social Justice Commission" which has developed and released a "resource" to educate its white donors, volunteers and employees called Let's Talk about Racism. It asserts Christianity is institutionally racist, calling for white Christians to repent and offer "a sincere apology" to blacks for being "antagonistic.. to black people or the culture, values and interests of the black community."

"Many have come to believe that we live in a post-racial society, but racism is very real for our brothers and sisters who are refused jobs and housing, denied basic rights and brutalized and oppressed simply because of the color of their skin," one lesson explains. "There is an urgent need for Christians to evaluate racist attitudes and practices in light of our faith, and to live faithfully in today’s world."

In an accompanying Study Guide on Racism, Salvation Army authors explain that all whites are racist, even if they don't realize it.

“The subtle nature of racism is such that people who are not consciously racist easily function with the privileges, empowerment and benefits of the dominant ethnicity, thus unintentionally perpetuating injustice," it says.
"Sunday school curriculum that only uses white photography and imagery" is an example given that perpetuates injustice.
"We must stop denying the existence of individual and systemic/ institutional racism. They exist, and are still at work to keep White Americans in power," the lesson says.

"These systems give privileges to white people"
Let's Talk about Racism pushes arguments identical to those of leading "Critical Race Theory" purveyors Robin DiAngelo and Henry Rogers (a.k.a. Ibram Kendi), whose work is recommended by Salvation Army authors.

DiAngelo and Rogers (Kendi) claim that any observable difference in relative behavior or accomplishment between racial groups is due to the inherent racism of whites, arguing against the traditional American concept of equal opportunity in favor of the Marxist-inspired goal of equality of outcome.

"Structural racism.. is the overarching system of racial bias across institutions and society. These systems give privileges to White people resulting in disadvantages to (blacks)," reads a Salvation Army lesson.
Proponents of "Critical Race Theory" don't believe whites, Asians or Hispanics can avoid being prejudiced against blacks. They want them to demonstrate what they call "anti-racism" in favor of blacks, helping to establish lower standards for them than they do members of other racial groups, or making cash "reparation" payments to blacks as compensation for alleged previous racism.

"Stop trying to be ‘colorblind’. While this might sound helpful, it actually ignores the God-given differences we all possess, as well as the beautiful cultures of our Black and Brown brothers and sisters," Let's Talk about Racism explains. "Instead of trying to be colorblind, try seeing the beauty in our differences, and welcome them into your homes churches and workplaces. Being colorblind also ignores the discrimination our Black and Brown brothers and sisters face and does not allow us to address racism properly."

Founded in 1865 in London, England, the Salvation Army is both a protestant Christian church and an international charitable organization. Its first "red kettle" was set up in Oakland, California in 1891.
National advisory board members include Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones, Chick-Fil-A Foundation President Rodney Bullard and charter school pioneer J.C. Huizenga
We as such, we must also apologize in that we will not be giving you any of our unearned cash this year or the next. Enjoy!!
 

cyberiot

Rimtas žmogus
The other aspect of this that chaps me is the insulting Salvationist insinuation that, in addition to my being inherently racist by dint of my tint, I am also too dumb to recognize same.

News flash, TSA--I've been living cheek by jowl with me for more than 65 years. I have intimate knowledge of the carefully reasoned beliefs that underlie my choices and my behavior. If I were a racist, I GUARANTEE I would know it. Sorry you didn't get the memo.
 
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CaryC

Has No Life - Lives on TB
The potential bell ringers should all read this article
Just as a note:

The "potential bell ringers", and possibly the biggest recipient of the donations, in my local area, are about 90% Black, and they would probably not see anything wrong, and even support the SA in asking for an apology.

Just saying.

As with other various charities it seems the black folk love to receive, and then hand out, white people's money, and gifts.
 

amarilla

Veteran Member
I tried to quote part of post #243 but it didn't work. I'm referring to the part about if you don't think you've done anything wrong but could repent of wrongs from the church highlighted in yellow.

