The Salvation Army’s Enduring Commitment to Inclusivity

From our earliest days, The Salvation Army has been a beacon of hope for the marginalized and forgotten. Founders William and Catherine Booth dedicated their lives to uplifting society’s most vulnerable, challenging the status quo with a radical message of compassion and equality.

This inclusive spirit has defined the organization’s work for generations, as we’ve sought to empower and support individuals from all walks of life – regardless of their background, ability or circumstance.

In the late 1800s, the Booths established “slum posts” in London’s impoverished East End, providing food, shelter and social services to the destitute urban poor. Embracing a philosophy of “soup, soap and salvation,” they worked tirelessly to restore dignity and opportunity to those society had left behind.

Pioneering women’s rights, the Booths also broke down traditional gender barriers by empowering female Salvation Army Officers to preach and lead alongside their male counterparts. Catherine Booth, known as the “Army Mother,” was a trailblazing feminist who inspired generations of women to claim their rightful place in ministry

This commitment to inclusion extended to the Army’s rehabilitation programs as well. In 1884, we were one of the first homes for “fallen” women – those who had turned to prostitution out of desperation. Providing shelter, vocational training and spiritual guidance, the Army fought to reintegrate these marginalized individuals back into the community.

Decades later, as the civil rights movement swept across America, The Salvation Army in the South defied segregationist policies by desegregating their services and shelters. Despite intense backlash, we refused to turn away Black clients, offering essential resources and support to the African American community.

And in Canada, the organization has a long history of providing culturally-sensitive care and programming for Indigenous communities. We have sought to address the unique needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people while respecting the traditions and right to self-determination.

Through it all, The Salvation Army has remained steadfast in our mission to bring hope and transformation to the marginalized. By breaking down barriers, embracing diversity and uplifting the most vulnerable, we continue to live out the inclusive spirit first embodied by our founders – a legacy that continues to inspire and guide our work today.