IT’S good to talk. Open and honest conversations are essential components of effective communication. Communication is most effective when all parties feel that they have been heard and understood. That does not mean that we have to agree with each other on everything, but it does mean that we have to be respectful of a view that is contrary to our own.
This is not a new dilemma. In the Book of Proverbs, we find frequent reference to the need to think before we speak: ‘Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions’ (Proverbs 18:2). ‘To answer before listening – that is folly and shame’ (Proverbs 18:13).
In the Book of James, we find this advice: ‘My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry’ (1:19).
In this week’s issue, we are reflecting on The Salvation Army’s mechanism for engaging in potentially difficult conversations. Let’s Talk... About Sexuality and Human Relationships is an acknowledgement of the need to engage in conversation in order to understand the diverse perspectives held within our Church in an ever-changing society.
May we each come to this challenging topic with open hearts and minds ready to be led by the Holy Spirit.
MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN
Editor
To subscribe, speak
Issue No 2013
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
Let’s talk...
Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main introduce a series of conversations across the UKI Territory about human sexuality and relationships
WE’RE privileged to introduce this rollout of Let’s Talk... conversations in the UK and Ireland Territory.
Let’s Talk... is a resource from International Headquarters, designed to help Salvationists worldwide have meaningful conversations about human sexuality and relationships. These discussions aim to deepen understanding and build relationships, not change policy. Everyone gets space to be heard and to listen.
We expect a wide range of opinions on these topics. The 2024 Membership Working Group found that UKI Salvationists have diverse views on relationships and human sexuality. We acknowledge stories of hurt, especially from the LGBTQ+ community, and from others who feel ostracised due to the beliefs they hold. We believe Let’s Talk… conversations are valuable for understanding these challenging
subjects better. We’d encourage you to listen to those around you with curiosity and openness. And to share your heart and your experiences with honesty too.
Jesus often asked questions to engage others and encourage deeper reflection. His curiosity and willingness to listen are examples for us all. It’s important to be curious, ask questions, and listen carefully to each other, fostering a culture of understanding and respect.
Scripture is full of transformative conversations. One of our favourites is from Luke’s Gospel: on the road to Emmaus two disciples talk with Jesus. We realise the power of that conversation when we hear the disciples say: ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’ (Luke 24:32).
Our prayer is that, as Salvationists in this territory talk, ask questions and
“ We’d encourage you to listen to those around you with curiosity and openness. ”
listen to understand, your hearts will burn within you too.
Living with our differences is important, but even more so is walking side by side beyond those differences. This requires patience, empathy and a willingness to embrace the diverse perspectives that we hold. We pray that together, we can build a community that celebrates and thrives in diversity.
COMMISSIONERS JENINE AND PAUL MAIN Territorial Leaders
seconds with...
EXPL A INED
CCMS
AROUND the Army world there are 157,272 local officers helping and upholding their corps and leaders.
Like lay leaders in other denominations, local officers are members who take on specific duties. A role found in many corps is the community care ministries secretary (CCMS).
Not to be confused with a corps mission secretary (CMS), a CCMS is a Salvationist who engages in a caring ministry by responding to the spiritual and practical needs of the community.
The Salvation Army Year Book 2025 says that Community Care Ministries began in 1892 – first known as the League of Mercy – to meet the spiritual and social needs of the community.
This work is adapted to fit the local setting and should aim to live out Christ’s call that ‘whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’ (Matthew 25:40).
The CCMS is responsible to the corps leader/s and is responsible for Community Care Ministries members.
There are many aspects to this, including: recruiting Community Care Ministries members, discovering the needs of the community, drawing up a programme, and holding regular meetings of Community Care Ministries members for support and education.
A CCMS should know details of the community and have organisational and team leadership skills.
‘I trust
the Lord with all my heart’
Renee Guy (Shirebrook) thanks God for his love and faithfulness
IN 1997, I came back to God. I had drifted away for some time while life just simply took over.
I went to a local church but I didn’t feel fulfilled and I found myself floundering and felt so sure God was calling me back and telling me to ‘go home’.
I eventually gave in and came back to The Salvation Army in Shirebrook, which had been my spiritual home when I was younger.
I started attending worship and the fellowship was a blessing to me. In 2022, I became an adherent, but I felt that God was telling me he wanted more from me. That my work was not over. I have been retired for many years and did not know what it was that God wanted me to do.
Many of my friends in the corps were soldiers and I asked them what it meant to them. Captain David White, one of our corps leaders, also announced that he would be doing a soldiership course for anyone wanting to find out more. He explained that there was no obligation – if you discovered it wasn’t for you, then that was OK.
I went along and I knew very soon that this is what God was calling me to be: a soldier for him.
On 19 September 2024, I was enrolled as a soldier, and I clearly heard God telling me to ‘raise the banner high’. My relationship with him has changed significantly and I feel ‘at home’ serving him at The
Could God be calling you to a local officer position? Speak to your corps leader or read more at salvationist.org.uk/ local-officership-and-service.
Have you got a testimony to share? We’d love to hear your faith story! Get in touch with us at salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk.
Salvation Army. I am closer to him than I have ever been.
I now know that God has also called me to be an intercessor, praying for this broken world we live in, to stand in the gap on behalf of others and my community.
I am so grateful to God for bringing me out of very dark places and for giving me peace through all my illnesses. In 1999 I was diagnosed with cancer, but I knew God was with me then as I know he is now, and I have been cancer free for six years.
I trust the Lord with all my heart and thank him for planting my feet on his sure foundation.
I have seen an amazing change in other people’s lives too through prayer and faith. I have seen negatives turn into positives, people’s lives changed and so many blessings.
I thank the Lord for all his love and faithfulness.
York United with God and each other
One church, many expressions
The corps had been unofficered for about three months when we were appointed in January this year. Our appointment is not only to the corps but also the wider city, and we’re seeking to model integrated mission across the varied expressions of the Army here.