I'm wondering if they did a poor job of explaining they were trying to be like Nehemiah in Chapter 1 and other places in the book. He repents of their sins, even though he wasn't even in the country at the time of the sinning. I think most Christians can agree there are churches that are not welcoming of other races. Churches should want to try and reach all souls regardless of color. I don't know their hearts, it may be liberal stuff. It might be an honest attempt to be like Nehemiah.
 

WalknTrot

Veteran Member
Just as a note:

The "potential bell ringers", and possibly the biggest recipient of the donations, in my local area, are about 90% Black, and they would probably not see anything wrong, and even support the SA in asking for an apology.

Just saying.
Location, location, location.
;)
 

CaryC

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Nope..what I meant is "location" has a LOT to do with your quality of life and community.
Not sure what you are getting at.

Tupelo and the surrounding area has not seen a depression type quality of life since the very early 1990's.

Having said that, there will always be people who have temporary hardship, and those who choose to make hardship a way of life.

In every advertised charity on the local news. Food give aways, coats giveaways, Christmas giveaways for children, those type of things our local news station always has pieces on them. I'm sure as a means to help generate donations. Ya ought to see what they do for St. Jude.

In every one, the giveaways are usually conducted by a mixed race crowd. Usually with some white women's auxiliary group/club leading the way. With 98% of the recipients being black.

One of the things the Salvation Army did in Tupelo a couple of years ago was build a 20 bed homeless shelter. Which stands empty. The reason being the 6 homeless people in Tupelo don't want to move in.

And even knowing that the majority of the recipients were black never bothered us from giving to the SA, but this "apology" thing has.

And all I'm saying is I noticed that the givers are usually white, and the takers (in this case bell ringers) are mostly black, and it is also obvious that the getters are also mostly black.

Now if you live in WY I wouldn't expect that, nor any other place that is predominately white.

But if the white bell ringers collections go into the general fund, not only does it support the "apology" but it also goes to areas that have those on temporary hardship, and those on a chosen lifestyle hardship, anywhere in the country.

So if you want to confront the white bell ringers in your area feel free. No harm, no foul. But in areas where the bell ringers are black expect some pushback.
 

WalknTrot

Veteran Member
Not sure what you are getting at.

Tupelo and the surrounding area has not seen a depression type quality of life since the very early 1990's.

Having said that, there will always be people who have temporary hardship, and those who choose to make hardship a way of life.

In every advertised charity on the local news. Food give aways, coats giveaways, Christmas giveaways for children, those type of things our local news station always has pieces on them. I'm sure as a means to help generate donations. Ya ought to see what they do for St. Jude.

In every one, the giveaways are usually conducted by a mixed race crowd. Usually with some white women's auxiliary group/club leading the way. With 98% of the recipients being black.

One of the things the Salvation Army did in Tupelo a couple of years ago was build a 20 bed homeless shelter. Which stands empty. The reason being the 6 homeless people in Tupelo don't want to move in.

And even knowing that the majority of the recipients were black never bothered us from giving to the SA, but this "apology" thing has.

And all I'm saying is I noticed that the givers are usually white, and the takers (in this case bell ringers) are mostly black, and it is also obvious that the getters are also mostly black.

Now if you live in WY I wouldn't expect that, nor any other place that is predominately white.

But if the white bell ringers collections go into the general fund, not only does it support the "apology" but it also goes to areas that have those on temporary hardship, and those on a chosen lifestyle hardship, anywhere in the country.

So if you want to confront the white bell ringers in your area feel free. No harm, no foul. But in areas where the bell ringers are black expect some pushback.
Seemed like you were complaining about the situation in your original post, and just pointing out that there are other areas of the country where the situation is not that of which you speak.

In a general sense, and not directed at your particular post, if people don't like the characteristics of their community, or it's values, move. Across many topics discussed on this board, seems a lot of folks live in less than ideal conditions in their own estimation, by their own admission...cost of living, crime, demographics, etc. they don't like. There are alternatives. That's what I mean by "location, location, location".
 
