ISN’T technology incredible? It never seems to stand still! There is always some new invention, often packaged and marketed in such a way as to suggest that you simply can’t do without it. Some have lasted, others have passed away as further advances are made. What will never change is our ability to create new things, to imagine. It is in our DNA.
We were created by a creator God, and he made us in his own image: ‘God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them’ (Genesis 1:27).
In this week’s issue, as we celebrate and explore how technology can help us, we need to remember the source of our God-given creativity and seek to ensure that our creations are for his glory. Gadgets and gizmos are not necessarily bad – so much good has been enabled by our ability to think bigger and better –but, in a world where artificial intelligence is surrounded by claims and promises of ultimate efficiency and more, we must guard against becoming dependent on anything other than God, and ensure that we seek his wisdom in all that we do.
MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN Editor
EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
ASSISTANT EDITOR Stevie Hope
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Major Margaret Bovey, Major Lynne Shaw, George Tanton, Lyn Woods
The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland is SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland is CHY6399.
FOUNDERS Catherine and William Booth
Fake news
Ivan Radford encourages us to stay alert and seek God’s voice in an age of misinformation
WHEN I was younger, I liked to think that if you edited any entry on Wikipedia, no matter what you wrote, the universe would change to make it real. After all, if the internet says something, it must be true, right? That’s not quite how Wikipedia works but, in 2025, it’s harder than ever to trust everything we see around us.
Fake news can come in many different forms, including disinformation –something deliberately intended to be false – and misinformation – when something false is shared unknowingly.
The way we consume information in so many different places, not to mention content generated with artificial intelligence, can make it harder to distinguish fact from fiction. Social media and search engine algorithms deliberately personalise what we see to show us things that reinforce our opinions, creating echo chambers that isolate us from other perspectives we could learn from. These algorithms are programmed by companies who have their own motivations, such as engagement and profit.
The rush of information to our heads also means we have less time to process any of it. False information tends to be shared on social media more frequently than true stories, because it’s more emotionally charged and attention-grabbing. For convenience, however, we often rely on the first thing we see, whether that’s a post by an influencer, a news headline or an AI-
generated summary of search results. If the idea of ‘media studies’ was once undervalued, it’s now an essential skill for anyone navigating our world. Lies and fake news can perpetuate injustice, cause social divides or spread harmful ideas. They can lead people – including Christians – away from living the way God wants us to.
1 John 4 reminds us to ‘not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God’. Romans 12:2 encourages us not to ‘conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind’. We are not called to go into this world and be blown about by everything around us: we are called to stand firm in our faith, holding on to the truth of the gospel above all things.
That means not believing everything we see, but engaging in critical thinking. Ask yourself: Who created this and why? Are they trusted and reputable? Is there any evidence to validate it? Is any other credible source also saying this? Where and how did you come across it?
We have never had to process such a high volume of information before in human history. The other key habit to develop, therefore, is silence. Psalm 46:10 encourages us to ‘be still, and know that I am God’. When you have a quiet minute, how often do you reach for your phone to occupy or distract your mind? Could you instead embrace the quiet and pray? How do you discern God’s voice amid the noise? Like love, or perhaps a bad
Reflect and respond
What tools, such as Lectio 365 or the Bible app, can help you take time to pray and study Scripture?
Consider the territory’s vision and values at salvationist.org.uk/ our-values and mission priorities at salvationist.org.uk/our-mission. How can they help you discern God’s truth in the world?
Read Philippians 4:5–9. Pray for God’s peace to guard your heart and mind.
case of indigestion, you feel it. It is only through intentional, direct interaction with God that we can grow in our relationship with him. However you do it – online or offline – knowing Jesus and seeking out his voice and will for you is the greatest truth for any of us. The more we listen for his voice, the more we recognise it – and the more we recognise it, the more we can ask God to help us discern what is true, and what truly matters.
IVAN RADFORD Managing Editor Salvationist
Matthew Elliott Liverpool Walton
‘Wait for the Moment’ by Vulfpeck It’s a laid-back, minimalist funk track. It has memories of summer and a really chilled-out vibe, chilling out in the back of the car with my brother.
‘Yoda’s Theme’ from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
I’m a big lover of film music and an unapologetic Star Wars fan. Even if you don’t get Star Wars, I don’t think anyone could not appreciate beautiful music.
‘Crash the Car’ by KNOWER
I don’t usually read into lyrics, but this song talks about taking risks and going for the things in your life that you want to do. It’s got so much texture and instrumentation.
‘Cornerstone’ by Hillsong Worship For me, it’s the most enjoyable song to play. It’s a song where I feel real connection to God and I can really worship. I can lock in with the drummer and just praise God. I love it so much. It holds some special memories.
‘Jesus, What a Saviour’ sung by the Territorial Youth Choir
It’s a testimony. It says all the things we find it hard to say. When that final chorus comes together and the whole choir proclaims ‘Jesus, what a saviour you are’, I don’t think you get much more powerful than that.
l Based on an episode of Salvationist Radio’s Me and My Playlist. The podcast features young people from across the territory, as they share five tracks they love. Listen to more episodes at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts
‘Online spaces have given me more opportunities to serve’
Heather Booth (Plexus) thanks God for how technology helped her find her spiritual home
AFTER years away from The Salvation Army, my husband, Martin, and I were drawn back during the Covid-19 pandemic. Linking up with a local Army expression online gave us an easier way to return than walking into a hall. Online spaces often feel less threatening than in-person ones. We developed a passion for what online church could be. When that corps returned to all in-person meetings, we linked up with Plexus, the Army’s first fully online ministry expression, and found our spiritual home.
I’ve been involved in online communities for more than 20 years, since the early days of Yahoo! and AOL Messenger. They give me an opportunity to discuss and explore faith in a nonthreatening way. Running an online space for our local community has shown me and Martin that people have a need for fellowship. This, combined with our own experience during lockdown, meant we could see the need for online church.
Online spaces are often seen as a negative place, full of danger, fake profiles, AI-generated content and exposure to difficult subjects, but I’ve found they can be very different. They are filled with people who want to build community.