We believe in team at every level. That was already evident here, in the way local leadership and the corps pulled together and got on with mission prior to our arrival. Their faithfulness and courage must never be taken for granted. During those unofficered months, there was a real coming together of what it means to be church, and we have simply come in alongside them.
Kingdom building
The corps has been meeting in a school since the old hall closed 11 years ago. Although we’re excited to be on the cusp of having our own space, we won’t abandon the school and its community – they remain important to us. We’ve built relationships with them and we’re already talking about what the Army’s presence will continue to look like here once we relocate.
Our ministry currently reaches people through schools, care homes, a boxing club and social media and livestreaming, to name a few areas. Our online community is fully acknowledged as part of our church and we’re looking to include them in other things like Messy Church. Since Christmas, we’ve had new people through our doors nearly every week and some have never been near a church building. We’re also seeing people
from different cultures joining us.
In the future, we’ll be many expressions of one Salvation Army and, when we get our new base, we’re calling it base camp because it will be the central place from where all things work. We don’t fully realise yet how big the vision is, and it’s exciting because of the timeliness of God in this – he’s pulling it all together beautifully!
As part of our York Early Intervention and Prevention programme, Service Manager Charlie Malarkey has a vision for creating a space for people to work through their wellbeing struggles. He, along with our community partners, has raised money to build a boxing gym, and construction is under way.
God in all things
One thing we’ve been working on is values. When Bev, a teacher and our young people’s worker, goes into school, and when Charlie goes into the ring, this is how we’ll model what we believe on our front lines. We’re talking about being Christ-centred, inclusive, outward-reaching, purposeful, caring and welcoming. We’re trying to put our arms around people and show them they are valued and that they can belong. We’re keeping Jesus front and centre, responding as Jesus would respond and sharing the good news.
We’re excited about what God is doing. We have junior soldiers undertaking classes for the first time in many years. We’re looking at having a presence at Freshers’ Week to offer students a place of worship, Sunday lunch and an exciting faith adventure.
Unity in community
Unity is a critical indicator of health, and we’re celebrating the way the city is connecting and partnering in its thinking and doing.
We’re all about allowing God to be God and being concerned with how the Kingdom grows and how lives are transformed. The Army was raised up for people to encounter transformation. We believe the new thing in Isaiah 43:19 is calling God’s people to be generous, kind, loving models of the way of Jesus. First and foremost, we seek the Kingdom of God, trusting his promised provision.
Fast Facts
DIVISION Yorkshire and Humber CORPS LEADERS
Majors Andrea and Andrew Vertigan FIND US ONLINE facebook.com/YorkSalvationArmy
Take time
Moments in quiet reflection are time well spent, says Major Marjory Parrott
LUKE 10:38–42
AS a former Goodwill officer, I have always identified with Martha. I feel sorry for her, as her hard work and best intentions were belittled. I also imagine Mary sitting coyly and smugly at Jesus’ feet, basking in his affirmation. Yet this is not the message of our study passage.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Which sister do you identify with?
In his book The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts, Gary Chapman explains how different people give and receive love in different ways: through acts of service, gift-giving, quality time, words of affirmation and physical touch. The challenge comes when the giver’s preferred love language is not the one that the recipient needs. At those times, true love is seen in adapting. My guess is that Martha’s love language was acts of service and Mary’s was quality time. What Jesus needed right then was the presence – and not the presents – of his friends. Perhaps that was fortunate for Mary, or perhaps she was sensitive enough to figure that out.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
What is your preferred love language?
Are you willing to adapt to meet others’ needs?
What motivated Martha’s actions? Why might she have chosen to act rather than listen? Although Martha may have wanted to be the perfect host, was there something there about not wanting Jesus to see the worst bits? Did the house and the food have to be perfect because Jesus was the perfect guest?
It’s only natural to want to make an effort and give our best to the one we love. However, was Mary fearful of not being accepted if everything was not presentable? Was she even trying to keep Jesus at a distance by not allowing him to see the ‘real’ Mary and Martha? Sometimes, we’re motivated not so much by love but by the desire to present ourselves as ‘just right’ before God. We hope that he will be impressed by our busyness for him. We fear to come before him just as we are because we don’t think we are enough.
Unless we reach a point of saying – as we would to good friends – ‘you’ll have to take me as you find me’, we’re unlikely to discover that he wants to do just that. Until we reach that point, we’re unlikely to relax enough to choose to hear what he has to say.
For Jesus, the relaxing place appears to have been Mary and Martha’s house. Except for the time he raised their brother, Lazarus, from the dead, this home seems to have been somewhere where no demands were placed upon Jesus and he could simply relax.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Do you have somewhere to relax and be yourself?
Unfortunately, if someone is bustling around, doing the housework and banging pots and pans, it can be somewhat harder to relax. Indeed, you might feel guilty for even trying to do so. Is it possible that this was happening to Jesus? Seen in that light, Martha’s actions no longer appear selfless but selfish. Having a sparkling home and delightful food might have made Martha feel better, but it was at the cost of compassion to her friend. In that case, it was a good thing Mary understood that what Jesus needed right then was someone to listen to him.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Sometimes our service is motivated by what we want rather than by what is needed by those we are serving. How can you redress the balance or make sure this doesn’t happen?
Note that Jesus said Mary chose what was better, not what was easier. We can be tempted to think that, because listening was not physically strenuous, Mary was being lazy. Perhaps the truth is that Mary recognised that Jesus was worth listening to and that he should be the focus of their attention, not the dinner that needed preparing or the floor that needed sweeping.
Let’s be honest: unless a house were in a really bad way, our focus would be on the person, not the dust motes.
We know what Mary didn’t know – that Jesus’ time on Earth was limited. Even if she thought that she might have more occasions to listen to Jesus, she chose, right then, to listen to him and to learn from him as much as she could.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
In our frantic world, do we prioritise choosing to listen to Jesus?