They officially rolled it out on July 7, 2021



Salvation Army Imposes Racial Wokeness Within Church’s Ranks

Kenny Xu
October 03, 2021

The news is replete with examples of corporations and institutions going woke, from Google to Aunt Jemima. Unfortunately, now The Salvation Army is in danger of joining the ranks of Woke Inc.

In materials prepared for its more than 1.5 million members, The Salvation Army uses terms that echo both radical “anti-racism” jargon and the divisive teachings of critical race theory, which divides people into two camps: the oppressors and the oppressed.

And many of this trusted charitable organization’s donors and other supporters aren’t even aware of the change.

Despite being apolitical historically, The Salvation Army has begun to promote political and racial ideologies under the banner of its New York-based International Social Justice Commission since the protests and riots over George Floyd’s death in police custody began over a year ago.

The International Social Justice Commission works on issues involving human rights and justice, from human traffickers to asylum-seekers. But more recently, the commission, launched in 2007, is unhealthily mixing admirable human rights work with politically charged advocacy based in progressive politics.

As many Americans know, The Salvation Army, founded in London in 1865, is a church organized in an “army” structure encompassing “officers,” “soldiers,” and other volunteers. Collectively called Salvationists, they serve the organization and are inspired to perform good deeds on account of their Christian faith.

Early this year, Brian Peddle, general and international leader of The Salvation Army, announced an initiative called “Let’s Talk About Racism,” a curriculum with devotionals, videos, and other materials dedicated to helping Salvationists conduct “courageous conversations about racism.”

Peddle, who is Canadian, says in the video announcement Feb. 9 that the resource would help Salvationists “overcome the damage racism has inflicted upon the world, and yes, The Salvation Army.”

The brief video, however, makes no attempt to back up or explain the bold accusation that racism has damaged The Salvation Army at any significant level.

‘Let’s Talk About Racism’

The Salvation Army has a long, storied history of meeting spiritual and physical needs around the world. Many Americans may interact with the church only around Christmastime, when its volunteers ring bells in front of grocery stores to attract cash contributions in red kettles. The organization also runs hundreds of thrift stores and shelters in over 100 countries.

Salvationists throughout the world attend church services on Sundays as part of their local chapter, and some shepherd these congregations. The first goal listed on the website of The Salvation Army International is “advancement of the Christian religion.”

Having met many Salvationists personally, I can attest to the depth of their faith and commitment to evangelism. In many ways, The Salvation Army is a prime example of what it looks like for the Christian church to be devout in both faith and deed.

But today, the Christian witness of this esteemed institution is under threat from within.

The “Let’s Talk About Racism” initiative, officially rolled out July 7, is described in five slides that outline the larger Christian church’s alleged complicity in racism and provide action plans to combat racism through what the initiative calls an “anti-racist” lens. (The resource page provides translations in Spanish and Portuguese.)

One Salvation Army captain told me that the leadership of the organization disseminated this curriculum via emails, videos, and other presentations through its four territorial commanders and to field officers who serve poor communities across the United States.

In some aspects, the materials are indistinguishable from the “anti-racist” programs of any multinational corporation, or the expounding of critical race theory at a major university.

“Let’s Talk About Racism” accuses white Salvationists of being unable or unwilling to acknowledge their racism, just as Robin DiAngelo argues in her book “White Fragility” that whites are defensive about racism or race-related issues in general.

The Salvation Army initiative attacks “colorblindness” on race with the same argument used by Ibram X. Kendi, author of the book “How to Be an Antiracist,” which is to characterize it as a false neutrality that reveals a person’s inner racism.

Defining ‘Whiteness’

The initiative also includes definitions of institutional racism, systemic racism, and “Whiteness” that identify real or perceived differences in life outcomes (“inequities”) as attributable not to individual effort and other circumstances, but to discrimination.

As such, the materials starkly resemble the radical “anti-racist” programs such as Coca-Cola’s “Be Less White” program, or The Smithsonian Institution’s own “anti-racism” materials.