We are called to go out into our communities to serve God and be his hands and feet, and I firmly believe this includes online communities. Meeting in-person will always be vital for the Church, but what about people who cannot? How do we meet their needs? How do we free them to use their Spirit-given gifts? Plexus and other online Christian communities have encouraged our faith. Plexus is just as vibrant
and interactive as any physical church. Our Sunday meetings are live online and members are encouraged to take part. Our Thursday Bible study group has strengthened my faith in ways I never expected. Our Discord server and WhatsApp group enable us to share prayer requests, chat, support, humour and friendship.
Last September, Martin and I became the first soldiers enrolled into a fully online corps and we are excited to see where God will take this ministry next. I have also started studying online for a master’s degree in theology and mission with Cliff College.
Not all we do to serve as Salvationists is online – it doesn’t have to be one or the other! We volunteer in our community, are involved in Churches Together where we live and Martin works in an Anglican Church. Online spaces have simply given me more opportunities to serve and witness to others.
Technology gave us the opportunity to be involved in outreach but, most importantly, technology gave us the ability to spiritually come home. For that we will always be grateful.
Keeping us on track
Salvationist shares the UKI Territory’s AI Guardrails
THESE AI Guardrails are intended to help keep the UKI Territory on track as artificial intelligence (AI) allows us to travel in new and unanticipated directions. The scale and pace of technological advancement means that timely support and clear guidance is needed. Instead of setting out a rigid list of dos and don’ts, these are based on our shared values and are applicable across all areas of Salvation Army influence. Our ambition is to harness AI to further our God-given mission, embracing its opportunities while carefully managing its risks. Throughout, we affirm and maintain our belief in the supremacy of Scripture for Christian faith and practice.
Boldness
We will make space for the creative and innovative use of AI. This means:
• rejecting a risk-averse approach and embracing dynamic faith that responds to the Holy Spirit’s leading
• co-creating relational AI solutions with people directly impacted by AI
• noticing, challenging and dismantling systemic injustice related to AI, in accordance with our prophetic tradition
Compassion
We will use AI to express the unconditional love of God, with particular attention to people who are living with poverty and marginalisation. This means:
• enabling and advocating for everyone to have access to AI technology
• supporting others in fulfilling their God-given potential
• paying attention to and reducing the risk of exploitation and exclusion
Passion
We will be intentional and optimistic in using AI. This means:
• empowering those within the body of Christ who have interests and skills in AI
• releasing the time, skills and resources necessary to further our mission
• committing to ongoing learning and development
Respect
We will maintain the dignity of those created in the image of God. This means:
• sensitively and intentionally exploring how AI can empower others to flourish and find fullness of life with Jesus
• treasuring human life and relationships in all we are and do
• striving for our use of AI to reflect love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control
Integrity and Mutual Accountability
We will be honest, transparent, and accountable in all our uses of AI, being open about our motives and agendas. This means:
• providing information about when and how AI has been used to inform, generate or enhance our work
• accrediting authorship and content creators appropriately
• being willing to answer questions and offer a reasoned explanation for the use of AI in our work and ministry
Saying yes
Major Stephen Oliver asks how much fulfilment you are getting from life
JOHN 10:1–18
THE Salvation Army needs people to say yes to spiritual leadership – as local officers, as employed spiritual leaders, as territorial envoys or as officers. Never have we had so many routes by which people can explore, follow and be developed in their calling. Never has the need for people to say yes to Jesus been so great.
The first ‘yes’ that people need to say is to Jesus’ invitation to salvation – to eternal life, to life to the full.
Our study passage considers the context for Jesus’ great promise. It opens with a strident Jesus addressing Pharisees with ‘I tell you the truth’ (v1 New Living Translation). While his address contains a declaration of who Jesus is – the Good Shepherd – and what he has come to do – to bring life – it is not initially directed at a group of people who say yes to him. He is speaking to the Pharisees.
Look back through John 9 to see the setting, where Jesus performs one of his miraculous ‘signs’ (John 9:16). Think about these key moments in the buildup. In John 9:1, Jesus heals a blind man. In John 9:13, the Pharisees investigate the healing and throw the man out of the synagogue. In John 9:41, Jesus tells the Pharisees that they are spiritually blind, while the blind man is welcomed into a new family.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
What does John 9 tell us about spiritual leadership and what Jesus thinks about it?
How is Jesus’ leadership different to that of the Pharisees? Note the things he says about himself in our study passage. In verses 1 to 7, the shepherd and sheep imagery has strong Old Testament connections. Written to a people in exile because of their unfaithfulness, Ezekiel 34 had some harsh words for the nation’s shepherds – its spiritual leaders. The imagery in Ezekiel 34:6 was of sheep – wandering, scattered and, worse, with no one looking for them. God, therefore, declared that he will be their shepherd (see Ezekiel 34:7–10). God promised to bring his sheep home to a good pasture, to tend them and to search for the lost sheep – to ‘shepherd the flock with justice’ (Ezekiel 34:16).
In John 10, we see Jesus as the one who has true authority over the sheep –he is the ‘shepherd of the sheep’ (v2) and the ‘gate for the sheep’ (v7). He promises that ‘whoever enters through me will be saved’ (v9). Jesus, then, is the one who has come to be the true leader – the one who will lead his people into abundance and blessing.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Consider how Jesus fulfils God’s rescue promises of Ezekiel 34. Notice how ‘he calls his own sheep by name’ (v3).
Jesus calls his sheep by name and assures us that we can safely follow him because we recognise his voice (see v4). There is great affirmation here that Jesus has come to look for us and lead us home, out of a life of confusion and uncertainty and into a life
of abundance and trust. He calls us to follow him. We can say yes to Jesus only because he first said yes to us.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Jesus knows you by name. He knows all about your life, yet he calls you to follow him. What does that feel like?
The fullness of life that Jesus promises his followers contrasts with ‘the thief [who] comes only to steal and kill and destroy’ (v10). Jesus here is addressing Israel’s unfaithful spiritual leaders.
