The candidates and their spouses were given further time on Wednesday morning to finish their questionnaires and write their speeches (see Retired General John Larsson’s Inside a High Council Chapter 8: sar.my/iahc8). When the council resumed, Commissioner Willis Howell (Territorial Commander, U.S.A. Southern Territory) began the time of devotion with Song 936 from The Song Book of The Salvation Army: Wanted, Hearts Baptised with Fire. Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (Territorial Leader for Leadership Development, United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland) read from Ephesians 3:8, 14-21.
Sharing thoughts ahead of the candidates and spouses presenting their responses to the questionnaires, the Chaplain (Commissioner Mark Tillsley) spoke of the Holy Spirit strengthening the inner person individually; that strength comes corporately through "power, together with all the Lord’s holy people" (v18) until finally they "be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" (v19). This message was for all the council members as they sought God’s will as the time of the election approached. The Chaplain reinforced this when he prayed that this prayer of the apostle Paul was not only for the candidates but for all the leaders gathered in the chamber.
Before lots were drawn for the order in which the candidates would speak, Commissioner Brad Bailey (U.S.A. Central Territory) informed the council that he had withdrawn from the election process.
The answers to the questionnaires were delivered without interruption and listened to in respectful silence. As outlined in the Orders of Procedure there followed no expression of approval or dissent.
Following each candidate’s reading of his or her prepared responses and then having answered any clarifying questions, the Chaplain offered two verses from Scripture. The plea: "I am your servant; give me discernment" (Psalm 119:125); and God’s response: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10), after which everyone engaged in moments of silent prayer.
The Chaplain concluded the day in prayer.
Visit this page for updates about the 2018 High Council.
Watch the Territorial Leaders' Easter Message for 2025
Though Jesus was executed on a Roman cross, his story doesn't end there—and neither does ours.
VideosCommissioners Lee and Debbie Graves offer a message of hope and grace for this Easter season.
A Night to Remember at Festival 56
The Canadian Staff Band honours retiring Bandmaster John Lam.
by Abbigail Oliver News
It was a full house at Guelph Citadel, Ont., on April 5 as the Canadian Staff Band (CSB) hosted its annual concert, Festival 56. The sanctuary filled with brass music, red festival tunics and an air of gratitude as the CSB celebrated 56 years, with a special tribute to Bandmaster John Lam as he prepares to retire after 30 years of faithful
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Call to Prayer for the Canadian Federal Election
A pastoral letter from our territorial leaders, Commissioners Lee and Debbie Graves.
News"We are fortunate to live in a free and democratic society, where we have the privilege of voting to elect our leaders," write Commissioners Lee and Debbie Graves. "Let us approach this responsibility with prayerful consideration."
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On Thursday, May 24, 2018, Elias Job Suarez said:
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