The Salvation Army’s materials include sections on police brutality, health care, and black unemployment that assign blame to “racism” and “racial inequity.” This race-based lens informs the curriculum’s explanation of related statistics, stating that disparities are evidence of deep-rooted structural racism while betraying Salvationists’ historical commitment to staying out of partisan politics.

IVNwICy.png


According to its official manual, “Chosen to Be a Soldier,” The Salvation Army doesn’t get involved in partisan politics or political fads of the day.

The “Let’s Talk About Racism” document flirts with accusing The Salvation Army itself of being complicit in systemic racism. For example, while mentioning the organization’s “progressive” view on the subject, it asserts there is “little doubt as to whether racism has impacted The Salvation Army in policy and practice.”

One study question asks: “How would The Salvation Army at the corporate level be strengthened by taking an active stance for racial equity and unity?”

This question implies that the church so far has been passively complicit. And notice that it uses the word “equity” instead of “equality.”

The biggest attack on Salvationists, however, is an admonition that they “repent” and offer “a sincere apology” for racism. In Section Four—called “Describe and Plan: How Then Shall We Live?”—the authors tell members that “the need to receive a sincere apology is necessary.”

“Please take time to write out or think about how you can repent and apologize,” they write.

Another study questions ask: “Who are those who deserve an apology/those who need to give an apology?”

This lesson never outright says it, but everything else in the document suggests that non-black Salvationists need to apologize to blacks. The same section cites the “many things the Black community in America continues to grieve about and experience,” from “police brutality” to “discrimination in health care,” to “mass incarceration.”

hB9sU1v.png

Text from the “Repentance” section of “Let’s Talk About Racism.”

Lure of Grandstanding

Here’s the difference: A Salvationist may be sorrowful for the history of racism in America without having to repent for it. Repentance implies that you, the repenter, have done something wrong, and faithful Salvationists are overwhelmingly unlikely to be the ones in need of repenting and apologizing for racism.

The document’s authors cite zero primary evidence of any systemic failure on The Salvation Army’s part on the subject of race and racism. As the basis for this damning claim, they only quote one retired officer recalling that a fellow Salvation Army cadet “had a doll hanging in his room that he called by my name.”

Today’s so-called anti-racists like to gain power by goading and guilting white people into admitting shame for crimes they did not commit. Nikole Hannah-Jones, founder of The New York Times’ debunked 1619 Project, calls slavery America’s “original sin,” implying the need to repent. Some in the Black Lives Matter movement also have goaded whites into kneeling and asking for forgiveness from the black community for racism.

Self-styled anti-racists have seen some success with other Christian organizations by demanding “apologies” for racism. Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy recently asked his employees to “have an apologetic heart” on racism.

The Salvation Army is at risk of caving to the same grandstanding.

Yet in practice, The Salvation Army confronted racism aggressively long before the rest of America, and the church should be proud of it. In 1898, at least five decades before the U.S. civil rights movement, the organization’s Orders of Regulations for Social Officers stated clearly that “none shall be debarred from any of its benefits … because they are of any particular nationality, race or color.”

The Salvation Army has been a leader in appointing black Americans to national leadership positions. Among them was Israel Gaither, a former national commander who I suppose must have misspoken when he said that “the future is absolutely wide open to African-American Salvationists who would be available for God’s use as officer.”

The organization was a trailblazer on racial equality. Yet these documents, directed at members, at best misrepresent The Salvation Army as weak on confronting issues of race throughout its history. This misrepresentation only will inflame tensions, rather than offer hope for racial healing.

Prescribed ‘Action Steps’

The action steps presented in “Let’s Talk About Racism” are similarly unlikely to create real racial reconciliation. They call on “White culture” to quit denying racism and admit its responsibility for racism. They call upon whites to quit trying to be colorblind on race.

Finally, the action steps encourage whites to read books such as DiAngelo’s “White Fragility” and Kendi’s “How to Be an Antiracist.”

Generally imposed from above, such ideas are deeply unpopular. Ordinary Americans increasingly are tired of being accused of racism simply for existing.