The mention of ‘a stranger’s voice’ (v5) suggests that there are other –distracting – voices competing for our attention that would lead us away from the fullness of life that Jesus offers.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
What distracting voices prevent you from hearing – and following – Jesus more closely? In themselves, they may not be bad things but they steal our time, energy and attention. Ask Jesus to help you hear him more clearly and follow him more closely.
The passage concludes with a reminder of Jesus’ ultimate authority: ‘I have authority to lay [my life] down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father’ (v18). This section points towards Jesus’ impending suffering, death and resurrection. His resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of his absolute authority over all creation. It is also
indicative of the lengths to which he went to bring us home to him.
In this passage, Jesus offers a big vision of his mission and the mission in which he calls all his disciples to participate. Jesus lays down his life for us. He is raised to life for us. Because of his victory over death, he invites us into fullness of life with him. He reminds us that there are other people that he wants to find – ‘sheep that are not of this sheepfold’ (v16) – who do not yet know him.
Each of us is invited to share in the mission to ‘bring them also’ (v16) – to make the Good Shepherd known and to point those who are lost to the only one who can save them.
Jesus says yes to us in his willingness to suffer and die for us. Jesus promises us ‘life to the full’. What are we going to do with it?
PAUSE AND REFLECT
What does your ‘yes’ to him look like?
What is Jesus asking you to be – and to do – to fulfil your part in his mission to bring all people home to him?
A shortened version of Prayer Matters will continue to be published weekly in Salvationist in 2025. To read the full, unedited booklet, visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship
SATURDAY 10 MAY: CARE FOR CREATION – TREE-MENDOUS TREES!
Thank you, God, for the wonderful world you have made, and for tremendous trees! Today, we celebrate the importance and beauty of trees! Please help us to look after your world and each other.
by Rachel Gotobed (Outreach Mission Partner, Family Ministries Department)
The disciples aren’t sure what they’re supposed to do next, so they go back to the old, familiar ways of night-time fishing. But their story isn’t over. Have you ‘gone fishing’? Are you avoiding something because it feels too daunting or confusing? Are you unsure whether you’ve got what it takes to do the next thing? What do you need to ask Jesus for? What might he be giving you to restore your strength and confidence?
by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
MONDAY 12 MAY: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – WAR CRY
Thank you, Lord, for the lives that have been changed as a result of the ministry of the War Cry. We pray even more people will come to know you through the pages of the magazine and the hundreds of people who are involved in its distribution every week. Bless the team who put the magazine together and continue to give them creativity and inspiration.
by Major Andrew Stone (Editor, War Cry)
TUESDAY 13 MAY: SERVING AND CARING – MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK (12–18 MAY 2025)
Lord, I pray for all of us who are affected by mental health struggles. Give us hope, and remind us that we are special, that you love us and that you are always there beside us. I pray that we will move forward in our recovery journey, and that you will help us be there for others, to support and understand them in their recovery too. by Major Lynden Gibbs (Core Recovery Development Officer)
WEDNESDAY 14 MAY: GROWING IN FAITH – NORTH EAST DIVISION
Pray for the continued identification and release of local leadership across the division. We have eight young people on the latest cohort of our Transformers programme. Thank God for them and pray God will continue to speak to them powerfully through the teaching and the support of their mentors. by Major David Burns (Divisional Commander)
THURSDAY 15 MAY: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – USA SOUTHERN TERRITORY
Give thanks for years of faithful service, courageous witness and compassionate caring offered across the territory. Pray God will give fresh vision for communicating the good news of Jesus, especially to young people and children. Pray for the territorial leadership team, Commissioners Kelly and Donna Igleheart and Colonel Deborah Sedlar.
MAJOR STEPHEN OLIVER Head of Higher Education William Booth College
Planned welfare reforms could leave struggling people in greater hardship, especially people with disabilities or mental health challenges. Pray for compassionate policy decisions that prioritise justice and dignity. May churches and communities rise to support those in need, advocating for fair provisions and offering practical help. by Captain John Clifton (Territorial Justice and Reconciliation Officer)
PRAYER REQUESTS
Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for?
Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line.
Getting to grips with AI
Captain Mark Scoulding (Watford) talks about The Salvation Army’s AI Guardrails developed by the Moral and Social Issues Council
What is artificial intelligence?
AI is technology that processes large amounts of data to perform tasks in a way that simulates human intelligence, such as problem-solving and learning. We’re not talking robots taking over the world or sentient machines, but it’s an unknown and that can be frightening. Most of us already use AI without realising it. If you use a supermarket loyalty card, it’s using AI to track your shopping preferences and manage stock. When planning a trip on a phone or computer, it’s using AI to map traffic movements and find a quick route. If you search on Google, the first thing you see is often an AI-generated summary of results.
What are the AI Guardrails?
Imagine walking blindfolded along a boardwalk or a treetop trail. You reach out to grab hold of something to support and guide you. If there’s nothing there, there’s a risk of falling off into an unknown. The AI Guardrails are not a constricting harness, but they provide parameters you can hold on to as you move forward.
The AI Guardrails aren’t a rule book, because that will go out of date. They provide a foundation to think about AI, based on our territory’s six values: boldness, passion, compassion, respect, integrity and mutual accountability.
Why do we need them?
No one has ever had AI before, but it’s happening in the world and we’re called to be a relevant expression of God’s Church – how do we move forward and
engage with it? There are opportunities and risks, and hopefully the AI Guardrails will equip you, not just for church on a Sunday but the rest of your life, when you’re at school, at work or scrolling on your phone.
Who are the AI Guardrails for?
Everyone linked to The Salvation Army, whether you’re an employee in a Lifehouse, a charity shop volunteer, a leader or going to a youth group. There is a policy document being developed for employees and representatives of the Army, but these AI Guardrails are the broad starting point for everyone.
Should we be wary of becoming reliant on AI?