It can be hard to take time to sit at the feet of Jesus. However, when the opportunity presents itself and we take it, Jesus reveals himself to us. Sometimes, all he needs is for us to stop whizzing around – even if only for a short while –so that he can speak to and with us. On the occasions that I’ve chosen to just sit with him I’ve been amazed at how much he had to say. This does not belittle our busyness but it does set it in its rightful place. Some of us might love to sit at Jesus’ feet, yet the demands and stresses of life prevent that happening. The challenge, then, is not to feel guilty but to ensure that we still listen out for what Jesus has to say – even if we must listen harder for his voice above the din.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Find time just to sit with Jesus. Even in the busiest times, how might we better tune into his voice?
How might we become more receptive and allow him to work through us?
MAJOR MARJORY PARROTT Corps Leader Swadlincote
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 24 MAY: CARE FOR CREATION – AMAZING ANIMALS!
For dogs that bark and cats that purr. For mice that squeak and rabbits with twitchy noses. Thank you, God! Please help us look after your world and each other. by Rachel Gotobed (Outreach Mission Partner, Family Ministries)
SUNDAY 25 MAY: SABBATH PRAYER – MATTHEW 28:16–20
This story finds the disciples up a mountain – probably one of the places they’ve been with Jesus. Are they hopeful for a glorious encounter, maybe another Transfiguration? What they get is a commission. It’s time to go – for Jesus and for them. What specific things has Jesus commissioned you for? Consider what ‘making disciples’ might mean in your life.
by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
MONDAY 26 MAY: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – NORTH EAST DIVISION
Pray for wisdom to discern what God is saying to us through our Mission Focus Groups. Pray for Divisional Mission Officers Majors Linda and Mark Billard, for a continued revelation from God as they facilitate these groups. Pray for wisdom for the team as we hear feedback from our advisory groups. May we hear God speaking and have boldness to respond. by Major David Burns (Divisional Commander)
TUESDAY 27 MAY: SERVING AND CARING – SOUTH WEST DIVISION
More corps leaders are feeling the pressures of their ever-changing roles – from being a pastor and delivering mission to accepting more tasks such as increasing compliance, safe mission and HR. Please pray for the ability to set healthy boundaries, a regular Sabbath, and to leave margins for a more joyful ministry. by Major Gill Billard (Divisional Leader)
WEDNESDAY 28 MAY: GROWING IN FAITH – KIDS ALIVE!
Pray that Kids Alive! will continue to grow seeds of faith in the children who read it, particularly those without a background of faith; that each article and Bible comment will provide opportunities for families to come together to talk about faith and living healthy lives; and that, in an ever-changing world, children will know how loved they are by God, and be encouraged to live their lives following the example that Jesus gave. by Cara Mott (Editor, Kids Alive!)
THURSDAY 29 MAY: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – INDIA EASTERN TERRITORY
Pray for the work with children, families, elderly people and those in desperate need of food and accommodation. Pray for a deep sense of God’s presence in everything as the Kingdom of God is built in the eastern states of India, and the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. Pray for wisdom and guidance for the leadership team, Colonel Lalhmingliana Hmar, Colonel Lalhlimpuii Chawngthu and LieutColonels Prakash Chandra and Rani Phula Pradhan. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
FRIDAY 30 MAY: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – MOBILISING THE CHURCH FOR JUSTICE
Prayer must lead to action, calling us to stand for justice and mercy. May Christians and churches be stirred to advocate for the vulnerable, offer practical support and speak truth in public life.
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.
‘Everyone has the right to be heard’
Moral and Social Issues Council member
Captain
Callum McKenna (William Booth
College)
talks about the rollout of Let’s Talk… About
Sexuality and Relationships
OVER the coming 18 months, divisions across the territory will be holding conversations using Let’s Talk… About Sexuality and Relationships. The materials cover a range of topics and each division will be organising these conversations in different ways. What unites them, though, is their commitment to creating a safe space for everyone to participate, listen and be heard.
What are the Let’s Talk… materials?
The Let’s Talk… About Sexuality and Relationships materials were launched in 2018, shortly after General Brian Peddle (Retired) started to consult the international Salvation Army around human sexuality and appointed Colonel Julie Forrest (IHQ) as the international liaison officer for dialogue on human sexuality.
The Let’s Talk… materials are about encouraging Salvationists to understand each other better, remembering that everyone has the right to be heard and listened to.
Why are we returning to this now?
Let’s Talk… was launched in 2019 in the UKI Territory, but only a limited number of conversations took place. More recently, the Membership Working Group and the Belonging and Believing conference in 2024 showed that sexuality and relationships are an important issue for Salvationists in this territory, and that there was more listening and understanding to be done. How do we appreciate the diversity of views that exist? How do we understand each other better? Conversations are powerful things to help with both of these.
What topics do the materials cover?
Let’s Talk… covers bride price, divorce and remarriage, dowry, married life, partner abuse, pornography, same-sex relationships, sex outside of marriage and singleness. A survey of international leaders led to materials that reflect different cultural contexts around the world. What we’re finding already is that people in the UKI Territory are keen to talk about several different issues, for example domestic abuse or pornography. These things are prevalent in society and people want safe spaces to talk, listen and explore together.
How and when are these conversations being held?
It will look different from division to division, depending on what best suits their area. Some might gather a large group for a day and have several conversations taking place at once, for example. Others might run a series over a period of time, or take them on the road to different places.
What does a conversation look like?
Each recommended group size is 12 people. There’s time at the start to set ground rules and clear boundaries to protect all participants. This might include worship or fellowship. The structure uses Faith-Based Facilitation to help everyone reflect theologically. The group identifies the issue, then reflects on it biblically and from personal experience. There’s time to pray, listening for what we call the kairos moment – things the Spirit might speak into and share. A facilitator will make sure everybody has been listened to. A scribe takes notes to chart the conversation, so the group can keep on track. These notes are shredded at
the end. The conversation finishes with prayer and then a question: how then shall we live?
