The 19th High Council has elected Commissioner Brian Peddle to be the General of The Salvation Army.

On the day voting would begin to elect the 21st General of The Salvation Army it was symbolic that the morning began with the worldwide prayer meeting. Led by the Chaplain (Commissioner Mark Tillsley, International Headquarters) the five zones into which the international Army is divided administratively became a focus for prayer, naming specific requests where appropriate. Each time the focus changed the members of the zone being lifted up to God were encircled by their fellow council members. These moments of prayer concluded with the chorus Bless them Now.

At the beginning of the day's business the President (Commissioner Birgitte Brekke-Clifton, International Headquarters) took a few moments to acknowledge and thank the support staff: translators, IT support, secretariat staff and recorders – a sentiment endorsed by the council with appreciative applause.

General André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox with General-elect Commissioner Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie PeddleGeneral André Cox and Commissioner Silvia Cox with General-elect Commissioner Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle
As with the answers to the questionnaires on the previous day, the speeches from the four candidates were delivered without interruption and there followed no expression of approval or dissent. The drawing of lots again determined the order in which the candidates gave their speeches, which were received in silence. The council then adjourned.

The Chaplain led the council in singing song 975 from The Song Book of The Salvation Army, Salvation! O the Joyful Sound! before Commissioner Devon Haughton (Territorial Commander, Caribbean Territory) read from Acts 7:51-60. Drawing on these verses and directing his thoughts to the candidates, but suggesting they were for all present in the chamber, the Chaplain spoke of the need for holy boldness. In this story of Stephen he noted also the heavenly assurance he received and finally that, despite everything, Stephen continued to have a heartache for humanity. The council joined in the song To be Like Jesus, with its emphasis on "His Spirit helping me ..." before prayer was offered by Commissioner Yvonne Westrupp (Territorial President of Women's Ministries, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory.)

Then followed the election process, undertaken in silence as a solemn and sacred duty, resulting in the election of Commissioner Brian Peddle as the 21st General of The Salvation Army.

After the General-Elect was announced, Commissioner Peddle addressed those in attendance at the High Council and those watching worldwide via livestream: “It is absolutely a pleasure to stand before you today and acknowledge the confidence the High Council has placed in myself and Commissioner Rosalie. We are overwhelmed to say the least, but deeply honoured and feeling somewhat unworthy of the momentous task ahead of us.

"We stand so eager for God to move in a new way among us … We pray that The Salvation Army internationally will now move from strength to strength and that God almighty will bless us in an incredible way as we move forward into the future."

Visit this page for updates about the 2018 High Council.

Comment

On Thursday, August 2, 2018, Dinesh Macwan said:

May God bless our New General elect Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle and fill with Holy Spirit

 

On Wednesday, July 4, 2018, Ira Barrow said:

Congratulations hardly seem to be the correct word because while a lifetime of dedicated service and constant learning led to this moment, General Brian is God's man more than he is the High Council man. Yes, there is a human element there but the Army, raised by God, is God's Army and God does not forsake His own.So, what word do I used to best fit my thoughts? HALLELUJAH! That's my word for the hour. I worked side-by-side on CFOT staff with Captain Brian and was always impressed with his grasp of the Army world-wide mission and his work ethics. A good man, indeed and in deed.

God bless the General!

Ira Barrow

 

On Tuesday, June 12, 2018, Brian Smith said:

Congratulations General elect Brian Peddle The Salvation Army Orlando Florida USA will Celebrate 100 yrs in 2020 would be nice if you both would attend Respectfully Brian Smith CSM

 

On Tuesday, May 29, 2018, Phil Jumbe , Zimbabwe said:

I join many in the world in congratulating you General,upon your election.May the Lord give you wisdom and guidance as you and Commissioner Rosalie steer our great Salvation Army movement through the challenges of this 21 st century.Our prayers are with you.

 

On Monday, May 28, 2018, Mary Ellen Eberlin said:

My best wishes as you both begin this next step in a journey that God is so clearly directing. Blessings.

 

On Sunday, May 27, 2018, Nipu Baroi said:

Congrats. I believe the new General will continue the good work of General Andre Cox as he had opportunity to work with them closely. Our prayer support is always for you. May God bless you.

 

On Saturday, May 26, 2018, Jerry Cranford said:

Congratulations General Brian and Commissioner Rosalie. Gods blessing and guidance as you move forward in your new responsibilities.

 

On Friday, May 25, 2018, Sandra Cunningham said:

Give YOUR power to them,Holy Spirit! May YOUR presence rest on them!

 

On Friday, May 25, 2018, Massampala sergio said:

Be well come new general God bless you and The salvaltion Army in world

 

On Friday, May 25, 2018, Lt. Col. Ben Foster said:

Ask the new General..please do not neglect the efforts of the past...and allow the HOLY SPIRIT to guide you as you move forward...The battle is the Lord,s...May strength for each day be yours

 

On Friday, May 25, 2018, Petrea Saunders said:

We look forward to you and Comissioner Rosalie's guidance through Jesus Christ. So many have not heard of Christ Jesus. May God add a blessing to each person..amen

 

On Friday, May 25, 2018, Robert mcmillan said:

Congratulations and welcome to your new position as general of the salvation army

 

On Friday, May 25, 2018, Capt. Kanwal Aftab said:

Dear General, you are indeed a good leader and a godly servant of Lord, first time we got opportunity to biblically listen you during you kind visit in Pakistan, from the start we believe that you are a star, it is your great skill and knowledge that has lead you for the strength of the salvation army, Congratulations

 

 

On Thursday, May 24, 2018, Shayne Stanton said:

As an Adherent from the Canada-Bermuda Territory from whence our General-elect is from, I offer my prayers to Commissioner Brian and Rosalie as they prepare to lead the Salvation Army. May God Bless you and give you both the wisdom and knowledge in your soon to be positions

 

On Thursday, May 24, 2018, Ian Christopher KALA said:

Congratulations to our new General-elect to lead the Salvation Army..May God give you wisdom to lead us. "To be like Jesus , His spirit leading you"

I am a second generation Salvationist from PAPUA NEW GUINEA TERRITORY. My late parents Captain Kala Bogagu & Dai Sere were the pioneer officers of this territory who were first national officers. I love my Army.

 

 

On Thursday, May 24, 2018, Carletta (Thornhill) Small (Major) (R) said:

Congratulations and may the power of the Holy Spirit rest upon you daily.

 

On Thursday, May 24, 2018, Stuart said:

Groundbreaking. Another white man.

 

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