We must remember that AI is not going to solve humanity’s problems – we need to look to God first and foremost. It can feel like we’re out of control or giving over our autonomy to computers, but that’s not true. We choose how we engage with AI. We just need to keep our eyes open and make informed, prayerful decisions. We also need to hold up the value of human relationships, whether that’s empowering people, supporting them, treasuring human life, accrediting authorship or challenging systemic injustice.
What injustice risks are there?
We must respect the dignity and diversity of people created in the image of God, but AI is programmed
by humans who are discriminatory and prejudiced. If you ask AI what Jesus looks like, will it come back with a white, blue-eyed Jesus? It is also possible, however, that AI might be programmed to recognise our biases and help us work against them.
There are also risks around employment and inequality. Are managers going to have fair expectations of their staff, if AI helps them do something more quickly? In a scenario where someone might lose their job because of AI, what can we be doing to equip and re-skill them for a world in which AI is used as a tool? AI has the potential to make the widening gap between the haves and the have-nots worse. How can we help people access and understand this new technology, so they are not left behind?
What about the environmental impact of AI?
It’s important to remember that AI is based in the physical world. The ‘cloud’ is a physical thing stored in computers that need to be built and managed. Searching with AI requires more energy than a conventional online search. On the other hand, using AI might mean you don’t have to travel somewhere by car or plane. We can’t fully calculate AI’s environmental impact yet, but we have a duty to keep our eyes open.
What could someone use AI for?
AI has potential to help with lots of things, such as analysing data, teaching and training people, and offering alternative perspectives. It could also
release you from more onerous tasks. A lot of people can struggle with a blank sheet of paper, for example, but AI can provide a template for your own work. We should guard, of course, against the risk of plagiarism or copyright infringement. When people think about AI, they often think of using it to pretend they’re capable of doing things they’re not capable of. As Christians, most of all, AI tools can provide us with an opportunity to enhance Christian ministry.
How can the Army use AI?
The Salvation Army has a history of boldness and embracing technology to enhance our mission, which will help us consider this. Could we use AI to translate things to reach people we wouldn’t otherwise reach? Could we use it for data handling? How do we use these tools in a Christian way? Could AI be used to generate an image and why wouldn’t that be the same as taking a real picture? What kind of training will people need? Are we being transparent about when we use AI? These are all questions for us to think about. As we become more familiar with how AI works, we’ll be able to use certain tools for certain tasks.
Can AI help us spiritually?
The question for Christians is always: how do we get to know God? This is primarily through Scripture. AI might complement that, not unlike how people use a Bible commentary to help with background research into
different perspectives, but AI is not and cannot be a replacement for the Bible.
Will the AI Guardrails change?
The AI Guardrails will evolve as the technology changes. But Masic hopes they will get people thinking, so that we can be intentional and stand firm in our beliefs, and not be blown about by what’s going on around us. This is the biggest technological shift since the printing press. When we look back at this period of change, what will we be able to say about what we did as the Church?
3 ways to explore AI for yourself
Is AI truthful?
Have a conversation with an AI chatbot about something and see whether it’s truthful.
Does AI make life easier?
See if there is a way an AI tool can help with efficiency, for example a task you might get stuck on.
Can AI help spiritually?
Ask an AI platform to explain your favourite Bible verse. Do you get something biblically sound?
What is Masic?
The Moral and Social Issues Council provides an ethical perspective and advice to territorial leadership, and helps Salvationists in this territory engage in moral and social issues in their communities. The council is chaired by Lieut-Colonel Nick Coke (THQ) and its members are appointed by the chief secretary. For more, visit salvationist. org.uk/masic or get in touch at masic@salvationarmy.org.uk.
Exploring AI
Lieut-Colonel Nick Coke considers artificial intelligence through a biblical lens
Created in God’s image
What is the difference between AI and humanity? Genesis asserts that humans are created in God’s image (see Genesis 1:26–28) and that the dignity, value and purpose of human beings can be found in relationship – with fellow humans and the created order, and with God.
Artificial intelligence, by contrast, is not created in God’s image, but in the image of humans. AI does not have free will, know how to make moral choices, have feelings or even a body. These things could potentially be programmed in the future but, even then, it would be humans not God doing the creating. Could AI undermine the dignity of personhood? Are there simply some things only humans can or should do?
Christianity insists there is an inherent dignity in labour. That’s one of the reasons that employment programmes are important in many Salvation Army territories. One benefit of AI is that it will be able to automate certain jobs that are
hazardous or unfulfilling for humans. But there is a risk of AI dehumanising work by increasingly automating it.
Buying a ticket at the train station, going to the bank, paying for your shopping – does it matter if we can do these without engaging with a real person? These scenarios are already a growing reality. For isolated people, this can be very unsettling – they may be the only people they speak to on any given day.
Technological advancements have always brought changes to jobs, but AI has the capacity to increase this exponentially.
Caring for creation
God has entrusted humans with the responsibility to care for creation (see Genesis 1:26–28).
Humanity’s appetite for advancing technology doesn’t come without a physical cost to the environment. AI and its data depend on physical resources
for storage and processing. What data we store, how and where we store it and how frequently we dispose of devices to upgrade to new models all impact God’s creation.
Caring for creation also includes the stewardship of technology. AI, like any other tool, can be used for good or ill. With all the potential problems that could arise from misuse, will humans be willing to take responsibility? What responsibility do we as The Salvation Army have to speak into the public square about the moral and ethical use of AI?
The use of AI in society and industry is going to develop, whether we like it or not, but how can our use and stewardship of AI reflect Christ?
Paul’s list of the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22–26) comes to mind. How might love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control be shown in how we engage with AI?
The Lordship of God
The first of the Ten Commandments (see Exodus 20:1–17) orders God’s people to have ‘no other gods before me’. With AI, there are risks of creating something that is ‘all-knowing’ or ‘all-present’. It would be easy for humanity to see AI as some kind of saviour. This should be deeply problematic for Christians.
Paul encourages the Christians in Ephesus to remember that ‘God has put all things under the authority of Christ’ (Ephesians 1:22).
