General André Cox released an official statement to all active and retired leaders on July 14, 2015, regarding the promotion of Canadian Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle to Chief of the Staff and World Secretary for Women's ministries.

The news release reads:

Dear Colleagues,

After a great deal of prayer, reflection and, as you would expect, wide consultation with senior colleagues, I have decided to make the following appointments:

COMMISSIONER BRIAN PEDDLE, an officer of the Canada and Bermuda Territory currently serving as International Secretary for the Americas and Caribbean, is appointed as Chief of the Staff, effective November 1, 2015.

COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE, also from the Canada and Bermuda Territory and currently serving as Zonal Secretary for Women's Ministries, Americas and Caribbean Zone, is appointed as World Secretary for Women's Ministries, also from November 1, 2015.

It is of vital importance for the General of The Salvation Army to be supported in ministry and leadership by a trusted colleague who can effectively and efficiently fulfill the role of the Chief of the Staff. I have been richly blessed thus far in my term as General, to be supported in this way by Commissioner William Roberts. Commissioner Silvia Cox has appreciated the support of Commissioner Nancy Roberts in relation to the work of women's ministries. As Commissioners Roberts moves towards the conclusion of their active service as officers, we salute them, thank them and pray for them God's richest blessing upon their lives as they continue to fulfill their lifelong calling to serve God.

Commissioners Peddle have served as Salvation Army officers since the mid-1970's, in a variety of ministry appointments – corps and divisional leadership, youth and training work – including service as divisional leaders in New Zealand and as CS/TSWM in the UK. They led their home territory (Canada & Bermuda) with distinction and vision for a little over three years before coming to their present appointments in 2014.

I believe that the Lord's hand is upon these godly comrades, and that as they once again lay their lives before the one who called and ordained them for ministry, they will experience a new touch of Holy Spirit power that will enable them for the increased leadership responsibilities to which they are now appointed."

Please join me in praying God's rich blessing upon Commissioners Peddle as they take up their significant leadership roles at the heart of the worldwide Army.

God bless you.

Yours sincerely,

André Cox
GENERAL

The Chief of the Staff is appointed by the General to be second-in-command of the international Salvation Army. The first Chief was Bramwell Booth, eldest son of Salvation Army Founders William and Catherine Booth. Commissioner Brian Peddle will be the 26th Chief of the Staff, and only the second to have been born in Canada (the other being Bramwell Tillsley). Three other Chiefs were born in the UK but classed as Canadian Salvation Army officers because they entered training in Canada – Arnold Brown, William John Dray and John McMillan.

Comment

On Friday, July 17, 2015, diane.steadman said:

Hu,
I was referring to the UK Territory. I don't think we have had a woman TC in my memory (something at the back of mind wonders if Bramwell Booth's wife held that position but that would be the one and only) and I think Commissioner Catherine Bramwell Booth was appointed T.P. but was ill and never fulfilled that role. Yes you are quite right there have/are women TP's andTC's in other territories but I was referring to theUK Territory. It would be good to see women in our country in top leadership.
Hope this clarifies my comment.

On Thursday, July 16, 2015, Donald Jefcoat said:

Diane,

Please Correct me if I am wrong but I believe there have been women training principals and I also believe the current Territorial Commander is a woman. Women have been in leadership in high positions since the beginning of the Army.

On Wednesday, July 15, 2015, diane steadman said:

In our territory we have three married women D C's two followed their husbands into the post and one has been appointed and her husband is her assistant. However I trust that single women will not be over looked either. We still need to see our first woman Training Principal, Chief Secretary and Territorial Commander in this territory.

On Tuesday, July 14, 2015, Gordon Knight said:

Dear Name Withheld:

Your question "Why does the Salvation Army continue to promote men in positions elevated above those of their female partners?" is not always the case. In the case of Corps appointments, here in the United States both are appointed Corps Officers equally. Male and female officers hold their own ranks independent of each other. In the Indiana Division we have a female officer appointed second in command of the division (DS) where her officer husband is appointed in the position of Men's Ministry (DMMS) which is a swap from the "norm" of the male officer being second and the female officer being in Women's Ministry. So the Army is changing but as always change comes slowly. Blessings.

On Tuesday, July 14, 2015, Name Withheld said:

Why does the Salvation Army continue to promote men in positions elevated above those of their female partners? The only way women achieve positions of the highest ranks in the Salvation Army is if they are unmarried. This is a pattern of behaviour that perpetuates gender inequality in the workplace.

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