How many facilitators are there in the territory?
There are 42 facilitators so far, with more training planned for July. A cross-section of people were invited to be trained as facilitators, following a partnership between senior leadership, the Moral and Social Issues Council, the Mission Service and the Learning and Development team at William Booth College. Each division nominated at least two people for the training. All the divisional youth officers and specialists were invited, recognising that the Children and Youth Department has done work on the Pastorally Supporting LGBTQ+ Young People resource. All Moral and Social Issues Council members and the Learning and Development team were also invited.
What did the facilitator training involve?
The training lasted four days, including devotions led by the territory’s senior leaders and training in Faith-Based Facilitation and global issues for the Army. All the facilitators have experienced Let’s Talk… conversations themselves, taking turns facilitating, participating and observing. You could feel the atmosphere change during their conversations, which was proof of how powerful they are. All senior leaders and divisional leaders have experienced Let’s Talk… conversations too.
Why do these conversations matter?
Nothing happens in a vacuum. What
goes on in the Church is influenced by what goes on in the world – domestic abuse is happening in society, for example, and it is happening in the Church too. However, we often don’t talk about these difficult subjects or try to separate them from our faith. The risk of that is we don’t fully understand those issues and we don’t fully understand each other.
How is the Let’s Talk… format different from a normal conversation?
Let’s Talk… enables us to have conversations in a holy way. The Handbook of Doctrine says to treat all human relationships as a holy covenant. How do we live this out in our conversations with each other? We have a commonality in Christ that is stronger than any difference between us –belonging to the Church comes through faith in Jesus, and all our relationships flow out of that. When we have different viewpoints, we don’t simply agree to disagree and live our separate lives –we commit to walking together. It’s easy to walk with somebody you agree with. It’s far more radical to love and commit to someone whose opinion you don’t share. The New Testament talks about the relationship that Christians have with each other as a family, as a household – Let’s Talk… reminds us that we are all different, but that doesn’t stop us from being family.
So it’s about listening as much as talking?
It is. These facilitated conversations are about making sure everyone is able to speak and participate, but that talking is preceded by listening and followed by listening. ‘Let’s Listen…’ might be a better title for them!
What happens after the conversations?
At the end of each conversation, people will be invited to take part in an optional survey – not to canvass viewpoints, but to understand the impact the conversations are having on a personal level. The results of that survey will be anonymous, but will be presented to IHQ and leadership.
Do you think everyone will engage with these conversations?
It’s important to acknowledge that there will be nervousness for some people, because these things might affect their lives more than they do other people’s. Some might be nervous because they don’t want to offend others or because these topics are painful to talk about. Some people might understandably feel that talking about these issues is paying lip-service, but talking is an important and meaningful action as a faith community: it is committing to listen to each other. International policy isn’t changing as a result of these conversations, but they have the power to change relationships at a local level, to impact how people live their lives and relate to each other. You can trust them to do that.
• To find out how to participate in a Let’s Talk… conversation in your division, visit salvationist.org.uk/ lets-talk or contact your Divisional Headquarters.
“ Conversations have the power to change relationships. ”
Valuing conversation
Some of the trained Let’s Talk… facilitators talk about creating a safe space for everyone to be heard and understood
Stuart Bate Preston
How do you feel about being involved in the rollout of Let’s Talk…?
I feel a bit daunted. I realise these are important discussions about deeply personal and sensitive subjects. I am, though, excited to see what God will do as people meet together across the territory. I need to trust and acknowledge his presence in those conversations.
What’s the main skill a facilitator needs?
Being a good listener is important. Spiritual and emotional sensitivity is also key, recognising everyone’s thoughts and feelings and ensuring everyone has an opportunity to contribute.
What was your biggest takeaway from the training?
We practised using Faith-Based Facilitation as a technique for guiding the discussions. This provides a useful structure, keeping the conversation focused and dynamic.
I was also reminded that there are many diverse opinions and interpretations and it’s possible to share these while remaining friends.
What are your hopes for these conversations?
People I look up to and respect hold a wide range of viewpoints and I hope everyone feels encouraged and empowered to come along and contribute. We need every viewpoint to be heard if the conversations are to be worthwhile. I hope the conversations bring us closer together.
Lieutenant Deborah Hampton Oldbury
How do you feel about being involved in the rollout of Let’s Talk…?
I find there isn’t always the time or space on a Sunday or in a Bible study to talk about our response to issues in the world. As an external processor, I often need to have conversations and receive feedback to help me understand my own thoughts, deepen my knowledge of the issue and think how, as a Christian, I can respond. In the Church, we often shy away from issues of sexuality, and that has led to many people not being sure what to think. I love that the Faith-Based Facilitation process gives space for all voices, and a time away for people to process, learn and understand from each other.
What’s the main skill a facilitator needs?
A good facilitator needs to be able to listen well, to those things that have been said and also what has been left unsaid! It’s not a skill that comes easily to me, but in the lead-up to our training God was already talking to me about this, and reminding me of James 1:19: ‘Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and should not get angry easily’ (God’s Word Translation). I think that is great advice for all of us.
What was your biggest takeaway from the training?
I was amazed at how deep the conversations went and how moved we all were. We were aware that we were in a training environment, yet we all sensed God’s Spirit moving.
What are your hopes for these conversations?
That they will be another reminder to value people. We all have such varying experiences and perspectives on this journey of life but, as we share together and with God, I pray he will give us all a little more understanding.
Lieutenant Alice Swain Macclesfield
How do you feel about being involved in the rollout of Let’s Talk…?
I think it is really important that all people have the opportunity to share their views and concerns and know that they are seen and listened to.