Already, we are aware that computer algorithms in our devices and on the internet are used to influence us, whether that’s buying things or shaping our opinions. We could easily slip into what the Old Testament prophets warned about if we elevate AI into a position where it makes decisions for us or makes decisions about other people’s lives. This could even be idolising ourselves because AI is built in our image, not God’s.
Human arrogance
The story of the Tower of Babel (see Genesis 11:4) warns against human arrogance and the desire to become divine. This can help us to think about approaching AI with humility.
There’s nothing wrong or un-Christian about being ambitious about improving the world – AI is proving to be a fantastic tool for addressing some of the deepest challenges human beings face, from medical advancements to monitoring our over-exploitation of the natural habitat. But our ambition should always be flavoured with Christ’s call to the downward path, to seek to be servants of all, and to put our trust in God alone (see Psalm 20:7).
Let our confidence in human technology not rise above and exceed our confidence in God to bring about the kind of change our world needs.
The pursuit of justice
There is a massive capacity for inequalities to develop with the use of AI – or, more likely, for AI to accentuate inequalities that already exist.
Since AI uses the internet to gather information and data for its calculations,
we would expect it to reflect the biases and inequalities in our world. The fear is that it will simply amplify these – that structural racism or sexism in societies and cultures, for example, will be embedded in AI from the start. We must be alert to this.
We also know there is a digital divide in our communities. There are many people in the world who simply don’t have access to the internet, let alone the devices required to use AI – even simple tools, such as the AI chatbot ChatGPT, come with a price tag.
Psalm 146 reveals God has a bias towards the poor and marginalised: ‘He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry’ (v7).
As a Church that cares about righting the wrongs of the world, we need to be ready to highlight the unjust consequences of technological developments.
Called to love
Finally, we must remember that we are called to love and compassion.
Jesus commands us to ‘love our neighbour as ourselves’ (Matthew 22:39). Christians should encourage developers
and users to prioritise compassion, empathy and consideration for the wellbeing of others in the use of AI.
The Church has faced and benefited from technological advancements in the past. The printing press was vital in getting the Bible into the hands of ordinary people and The Salvation Army has often embraced new technologies to share the good news, including film, motor cars and even safety matches!
Paul says to the church in Corinth: ‘Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love’ (1 Corinthians 16:13 and 14 New Living Translation). We don’t have to wait to do this. We can already adopt a loving tone on social media or amplify the voices of others who are often overlooked. We can already take a stance on how we relate to the use of technology in kind and loving ways. We can already model Jesus’ calling in the way we talk about the opportunities and risks of AI in the future.
LIEUT-COLONEL NICK COKE Secretary for Communications
THQ
We like to think of technology as a new thing, but has adapting to it always been part of church?
Faith and church have always been mediated by something manmade. One key example was written communication and the printing press. But even within Scripture, we can see that different forms of media have different purpose and impact. In 2 John 12, we read: ‘I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face.’ The early Christians wrote letters to one another. They used the media available to communicate. And there’s always been an understanding that there are things media can’t do that in-person communication can, and vice versa.
Do you see a difference between online and offline worship?
People often talk about online or offline worship in terms of how ‘present’ you can be but, even at in-person worship, it’s possible not to be present if the right forms of communication aren’t being used for you. For example, if you’re neurodivergent and the in-person environment causes sensory overload, you might not find it a place you can be comfortable and engaged. An online environment might be somewhere you feel more focused and present. It’s not a case of one-size-fits-all or an either/ or choice – people can be engaged or not engaged, present or not present, in both online and offline worship. What matters are our connections with God and one another in those moments.
Has our understanding of online church changed in recent years?
Worship experiences can be quite transactional, for example when one voice is broadcasting to an audience, or they can be more interactive. When people traditionally think about online church, they are perhaps thinking about forms that are naturally broadcasting,
because it involves a screen. When the Covid-19 pandemic forced us to move church online, it helped people think about what’s important within their community’s worship experience – what we do, either in person or online, and why. Some digital tools will be useful, others not so much.
We often talk about church without walls and whole-life discipleship. That includes our online lives, doesn’t it?
Our lives are not contained to one place anymore. In the past, the radius in which you operated or travelled would have been quite small. Now, including digital platforms, we are in so many spaces. Our faith experiences are happening in different communities, not just our local corps. We might consume social media content from another denomination or use an app from another faith organisation. We are journeying with Jesus alongside lots of different people. How much time we spend online or use a digital device will look different for each of us. The most important thing is who you are in all these different spaces and how the Spirit is shaping you.
So the digital world opens up ecumenical opportunities too?
Yes. A lot of churches are doing things already and we must remember we’re not in competition. Some Salvationists will use Lectio 365, for example, and some corps and IHQ have published reading plans on the Bible app for other people to use. The important thing is discerning what God is wanting us to do and be within this space.
What does the Army today look like digitally?
On a local level, there are corps –including Plexus – using social media, webpages and livestreams. There are online training courses, events held by Enabled, and interactive worship and prayer meetings over Teams or Zoom. On a territorial level, we have salvationist.org.uk, which is the online
place for people to explore faith and belonging with The Salvation Army, we have Salvationist Radio and podcasts, and we have a social media presence –both the Salvationist channels and the Army’s corporate channel, where we’re intentionally sharing faith content. We want what we’re doing at a territorial level to reflect and feel connected to what’s happening at a local level and vice versa. How can we be intentional about people entering our space wherever they come across the Army online?
How has Salvationist’s online presence developed over time? It’s moving beyond us thinking about the channels through which we broadcast to think about the purpose and culture within these spaces. We’re now formally creating a digital faith and membership team that is focused on sharing the good news and nurturing disciples of Jesus. We want to help people feel connected across the territory, that they belong to something bigger. It’s great to meet at large events, but media helps us be connected in between those. We have printed media, of course – my team exists alongside Salvationist magazine, Kids Alive! and War Cry – but digital has a powerful role to play, and together we’re looking holistically at what we’re doing in terms of membership and evangelism.
What’s next for the digital faith and membership team?