A 2018 poll by Public Religion Research Institute found that 83% of Americans agree that the nation is “somewhat or very divided by race and ethnicity.” Racially divisive woke initiatives, of course, are a strong reason why, but many are scared to speak out against such initiatives.

For the typical American, the social (and even financial) pressure to conform to anti-racist directives can be overwhelming.

The case appears to be particularly dire within The Salvation Army. Yet after countless hours of charity work over the past century and a half, it has one of the cleanest historical records of any major organization.

The vast majority of Salvationists alive today played no role in advancing any “historical” racism that parts of the wider Christian church in America may have sanctioned at one time.

And although reflection on individuals’ past sins related to race within the Christian church is a good thing, “repenting” individually for the church’s past sins on race goes too far. It unfairly characterizes the history of the Christian church as racist, when the faith actually built organizations such as The Salvation Army to assist people of all races.

Speaking Out

To state the obvious, these new admonitions that Salvationists stop trying to be colorblind are unnecessary. The Gospel itself is colorblind. As the Bible says in Galatians 3:28: “There is no longer Greek nor Jew, there is no longer slave nor free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”

The entire point of the faith at the root of The Salvation Army is that Jesus Christ came to save all of humanity, showing no favoritism to any race or group. Faithful Salvationists recognize this.

And despite what the church’s International Social Justice Commission says, ordinary members of The Salvation Army are committed to a colorblind perspective, and admirably so.

I’ve seen this perspective firsthand in speaking with five Salvationists in recent weeks. Across the board, they agreed that The Salvation Army ought to be a colorblind organization that treats everyone equally without regard to race.

Most said they were unaware of the “Let’s Talk About Racism” initiative, and were taken aback when I said it called upon all white Salvationists to repent for complicity in historical racism.

A week ago, I emailed two Salvation Army officials to ask why leadership decided to distribute this material with the expectation that Salvationists would participate in “conversations” about it. Neither responded.

The Daily Signal on Thursday sought comment via email from David Jolley, director of communications for The Salvation Army’s national headquarters in Washington. He had not replied as of Sunday afternoon.

Salvationists have begun to speak out about The Salvation Army’s apparent shift in direction. A petition recently organized by Color Us United (an organization that I lead) and co-written by Salvation Army captains so far has attracted 5,000 signatures from members and long-time donors who oppose this woke script.

Fundamentally, intentional racial division conflicts with the core message of The Salvation Army. And the stakes here are incredibly high.

The Salvation Army has done an incalculable amount of good since its inception. This descent into wokeness threatens its Christian witness and credibility.

As Benjamin Franklin said: “It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.”

Ordinary Americans, including Salvationists, don’t want their communities to be divided on the basis of race. They don’t want to be compelled to apologize for sins in which they played no part.

So much good work remains to be done. The Salvation Army should reject the modern, secular temptation of caving to wokeness if this worthy organization is to protect itself and continue providing for those in spiritual and physical need.
From the above article:

"According to its official manual, “Chosen to Be a Soldier,” The Salvation Army doesn’t get involved in partisan politics or political fads of the day."

Yet, CLEARLY, they ARE "involved in partisan politics."

How was THAT ALLOWED to happen, when the "black-letter" SA directives prohibit such?

Follow the evolution/infiltration of the SA decision-making ranks by the communists, for an instructive moment on HOW the communists are able to poison/target/tear-down the institutions that are most important to the positive successes of the human culture.


intothegoodnight
 

155 arty

Veteran Member
I walked past a Salvation Army bell ringer on my way out of the store today. I didn't put anything in as I didn't have time to stop and figured I'd stop next time. Well, I will stop next time........just to tell them that I will NOT ever donate to them again! And I will make sure I'm loud enough that everyone around me hears!

They are one organization that I've always given to, multiple times each Christmas. And I've rung bells for them. But no more.
I wondered why the local news said that the SA was really lacking bell ringers in our area. Word must be getting out. We "white folk" in northern Minnesota don't care for being told we're racist or that we should apologize for being racist.
most of the bell ringers a not actually sa ,most are just local volunteers.
last year local American legion members were manning a couple different kettles.
be careful who you chastise!
 