It also allows us to look at these views in line with the truths of Scripture and see how this might change the way we live out our faith in day-to-day lives.
What’s the main skill a facilitator needs?
A facilitator needs to be able to listen well, draw all opinions in and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to share their views and opinions in a constructive way. The facilitator is there to guide conversation and ask questions, not to tell people what they should say or what to believe.
What was your biggest takeaway from the training?
Steeping conversations in prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to move and considering the word of God found in Scripture is vitally important to every Let’s Talk… conversation, or indeed any discussion.
What are your hopes for these conversations?
That we, as brothers and sisters in Christ, will be unafraid to have conversations about all sorts of topics that affect us in everyday life. Also I hope that we, as a Movement, will continue to be confident in living out our faith, encouraging all to come and encounter the life-transforming God.
Major
Lisa Hanover North Scotland DHQ
How do you feel about being involved in the rollout of Let’s Talk…?
It’s always good to talk, isn’t it? But important conversations about things that matter can sometimes be tricky and personal; we might not be comfortable or find it easy, and so we often shy away from having them. Let’s Talk… is all about creating opportunities and space for important conversations to take place and that’s exciting!
What’s the main skill a facilitator needs?
Being open and willing is helpful! But beyond that, an ability to put people at ease while wrestling with and discussing things that don’t often get talked about is pretty important. Creating safe spaces takes empathy, sensitivity and an ability to ‘make room’ for different opinions and experiences.
What was your biggest takeaway from the training?
Let’s Talk… is just that! It’s about letting people talk and, crucially, listen to one another. It’s about learning from each other’s experiences and better understanding our various perspectives. As a facilitator, it’s about hosting a conversation rather than guiding thinking.
What are your hopes for these conversations?
As a teacher by background, I hope we learn! I hope we learn to listen well. As ‘iron sharpens iron’ (Proverbs 27:17), I hope we learn from one another. I hope we deepen our understanding. I hope our conversations lead to stronger, healthier and more positive relationships. I hope for more empathy and less judgement. I hope whatever we talk about, we do so with ‘kindness and love’ (1 Corinthians 16:14 The Living Bible).
Holy covenants
Dr Laurelle Smith outlines the international Salvation Army’s journey with sexuality and relationships
RELATIONSHIPS are important to God. They are not just what he does: they are who he is.
A triune God – Father, Spirit, Son. He is relationship. And he defines us by our relationship to him, calling us children of God.
We live in a world of brokenness. Abuse, exploitation, coercion and exclusion dominate – brokenness from relationships gone wrong.
As Christians, it is vital that not only do we understand our identity in God and our relationship with him, but that we also learn what it means to live faithfully within all our relationships.
The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine states: ‘Holiness is true love, nurtured and expressed in relationships… To realise Jesus’ radical ethic of love is to treat all our relationships as holy covenants.’
Living faithfully in our relationships is a matter of holiness.
When we focus on creating healthy, deep relationships, and commit to treating all relationships as holy covenants, people we interact with experience an abundance of life that can only be found through the transformation of Jesus.
God’s creative, redemptive plan for the world is through relationships, so it is essential that we are always working to get them right – from relationships with those who serve us at the coffee shop to relationships with those we work with, and our most intimate relationships too.
Sexuality is an expression of our Godgiven desire to be known, understood and valued. It is about intimacy, connection and relationship. It is good, and it is from God. But often it is something that we steer away from talking about, especially within the Church.
However, it is essential that all Salvationists are equipped with the knowledge, resources and theological understanding required to live faithfully within all their relationships to help build a stronger, more resilient Salvation Army where abuse and sexual misconduct are non-existent, and all feel welcomed, included and a part of the mission.
After global priorities were established by international leaders in 2013, the desire was to see the development of healthier relationships within the global Salvation Army, where all Salvationists honour God with their relationships, live faithfully with their sexuality, and feel included, safe and valued.
Over the past 10 years, resources have been developed on priority topics, people have been trained in Faith-Based Facilitation, territories have appointed sexuality and relationships point persons, and a groundbreaking International Symposium on Human Sexuality has been held. And, while significant strides have been made along The Salvation Army’s journey with sexuality and relationships, it is still a journey we walk together.
The Let’s Talk… About Sexuality and Relationships conversations are just one way to help us to build deeper
relationships with each other. As we learn together, listen to each other and seek the Lord together, we begin to break down barriers and truly see each other as children of God.
The conversations, using the FaithBased Facilitation model, allow space for listening – listening to understand each other, and listening to the Holy Spirit. Jesus modelled this lifestyle, graciously listening to others. He never hesitated to make time for people, asking questions and inviting people to share their thoughts and perspectives. He met people where they were and gave them time and undivided attention. Even when journeying with his own priorities, he stopped to listen to others, showing them that they were important and that their stories mattered.
Listening with love and grace can transform lives and bring healing and reconciliation.
When we live faithfully, with integrity, loyalty and a commitment to treat all our relationships as holy covenants, we flourish as human beings, become more Christlike in character, and learn what it really means to live in true relationship with one another as children of God.
DR LAURELLE SMITH Researcher and Strategist for Human Sexuality
International Symposium on Human Sexuality, Singapore, 2022
Let’s talk… singleness
Captain Claire Whybrow challenges us to remember that people are worthy as they are
‘AND they lived happily ever after…’
On the last page of countless children’s stories, that is the perfect ending we read. I’ve no complaint about young people learning that dreams come true, but I do struggle with the cause of this happiness nearly always being the love of a romantic partner.
As we grow, this narrative continues, with society telling us that to be complete, normal and happy we must be part of a pair. Like 40 per cent of the UK adult population, I am single – I haven’t found ‘the one’ I am told I need to live happily ever after. This in no way defines me, but it does change the way I experience life and church.