When we set up salvationist.org.uk, it was focused around membership but we knew we needed content for people who aren’t yet Christians as well. This need was reinforced by people on Google searching for how to become a Christian and finding our webpage salvationist.org.uk/ becoming-christian. It feels Spiritled – it would be like someone literally knocking on your hall every day! We’ve now worked with IHQ to provide a free ebook to people through that page called Who Is This Jesus Anyway? and we’re going to keep exploring the opportunities there.
To help do that, we are growing the digital faith and membership team – and, as well as collaborating with other departments, we’re working closely with the digital team within the wider Communications Service, where there’s been investment in lots of skills, including marketing and social media. We’ll be limited in what we can do, due to resources and capacity, but there’s so much potential for sharing the good news and nurturing disciples digitally. All those lessons we’ve learnt from inperson church – accessibility, inclusion, safeguarding – we need to translate into digital spaces as well.
What’s the most exciting thing for you right now?
I believe God’s got something to reveal to us of himself through digital technology. Throughout human history, we’ve used man-made things to help us experience the divine. Stained glass windows, candles, music, poetry. We have an understanding that when we make things, God can work through that. When people first started reading Scripture in their own language, that told them something about God who wanted to have a relationship with them. I think the same is true of digital – it’s not just about being connected or consuming content, but having a meaningful faith experience online to help us understand God in a new way.
In Beyond the Live and Zoomiverse, Philip Butler observes: ‘If God is in everything then God being in a machine is no real feat. At the very least, a machine can hold space for an individual to connect with God.’ We should exercise caution in how technology is used, of course, using the AI Guardrails and keeping in mind our values and mission. It’s important, in our always-on digital world, to remember the lesson of the Sabbath, that there’s more to life than doing. But so often, the commercial world is pioneering technology for profit. What if the Church was pioneering in this space as a way to get a bigger revelation of what God is like? That’s exciting!
W here we st and
Major David Cavanagh reflects on how we engage with change
IT is now 55 years since the publication of Future Shock, in which Alvin Toffler argued that the modern world is characterised by an unprecedented scale of social and technological change leaving people disorientated and confused. In the years since, the rate of change has, if anything, increased still further, while levels of anxiety have also risen, and many people find it a challenge to navigate everyday life.
Of course, change is not always negative. In fact, it often provides opportunities and benefits we should embrace. Those who think religion is an emotional crutch providing a safe haven for the weak might be surprised to find that, in the Christian tradition, God often initiates change, disturbing his children’s peace and pushing them out of their comfort zone to open up new vistas and broaden our understanding of how to live life to the full.
In the Old Testament, God calls Abram to leave his home and set out on a journey towards an unknown land and future, with the route and destination
becoming clearer only as he travelled and the benefits enjoyed only by future generations (see Genesis 12:1–3). Later, God sends his people into exile in Babylon, where they will be unable to offer worship at the Temple, and will discover that God values obedience more than sacrifice (see 1 Samuel 15:22), learning to live out their faith in their daily lives and in the way they treat their neighbour.
In the New Testament, God sends his Spirit on the first Gentile converts, forcing the early Church to grapple with the questions of who is and how people become part of God’s family, and paving the way for the Church and the gospel to reach people of every tribe, language and nation (see Acts 10:44 to 11:18; Revelation 7:9 and 10).
That said, there are times when change is genuinely threatening and destructive. The Bible also recognises this, for instance in the elder John’s vision of the beast arising from the abyss (Revelation 13:1–10). The same vision also tells us that, although God has ‘allowed’ the
beast to exercise authority, this is only for a limited time (see v5). The beast’s days are numbered: God restrains evil and will not allow it the last word.
It’s important to remember where we stand in the great story of Scripture, which runs from God’s creation of the world at the beginning of time to God’s new creation at the end of time, with the story of God’s campaign to redeem and reclaim his fallen world and children in between. We live in the time between the ages: Jesus’ life, death and resurrection have inflicted a decisive blow to the powers of evil (see Colossians 2:15) but, although Jesus’ work is done (see John 19:30), we are still waiting for the day when God will establish his new Kingdom in which there will be no more death, suffering or sorrow (see Revelation 21:4) and justice and peace will reign.
In the meantime, we need to decide how we are going to engage with change in our society. There’s a temptation to look for rules or lists of dos and don’ts, but this is unlikely to be effective: the landscape changes so quickly that these approaches are likely to be out of date before they’re agreed and issued.
A better approach is to take basic principles, and I suggest that our clearest principle is provided by Jesus’ summary of the Law in Mark 12:30 and 31, and especially his statement that the second greatest commandment is ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ (v31). Together with Jesus’ statement that his own purpose was to offer fullness of life (John 10:10), this suggests that the crucial question we must ask ourselves about any change – whether it’s technology, alternative energy, social policy or something else – is whether or how best it can be used to show love for others and promote fullness of life for all.