BUBBAHOTEPT

Veteran Member
Looking on their page, I see they did not support my community - LGBFJB… Therefore, I’ll not support them. They can rely on their diverse people of whatever they believe they are on any given day for monetary resources… :kaid:

be careful who you chastise!
Thus the suggested paper to place into the kettle. I’ll not say a word to the volunteer.
 
Last edited:

Sammy55

Veteran Member
most of the bell ringers a not actually sa ,most are just local volunteers.
last year local American legion members were manning a couple different kettles.
be careful who you chastise!
I know they are volunteers. I spent several years doing bell ringing with my husband and our kids and even some kids from the 4H and Girl Scout troups I led. Plus, I've worked with leading and recruiting volunteers, so I know how to work with volunteers. I decided after I wrote this that I'd do notes instead as they would get to the upper management better. If you read my later post, I said I am making little notes to put into each red kettle I come across.
 

Sammy55

Veteran Member
www.salvationarmyusa.org

Glad they are reconsidering this. I'm not really sure why they need a social justice committee.
I couldn't find anything that says they are reconsidering their position. Is there a direct link to that position comment? TYIA!

If they just stuck with what their guidelines say - that they provide help to people no matter their race, religion, sex, etc. - they would be fine. They don't need to come out as "judges" on the white people, accusing them of being "racist." If we were "racist," we wouldn't give donations to groups like the Salvation Army that help everyone, no matter what their race is.

Is the Salvation Army now going to come out and judge Christians, accuse us of being "religionist"? And tell us that we should apologize for our Christianity? That we don't think enough of people who are jewish or buddhist or......?

People all bleed red blood. What's inside a person doesn't take any definition from the color of their skin or their religion or their sex or their "claimed sex" or anything else. People are people. That's all they have to say. And that's how most donors think. They give to help people in need.
 

Shep

Contributing Member
One thing that really pisses me off is that Cary and I have given a large donation every year at Christmas, and have given donations to them off and on throughout the year. We were getting ready to make that donation again this year. We've been doing this for many years. Now, they come out and slap us in the face? What an insult! I feel betrayed. I think I'm going to tell them how I feel the next time I see a bell ringer.

I was going to do the same but then I realized that the bell ringer has nothing to do with this… they’re just getting paid an hourly wage for some and others take a voluntary position. Send a letter to both your local office and the main office. I am.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
I was going to do the same but then I realized that the bell ringer has nothing to do with this… they’re just getting paid an hourly wage for some and others take a voluntary position. Send a letter to both your local office and the main office. I am.

Yeah. I realized, after some consideration, that it was a bad idea.
 

TammyinWI

Talk is cheap
The Salvation Army's Response to False Claims on the Topic of Racism

Nov 25, 2021
The holidays are a welcome reminder of the things we are grateful for—and for the power of service on behalf of those who are less fortunate. The Salvation Army mission statement clearly outlines the nature of our service: to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination. The beliefs that motivate our service are based solely on the Bible, and that will never change.

But although we remain committed to serving everyone in need—regardless of their beliefs, backgrounds, or lifestyle—some individuals and groups have recently attempted to mislabel our organization to serve their own agendas. They have claimed that we believe our donors should apologize for their skin color, that The Salvation Army believes America is an inherently racist society, and that we have abandoned our Christian faith for one ideology or another.
Those claims are simply false, and they distort the very goal of our work.

The truth is that The Salvation Army believes that racism is fundamentally incompatible with Christianity, and that we are called by God to work toward a world where all people are loved, accepted, and valued. Our positional statement on racism makes this clear. These beliefs and goals are critically important because we know that racism exists, and we are determined to do everything the Bible asks of us to overcome it.

The Salvation Army occasionally publishes internal study guides on various complex topics to help foster positive conversations and grace-filled reflection among Salvationists. By openly discussing these issues, we always hope to encourage the development of a more thoughtful organization that is better positioned to support those in need. But no one is being told how to think. Period.