As in so many things, the ways of God differ from the ways of the world. I know that God says I am beautiful, valuable and whole, whether I wear a ring on my finger or not. I believe this – most of the time! – but there are many singles in our families, communities and churches who don’t, and I am passionate that the Church has something to say about this.
I have been blessed with loving church families who encourage me just as I am, but I know that sometimes church culture simply exaggerates the prevailing culture and makes singletons feel less than their married friends – whether it’s that curious
questioning about when someone will settle down and have a family, or active exclusion from leadership because people who are single can be seen as less capable without the backing of a friends. It could be feeling isolated, because everyone sits in family groups, or our churches only ever recognising the joy of marriage and birth, while ignoring other important life milestones, these attitudes and actions are rarely intentional, but the negative impact is no less profound.
John 10:10 says: ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ Jesus didn’t promise fullness of life just for those who find happiness in marriage or delight in children. He came to bring abundant life for all people, whatever our relationship status. The Bible is full of excellent examples of people who lived beautiful single lives – Miriam, Ruth and Paul, to name just a few. And, of course, Jesus –the one we worship and follow – lived his life on Earth as a single man.
Everyone is single at some point in their life – some are single more than once. Singleness looks different for everyone, whether someone is divorced, widowed or has never been married – and everyone has a unique story. Some will have chosen the freedom of singleness and thrive on
the independence that brings, others will battle with grief because life hasn’t played out as they expected, and many sit somewhere in between. As the Church, we have a beautiful story to tell single people: that they are worthy and wonderful just as they are. Let’s ensure that is the story we tell, not the lies of the world.
If you want to discover more about how your corps can support single people check out singlefriendlychurch.com, and consider these questions:
How can our churches welcome, include and understand single people at all stages of life?
How can we celebrate singleness, while also pastorally supporting those for whom singleness is a challenge?
How can The Salvation Army ensure single officers are not isolated in their ministry?
• Read about an international research project into singleness on page 18.
DUNSTABLE From Monday to Wednesday in Holy Week, the prayer room was open, with the Stations of the Cross changed each day. The Greatest Showman was shown on Maundy Thursday, with relevant references to Scripture. On Good Friday corps leader Territorial Envoy Roger Coates led a Churches Together service, supported by the band and songsters. More than 320 people attended. God’s Spirit was active, especially as folks stood around the cross in an act of worship and community. Easter Day’s Sonrise open-air on Dunstable Downs saw many people from the corps plus local churches join to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. A morning praise party included children of all ages joining in the joy of the day with songs, instruments and bubbles. Territorial Envoy Roger challenged the congregation to consider if they were willing to roll the stone away and trust God for the unexpected that may come next. – RC
KETTERING A 60-strong community choir drawn from several corps and singing groups from around Northamptonshire performed to 250 on Holy Saturday. They were accompanied by a chamber orchestra and a quartet of Salvationist vocal soloists – Gemma Hinchliffe (Christchurch), Sue Blyth (Peterborough Citadel), Andy Ward (Derby Central) and Mark Norwood (Bromley Temple) – who magnificently enhanced the overall concert. Through the music, Christ’s life, death and resurrection were told in a fitting and deeply moving manner. – TC
EASTER
Kingscott (THQ) and Major Christine Kingscott showed the community that Jesus is alive! – PC
BIRTHDAY
MAIDSTONE Corps member Vi Clarke celebrated her 100th birthday with friends and staff at her care home, being especially delighted to receive her congratulatory card from the King and Queen. Later, Salvation Army friends gathered to celebrate her special day and to remember her remarkable service as an officer, spiritual guide, mentor and wonderful friend. Her perpetual smile showed her joy at meeting so many friends once again, all of whom she remembered. – GP
EASTER
CARLISLE Supported by the band, the Mission Community and Churches Together groups united for open-air witness on Good Friday. Unlike previous years, when people were too busy shopping, more than 120 people stopped for the whole service. – MS
EASTER
SWANSEA A 24-hour prayer event on Holy Saturday included prayer stations and activities to help people focus their prayer. Many who attended found the peaceful space helpful. – AZ
EASTER
EASTER
CWM On the mountaintop overlooking the village, band members celebrated that Christ has risen. An amazing weekend with Lieut-Colonel Paul
St Albans Band relays the message of Christ’s resurrection in Verulamium Park early on Easter morning
EASTER
The fellowship and band took part in a special outdoor event marking the significance of Good Friday. Hundreds of people attended, starting at Salisbury Cathedral and ending at Guildhall Square. The event saw the public debut of learners who joined the band in the past year, almost doubling its size and making it more effective in serving on such occasions. – MD
EASTER
Divisional Leader Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts joined for Easter and took his turn at carrying a cross in the annual ecumenical walk of witness, supported by more than 30 Christians from across the city’s churches. – KS
EASTER
A Holy Saturday open-air meeting in the town centre asked people who or what they would like to pray for. The Easter Day congregation were asked the same thing and chain links around the cross have all those prayers on them. The requests were prayed for by the congregation. – TB
FUNDRAISING
A fashion show featured new and second-hand clothes, including vintage and modern Salvation Army uniforms. It finished with a wedding party parade with bride and groom, best man and bridesmaids and parents of the bride. Refreshments were served and the money raised was donated to charity. – MD
REMEMBRANCE
A group from the band helped commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of James Lansdowne Norton, the founder of Norton Motorcycle Company and a Salvationist. Despite ill health most of his life, he ran the motorcycle company, was corps treasurer at Birmingham Sparkhill, and taught English and maths to local children after work. The band played before and during a short service led by Major Vic Kennedy. The Norton Motorcycle Club then presented a cheque to Lieutenant Corinne Seabridge (Birmingham Aston) towards the important work Aston 614 youth centre does with families and young people. – RO
MUSIC
TROWBRIDGE The corps hosted the South Western Divisional Fellowship Band. Following afternoon open-air witness in the town centre, the band was joined by the Trowbridge Town Singers for an evening concert at St James’ Church. Territorial Envoy Kim Whyard (Bristol Easton) shared a Bible thought, and more than £500 was raised for the Army’s work in the town. – ML
EASTER
LIEUT-COLONEL MIRIAM PERRY
BORN in Seoul to Salvation Army officer parents, Lieut-Colonel Miriam Joan Perry (née Sylvester) was promoted to Glory on 5 April 2025, aged 93, leaving behind 3 children, 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
In 1939 Joan’s parents transferred to Salisbury Citadel, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), then to India in 1944, returning to England in 1946. Joan trained in London as a secretary and loved it. At the age of 16 she sang a solo at Welling Corps. Everything about her attracted the unstoppable attention of Geoff, on leave from national service. He wrote a letter and their friendship slowly grew.