MAJOR DAVID CAVANAGH Ecumenical and Parliamentary Officer (Scotland)
DEAL To mark Holy Week, the corps held a Lego cross exhibition at the hall, where 120 unique pieces were on display. Using more than 4,000 Lego bricks of multiple colours, corps members created crosses in all colours and patterns, symbolising how everyone is different, yet equally loved. – AR
CWMBRAN The Easter extravaganza at the corps attracted 32 children and 32 adults for an afternoon of fun and crafts, all based on the Easter message. Once again, the corps was pleased to partner Two Locks Church, seeing children joining the corps on a Sunday as a result. – DK
WORTHING On Good Friday the corps and local churches held a silent walk of witness, which preceded the annual Good Friday united church service, led by corps leader Major Pam Knuckey, Pastor Matthew Barrow from Clifton Community Church and the Rev Sean Carter from New Life Church. The band supported the singing of hymns. The sun shone and a good number of shoppers paused to join in. Corps member Toni Carrington-Moule and her team of young helpers distributed Good Friday activities to interested children. – SH
FUNDRAISING
SOUTHAMPTON SHOLING The corps received a donation of £6,250 from the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management Recycling of Metals Scheme. The funds were in recognition of its vital work in the community providing practical solutions and compassionate care. Corps leader Lieutenant Matthew Stone expressed his gratitude: ‘This support will enable us to continue our mission of listening to the community and responding with practical help where it is needed most.’ – AR
LONDON Mick, who was supported by the Army when experiencing homelessness and mental health issues, ran his first London Marathon to raise funds for the Army. ‘Without them I would be another statistic,’ he said. ‘I wouldn’t be where I am, and I want to give back.’ – AR
NEWPORT CITADEL Knitters from The Salvation Army Knitwits and community groups across Newport created an extensive knitted Easter display in a joint project between Newport Citadel and Newport Cathedral, depicting the scenes from Palm Sunday through to the Resurrection and Jesus appearing in the locked room. The display featured more than 100 knitted figures and was assembled over eight weeks. The display spent a week in the Cathedral before coming to the hall for the two weeks before Easter. Corps leader Captain Kathryn Stowers said: ‘A project such as this helps our members join together with a unified mission of sharing the good news.’ – AR
KNOTTINGLEY Since the local United Reformed Church began sharing Knottingley hall three years ago, there have been several joint ventures. This year these included a Tenebrae service on Maundy Thursday and an exhibition of the Stations of the Cross over the Easter weekend, comprising 15 paintings by a local artist. The URC Good Friday service was followed by refreshments and a time of reflection, with about 30 people from different churches attending. – MT
ENVIRONMENT
BATLEY Young people at the corps are looking at how the church can operate in a more sustainable way. They presented a short quiz to the congregation about environmental waste and recycling. Following the quiz, 14-year-old Catherine (pictured left) was appointed corps eco champion. ‘I’ve always been interested in how we care for our environment,’ she said. ‘I’m hoping that my role as eco champion means I can encourage people to care more actively not passively, to make changes to how they live to make a difference.’ Corps leader
Major Paul Wilson said: ‘It’s great to see the young people of the corps leading on caring for creation here in Batley.’ – MS
GATESHEAD Corps and community members used their skills to create a cross as they interpreted it. The oldest contributor was 85 years old and the youngest was 9. The crosses were displayed throughout Easter. – AH
SHEFFIELD HILLSBOROUGH Members of Hillsborough churches gathered around the cross at the corner of the local park for a Good Friday service. The corps band made a substantial contribution to the service. – GP
MUSIC
SALISBURY The Solent fellowship band blessed a near-capacity congregation with an interesting and varied programme of music that included a selection of Easter-themed choices. About 20 extra people attended the event who had never visited the Salvation Army hall before, following the pre-event publicity. £438 was raised for homelessness charities. – MD
CLOWNE Easter weekend began with an ecumenical walk of witness to the centre of the village, where corps leader Captain Elaine Huddlestone led a communal service. An evening meditation followed back at the hall. Twenty people joined together for a a Saturday morning Easter breakfast, following a quarterly prayer meeting. The Easter Day celebration services, themed Come and See, and Go and Tell, were sandwiched with open-air witness by the band. The evening service attracted members from other corps. – GH
WHITEHAVEN Workington Art and Craft Café had an Easter trip to Her Citi café in Maryport. Members of the group had been making a variety of Easter crafts over the previous weeks. Prior to the visit the café had displayed these in their window. After members shared in a lunch of soup and sandwiches, the owner of Her Citi judged the crafts and presented prizes to the winners. – SW
EASTER
Anglia Fellowship Band present a lunchtime Easter concert at Ipswich Citadel
EASTER
SUE Pain, Peter Bligh and Boniface Taruwedzera were enrolled as soldiers by corps leader Captain Martin Davison. Sue moved to Salisbury to be closer to family and reconnected with the Army after worshipping with the Baptist church where she previously lived. Peter was queuing for a Covid-19 vaccination and started a conversation with Captain Martin, who was also in the line. A meet-up at the corps charity shop followed and, after a tour of the corps, Peter was prompted by God to reconnect with the Army after many years away at an Anglican church. Boniface came to work in healthcare and started to attend meetings and make friends. He was challenged by God to renew his covenant by becoming a soldier. – MD
JANET Edwards was welcomed as an adherent by corps leaders Majors Doug and Michelle Hayter. Janet shared Psalm 9:1 and 2 a week earlier and thanked the congregation for making her feel part of the family. Janet first stepped into the corps just over a year ago, needing someone to talk to. She found a listening ear and was introduced to the weekly crafts club. They decided to come to the corps carol service before heading out for a meal together. On arrival at the carol service, Janet was asked to do one of the Nativity readings. She felt so at home and accepted that she decided this would be her spiritual home. – MH
MARK Pendleton was welcomed as an adherent by corps leaders Captains Alison and Michael Hutchings on Palm Sunday. Mark testified that he always attended Sunday school as a child and was in the church choir, but drifted away, suffered ill health and hit rock bottom. Four years ago, he went to the corps café and was warmly welcomed, eventually attending a Sunday meeting. He found there that he was loved. He now works in the café kitchen and enjoys giving back to others what he has experienced at the corps, saying: ‘I am accepted for who I am without judgement and have taken this step to stand up and declare my commitment as a Christian.’ – PW