In this case, the guide “Let’s Talk About Racism,” was issued as a voluntary resource, but it has since become a focus of controversy. We have done our best to provide accurate information, but unfortunately, some have chosen to ignore those efforts. At the same time, International Headquarters realized that certain aspects of the guide may need to be clarified.
Consequently, for both reasons, the International Social Justice Commission has now withdrawn the guide for appropriate review.

We at The Salvation Army remain undeterred in our mission because we are confident in the power of the gospel, and because millions of vulnerable Americans need our help. And we remain deeply grateful for the support of a generous public—people from all walks of life and from all parts of the country—who help us meet human need wherever it exists. Our supporters know that ours is a message of love, even for those who disagree or attack us. That is the model set by Christ, and we strive to follow it every day.

May God bless you, and Merry Christmas.

 

Shep

Contributing Member
Yeah. I realized, after some consideration, that it was a bad idea.

Yeah I passed by some bell ringers yesterday and felt really bad ignoring them. I’m still going to do the Angel trees though… at least the presents for the kids go to them directly… at least I hope they still do. If it wasn’t for that my kids would not have had anything when they were little. Not that I feel Christmas is all about gifts but kids really feel it especially when you’re too poor to do anything.
 

CaryC

Has No Life - Lives on TB
The Salvation Army's Response to False Claims on the Topic of Racism

Nov 25, 2021
The holidays are a welcome reminder of the things we are grateful for—and for the power of service on behalf of those who are less fortunate. The Salvation Army mission statement clearly outlines the nature of our service: to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination. The beliefs that motivate our service are based solely on the Bible, and that will never change.

But although we remain committed to serving everyone in need—regardless of their beliefs, backgrounds, or lifestyle—some individuals and groups have recently attempted to mislabel our organization to serve their own agendas. They have claimed that we believe our donors should apologize for their skin color, that The Salvation Army believes America is an inherently racist society, and that we have abandoned our Christian faith for one ideology or another.
Those claims are simply false, and they distort the very goal of our work.

The truth is that The Salvation Army believes that racism is fundamentally incompatible with Christianity, and that we are called by God to work toward a world where all people are loved, accepted, and valued. Our positional statement on racism makes this clear. These beliefs and goals are critically important because we know that racism exists, and we are determined to do everything the Bible asks of us to overcome it.

The Salvation Army occasionally publishes internal study guides on various complex topics to help foster positive conversations and grace-filled reflection among Salvationists. By openly discussing these issues, we always hope to encourage the development of a more thoughtful organization that is better positioned to support those in need. But no one is being told how to think. Period.

In this case, the guide “Let’s Talk About Racism,” was issued as a voluntary resource, but it has since become a focus of controversy. We have done our best to provide accurate information, but unfortunately, some have chosen to ignore those efforts. At the same time, International Headquarters realized that certain aspects of the guide may need to be clarified.
Consequently, for both reasons, the International Social Justice Commission has now withdrawn the guide for appropriate review.

We at The Salvation Army remain undeterred in our mission because we are confident in the power of the gospel, and because millions of vulnerable Americans need our help. And we remain deeply grateful for the support of a generous public—people from all walks of life and from all parts of the country—who help us meet human need wherever it exists. Our supporters know that ours is a message of love, even for those who disagree or attack us. That is the model set by Christ, and we strive to follow it every day.

May God bless you, and Merry Christmas.

Must have been feeling it in the bread basket, or red kettles.

I say that because that "internal memo guidelines" has been out there for months, and they are just NOW feeling the need to review it? Really? Now? What caused you to think it needed reviewing?

Go Woke go broke.

BTW the claims aren't false, it's in black and white. If it were "false" it wouldn't need reviewing.
 

SouthernBreeze

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Yeah I passed by some bell ringers yesterday and felt really bad ignoring them. I’m still going to do the Angel trees though… at least the presents for the kids go to them directly… at least I hope they still do. If it wasn’t for that my kids would not have had anything when they were little. Not that I feel Christmas is all about gifts but kids really feel it especially when you’re too poor to do anything.