That year Geoff responded to an inner call to serve Christ as a Salvation Army officer. This decision provoked internal struggles for Joan. She had witnessed the hardships and trials her parents endured; officership was far from her mind. Resolution came months later when Joan, listening intently to preaching one Sunday at Clapton Congress Hall, heard that call from Jesus her Saviour. Geoff watched with awe as Joan, stepping forward at the invitation, knelt to commit herself to serve Christ in officership.
Willing now to say ‘yes’ to Geoff, their romance blossomed. Following training at the International Training College in the Intercessors session, Joan was appointed to Sutton Bridge. After marriage, Joan and Geoff were corps leaders at Norwich Mile Cross and Lowestoft South. Further appointments included Seoul, Korea, for four years, Zimbabwe for six, and Zambia for three. So many wonderful stories could be told! Joan also served in the UK with Geoff in roles at International Headquarters and at the training college.
Joan remained active as a speaker after retirement. Sadly, she developed Alzheimer’s disease. It was hard, but sparkles of her inner beauty and grace came shining through. Her carers loved her for what they saw in her. She lived a fruitful life. – RP
MAJOR GWENDA CROSSLAND
GWENDA Ashman was born in London in 1938. She moved to Bargoed in Wales due to the outbreak of the Second World War. It was there as a young child she was introduced to The Salvation Army. In time, Gwenda became a junior soldier, singing company member and corps cadet. In 1959 she began training to become a Salvation Army officer as part of the Greathearts session.
As a commissioned officer, Lieutenant Gwenda was posted to East Dulwich Corps, south London, where she began her officership. In 1961, she married Lieutenant Alan Crossland, and they were appointed to St Mary Cray Corps.
They also served as corps leaders at Caterham, Kennington Lane, Morden, Cowes, Christchurch, Andover, High Wycombe and Hull East. Their divisional appointments included as divisional youth secretaries for the Southampton and Channel Isles Division, divisional secretaries for the Central and West Yorkshire Division and for the Eastern Counties Division.
Gwenda leaves behind two sons, Philip and Stephen, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A loving mother and grandmother, she leaves a lasting legacy and will be dearly missed. – PC/SC
Please note members’ tributes that are submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Tributes for officers should be no longer than 300 words.
Good quality pictures will be included. Please do not send your copy to any individual’s email address as this could delay publication.
Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
SANDRA LLEWELLYN SKEWEN
SANDRA was born into a Salvationist family and soldiered at Neath Corps until its closure, when she transferred to Skewen. For many years, she was the corps secretary, until she relinquished the position due to ill health.
This did not stop her service for the Lord as she continued to be a faithful prayer warrior, whose influence was felt beyond Skewen and the Wales Division through cards and prayer lists. Every request was followed up with personal contact. This ministry will be missed by many, especially in the corps but throughout the territory.
Sandra also held the position of corps press officer and produced the corps newsletter.
Although confined to a wheelchair in later years, Sandra was always ready to witness and testify wherever she was. Her life was epitomised by Romans 1:16, the Bible verse she took for herself in her youth: ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel.’ – SL/MW
WENDY BRETT GUILDFORD
WENDY was promoted to Glory aged 68, after suffering with motor neurone disease.
Wendy lived an active life and was well known for her Eb bass playing. She started in Bristol Citadel YP Band and continued to play in bands in and out of the Army. These included Guildford Band, the Central Southern Area Fellowship Band and London Ladies Brass.
Wendy achieved a long teaching career in music and as a conductor for the North East Hampshire Area Schools Band.
Sadly in 2018, after 34 years of marriage, her husband, Dave, died of prostate cancer, after which Wendy became a strong advocate for early diagnosis.
Undeterred by life’s challenges, in retirement Wendy used her organisational skills to assist Guildford Corps in maintaining the food bank. Wendy will be missed by many for her enthusiasm and ability ‘to get things done’!
Wendy leaves a partner, two stepsons, grandchildren and a great-grandchild. – JW
BELFAST NORTH
CORPS leader Major Ian McBride welcomed Rodger Hall as an adherent as we celebrated the risen Christ on Easter Day. – LK
ITAYI Chirengendure, Ginlisa Moyo and Ayegwu Angelina Otor were enrolled as soldiers by corps leader Major Keely Standley. They were all excited to make a public declaration of faith by becoming soldiers and testified to the power of witness of corps members in their everyday lives, the influence of family members, the love and guidance of the wider corps family and the feeling that this is a place to call home. – RO
BRISTON
DIVISIONAL Leader Major Howard Russell led our Easter Day service, welcoming our friends Pat Smith, Linda McPhilemy, Kay Jeary and Linda Robinson as adherents. Pat and Linda came through the coffee morning, Kay was a songster at Sheringham Corps some 60 years ago and is enjoying attending the Army again and Linda Robinson moved into the village and has found her spiritual home with us. We give the glory all to our Lord and Saviour. – MR
WORTHING
DAVE Squibb, Pat Christensen and Chris Squibb were welcomed as adherents on Easter Day by corps leader Major Pam Knuckey. Also pictured are the corps Spiritual Life Development Secretary Commissioner Gillian Downer and Adherents Secretary Bryan McDaniel. – PM
MIDDLESBROUGH
EASTER Day saw Carol and Pete Murphy welcomed as adherents by corps leaders Captains Chris and Naomi Kelly. Carol and Pete – along with their son – were joined by Recruiting Sergeant Gordon Hull and Children’s Advocate Pauline Hull, who are also Carol’s parents. It was a real celebration of what God has in store for this corps and the community we serve. – CK
WHAT DOES BEING A SOLDIER OR ADHERENT MEAN?