Harrison, Natalia Haywood, Juliana and Godwin Abah, and Helena Ware were welcomed as adherents by corps leaders Majors Kevin and Wendy Brown, sharing their testimonies through favourite songs and Scripture. Juliana and Godwin were already Christians, alongside their three children, and came to the Army after arriving in England, receiving a warm welcome and friendship. Helena, while experiencing some challenging times, attended a gardening course held at the hall and Major Wendy invited her to lunch club. After attending a few weeks, she was invited to Sunday worship and the friendship and support she received encouraged her to continue. John was encouraged to attend lunch club through his daughter chatting with Major Wendy. He received such a warm welcome that he started to attend worship and has made some good friends along the way. He said that the Army had become his new family and supported him through the loss of his wife. Natalia connected with the Army through helping at Christmas several years ago. Last year she attended a Sunday meeting where she immediately felt that this was where she belonged to continue her journey with God. Natalia has overcome addiction and ill health and has found support and encouragement from the corps. She is keen to work with and support people with addictions. – WB
SALISBURY
SOUTHPORT
JOHN
SUTTON-IN-ASHFIELD
MOLD
Local officers appointed
YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERGEANTMAJOR TOM HOLLIDGE, Bath Citadel
ASSISTANT YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERGEANT-MAJOR MARTHA CHAMUNOITA , Bath Citadel
ASSISTANT CORPS SERGEANTMAJOR MATTHEW STOWERS, Newport Citadel
HOME LEAGUE SECRETARY WENDY ROWLANDS, Stotfold
CORPS SECRETARY JACKIE ROBERTS, Stotfold
Wedding anniversaries
Diamond (60 years)
MAJORS HAROLD AND HELEN STONE on 22 May
Emerald (55 years)
MAJORS JANET AND JOHN THOMPSON on 23 May
Golden (50 years)
MAJORS ALWYN AND KEITH HOCKLEY on 24 May
Marriages
JAMES SEYMOUR AND CAITLIN VERSFELD at Felixstowe by Major Alan Frederiksen
Dedicated to God
FRAZER JEPSON, son of Tony Jepson and Amanda Long, at Guisborough by Major Fiona Mugford
Promoted to Glory
BANDSMAN/SONGSTER PETER HAZELWOOD, Sheringham
Bereaved
KAY HAZELWOOD, Sheringham, of her husband Peter Hazelwood, Heather Rainer, Andrew Hazelwood of their father, Neville Ward and Nikki Ward of their stepfather
MAJOR AMANDA BANNER , East Kilbride, of her father John Banner
MAJOR DAVID WHITTLES of his brother John
Retirements from active service
Effective 1 April 2025
LIEUT-COLONEL MARY CAPSEY out of Regent Hall in 1984 and last appointment IHQ
MAJOR CHRISTOPHER DAVIDSON out of Hull Icehouse in 1990 and last appointment Rhyl
MAJOR ELAINE HOLDER (NÉE THOMAS) AND MAJOR MARK HOLDER out of Chatham in 1986 and last appointment Derby Central
ENGAGEMENTS
General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries
Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
Thu 15 May Sunbury Court (ICO Lecture)
Sun 18 May Sunbury Court (ICO Spiritual Day)
Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
Sun 18 May Brecon (Wales divisional celebration)
Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Julie Forrest
Sat 17 May – Sun 18 May Bellshill (International Staff Songsters)*
*Colonel Peter Forrest only
NOTICES
Take part in the Army’s global spiritual life survey!
A new survey is setting out to better understand the spiritual life of the international Salvation Army, to identify where the Army is thriving spiritually and where growth is needed. You are invited to respond thoughtfully and honestly. There is no age limit: your experience matters and every response will help create a fuller picture. Please also encourage others in your family and your corps community to take part, whether the Army is their spiritual home, place of worship or place of work, or if they attend programmes or receive support. Responses will be anonymous and analysed by the spiritual life development team at IHQ. A report of the findings will be shared in the autumn. The survey is available in multiple languages and the deadline for responses is 22 June. Take part at sar.my/spirituallife While an online survey will reach many people, focus groups will make it accessible to anyone unable to participate in online research – for more information, contact Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts at jayne. roberts@salvationarmy.org.uk
Get OWT!
The Family Ministries Department has relaunched this family-orientated programme that uses nature to nurture little ones. Get OWT! shares the good news of God’s love and encourages participants to care for creation while exploring the wonderful world all around us. Access resources and materials at salvationist.org.uk/resources/communityengagement/get-owt
In memory: Online wall of remembrance
The Salvation Army has introduced an online wall of remembrance that allows people to share memories and photos of loved ones when they don’t always know what to say. This virtual wall is free to use and a donation to the Army is optional. Access the page at thesalvationarmy.dedicationpage.org
Becoming a Christian
Do you know someone who’s exploring Christianity for the first time? They can find introductions to God, the Bible, church, how to pray and more – including a free digital copy of Who Is This Jesus Anyway? – online at salvationist.org.uk/explore-faith
SOUNDS
Sunday Worship
Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of highlights. Each week’s broadcast is repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
Evening Jazz with Richard Mingay
Major Richard Mingay (William Booth College) shares the good news through his love of jazz and gospel music. The episode is broadcast at 7pm on Sunday 11 May and repeated in full at 9pm on Friday 16 May.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
ADVERTS
TO LET
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TOPSHAM, DEVON Two-bedroom cottage overlooking Exe Estuary and hills. Local shops, inns, teashops, walks. Coast, moors, Exeter nearby. Tel 02920 759314 or email jonesda19@outlook.com.
SKEGNESS CORPS, 42 HIGH STREET PE25 3NW
CREAM TEAS FOR £10!
Why not come to Skegness Corps for your corps outing? We will host a cream tea for your party at £10 a head! Contact us on skegness@salvationarmy.org.uk
CRADLEY
HEATH, KIDDERMINSTER AND LYE MUSIC REUNION!
Saturday 31 May, 7pm
Were you in a singing group or band? Join us for this celebration! Current attendance at the Army or uniform not required. Email cradley.heath@salvationarmy.org.uk or write to: Anniversary Musicians’ Reunion, Meredith Street, Cradley Heath, B64 5EP
BELLSHILL CORPS, GLADSTONE STREET ML4 1AT THE INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS
Saturday 17 May, 7pm
Festival of Music at Uddingston Old Parish Church, G71 7HF
Tickets: £10 from bellshillsasongsters@gmail.com
Sunday 18 May 10.30am Morning worship 2pm Festival of praise
WESTON-SUPER-MARE CORPS, CARLTON STREET BS23 1UA THE HOUSEHOLD TROOPS BAND
Saturday 21 June, 6.30pm
Tickets £10, reserve online or may be available on the door Sunday 22 June, 10.30am Morning worship 2.45pm Open-air
Tickets can be reserved at linktr.ee/westonsupermaresa Email westonsupermare@salvationarmy.org.uk
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