All of our giving will be done on a community level from now on. There are some folks in our small community who could use some help, and it's those I will help. I did this years ago, but stopped, once we started donating to the SA.
 

Thinwater

Firearms Manufacturer
The Salvation Army's Response to False Claims on the Topic of Racism

Nov 25, 2021
The holidays are a welcome reminder of the things we are grateful for—and for the power of service on behalf of those who are less fortunate. The Salvation Army mission statement clearly outlines the nature of our service: to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination. The beliefs that motivate our service are based solely on the Bible, and that will never change.

But although we remain committed to serving everyone in need—regardless of their beliefs, backgrounds, or lifestyle—some individuals and groups have recently attempted to mislabel our organization to serve their own agendas. They have claimed that we believe our donors should apologize for their skin color, that The Salvation Army believes America is an inherently racist society, and that we have abandoned our Christian faith for one ideology or another.
Those claims are simply false, and they distort the very goal of our work.

The truth is that The Salvation Army believes that racism is fundamentally incompatible with Christianity, and that we are called by God to work toward a world where all people are loved, accepted, and valued. Our positional statement on racism makes this clear. These beliefs and goals are critically important because we know that racism exists, and we are determined to do everything the Bible asks of us to overcome it.

The Salvation Army occasionally publishes internal study guides on various complex topics to help foster positive conversations and grace-filled reflection among Salvationists. By openly discussing these issues, we always hope to encourage the development of a more thoughtful organization that is better positioned to support those in need. But no one is being told how to think. Period.

In this case, the guide “Let’s Talk About Racism,” was issued as a voluntary resource, but it has since become a focus of controversy. We have done our best to provide accurate information, but unfortunately, some have chosen to ignore those efforts. At the same time, International Headquarters realized that certain aspects of the guide may need to be clarified.
Consequently, for both reasons, the International Social Justice Commission has now withdrawn the guide for appropriate review.

We at The Salvation Army remain undeterred in our mission because we are confident in the power of the gospel, and because millions of vulnerable Americans need our help. And we remain deeply grateful for the support of a generous public—people from all walks of life and from all parts of the country—who help us meet human need wherever it exists. Our supporters know that ours is a message of love, even for those who disagree or attack us. That is the model set by Christ, and we strive to follow it every day.

May God bless you, and Merry Christmas.

So they admit it is real, but everyone else is to stupid to know how to properly interpret it.
 

West

Senior
Well, since the red army is no longer the salvation, may I suggest...

The West(of 2b2k) all new hunting foundation. Where your contributions will be used for hunting and fishing stuffs. And only American patriots can give with a promise never to go woke.

:D
 

tiredude

Veteran Member
Just as a note:

The "potential bell ringers", and possibly the biggest recipient of the donations, in my local area, are about 90% Black, and they would probably not see anything wrong, and even support the SA in asking for an apology.

Just saying.

As with other various charities it seems the black folk love to receive, and then hand out, white people's money, and gifts.
sounds like south afrika
 

WalknTrot

Veteran Member
A weak response IMHO. I doubt they realize the gravity of the situation as we are interpreting and reacting to it.

If this BS came out of the main office in London (which does make sense given the average Brit's squishiness in defense of their own God given Freedoms) maybe it's time the American arm breaks away from their overlords across the pond.

It's been done here before(!)
....and probably the only thing that would win me back.
 

155 arty

Veteran Member
I know they are volunteers. I spent several years doing bell ringing with my husband and our kids and even some kids from the 4H and Girl Scout troups I led. Plus, I've worked with leading and recruiting volunteers, so I know how to work with volunteers. I decided after I wrote this that I'd do notes instead as they would get to the upper management better. If you read my later post, I said I am making little notes to put into each red kettle I come across.
sorry didn't see your later post ..wasn't jumping you ,I know that kettles are manned by different people in different places.
just didn't want to see the wrong person catch the wrath. no ill will meant
 
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