Find out more about formal membership of The Salvation Army and the different ways in which you can make a spiritual commitment at salvationist.org.uk/ membership
BIRMINGHAM CITADEL
Local officers appointed
ASSISTANT CORPS
SERGEANT-MAJOR
ALEXANDER
SHELLEY, Cannock
OVER-60 CLUB
SECRETARY
WAYNE JOHNSON, Hadleigh Temple
Wedding anniversaries
Diamond (60 years)
MAJORS DAVID AND MERLE GARRAD on 5 June
Golden (50 years)
BANDMASTER
TOMMY AND WENDY SPRATT, Dunstable, on 31 May
Promoted to Glory
TOM ROBINSON, Trowbridge, on 2 May
MAUREEN SYMONS, Sale, on 8 May
Bereaved
MAJOR MALCOLM WATKINS and Songster Leader Colin Watkins, Morecambe, of their sister Major Dorothy Holloway
MAJOR SHARON ROBINSON, Swindon Citadel, Janice Toms and Christine Selsby of their father Tom Robinson
RONALD SYMONS of his wife Maureen Symons, Major Rob Symons, Histon, of his mother
ENGAGEMENTS
General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries
Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
Wed 4 Jun – Sun 8 Jun USA Central Territory
Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill
Thu 5 Jun – Mon 9 Jun USA Southern Territory
Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
Fri 23 May UCB Radio
Sat 24 May Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls (Songs of Praise)
Sat 31 May Edinburgh Gorgie (Central and Southern Scotland Divisional Youth Band)
Sun 1 Jun Bellshill (Presentation of Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service)
Mon 2 Jun William Booth College (Into Officership Seminar)
Fri 6 Jun – Sat 7 Jun University of Warwick (Riverbank Women’s Conference)
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. Responses are anonymous and will be 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. For more information, contact Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts at jayne.roberts@salvationarmy.org.uk
Understanding singleness
The UK and Ireland Territory is taking part in an international research project that aims to gain a deeper understanding from those who worship at The Salvation Army on their views, feelings and experiences of being single. With more people getting married later in life, or not at all, it is imperative that the Church understands the complexity of being single today and provides a place of welcome to those who are single, whatever stage of life they may be in. To learn more or to take part, visit sar.my/singleness before 31 July. If you have any questions, email ihq-dhs@salvationarmy.org
SOUNDS
Sunday Worship
Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. In this week’s message Colonel Melvin Fincham talks about prayer. 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
No Age Limit
Salvationist Radio’s show reminds listeners that there is no age limit to what we can do for God or what God can do for us. Join Andy and Ali from Older People’s Ministries for an hour of music, chat and testimony. Listen live on Sunday 25 May at 5pm. The episode is repeated on Friday 30 May at 11am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
Fully Scored
Episode 67 of the Music Editorial team’s podcast sees host Matthew Frost chat to Melbourne Staff Bandmaster Mark Hamilton, before New York Staff Bandsman Simon Morton shares his insights into Eric Ball’s ‘Serenity’. Meanwhile, tenor horn virtuoso Owen Farr is this month’s inhabitant of Arid Island.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts
BBC Radio 4: Sunday Worship at Bellshill Corps
This week’s service is broadcast from Bellshill led by Major Jo Moir (THQ) and features music from the International Staff Songsters and Bellshill Band, as well as a Bible message from Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest on Jeremiah 29:11. Listen live at 8.10am on Sunday 25 May on BBC Radio 4, or on BBC Sounds for 30 days after the broadcast.
• Listen online at bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002cnc3
STAPLEFORD CORPS, ALBERT AVENUE, NG9 8ET
BANDMASTER WILLIAM HIMES 13 – 16
Friday 13 June
JUNE
7.30pm Open band practice (everyone invited)
Saturday 14 June
1–2.30pm Stapleford Band and former members
3–4pm Stapleford Songsters and former members
7pm Festival
Sunday 15 June
10am & 4pm Theme: Father’s Day
Monday 16 June
Leading East Midlands Fellowship Band Practice
ADVERTISING RATES
ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT TYPE SIZE 1 ISSUE 3 ISSUES
Classified listing Up to 25 words £9 £20
Classified listing Up to 50 words £18 £40
Small box (1/32nd page) 30mm x 43mm £15 £40
Medium box (1/16th page) 30mm x 89mm £35 £85
Large box (1/8th page) 62mm x 89mm £65 £170
Quarter page 89mm x 127mm £170 £440
Half page 127mm x 181mm £340 £850
Full back page 181mm x 258mm £675 £1,650
ADVERTS CANNOT BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE. For further information email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk.
Could you be our next Board member?
Chair of Audit & Risk.
£9,000 pa | Flexible location
Salvation Army General Insurance Corporation are looking for a Chair of the Audit & Risk Committees with the following skills or experience:
I. Risk management, audit, or compliance within the insurance sector.
II. A professional background in finance, actuarial science, law, or auditing.
III. An understanding of the importance of delivering good outcomes to our customers.
IV. Internal controls, corporate governance, and liaising with external regulatory bodies like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA). Scan Here
You can download our job pack from www.sagic.co.uk/board For further discussion contact: Arran Gray | arran.gray@sagic.co.uk | 0300 030 1865
