The Salvation Army Affirms Commitment to Religious Freedom

March 12, 2026

The Salvation Army Affirms Commitment to Religious Freedom

New international positional statement says religious freedom is a fundamental human right.

by IHQ Communications News

The Salvation Army has released a new international positional statement (IPS) reaffirming its strong commitment to religious freedom. Specifically, religious freedom is positioned by The Salvation Army as being a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of healthy, inclusive societies.

Approved by The General’s Council in November 2025, the statement emphasises that every person has the right to choose, practise, change and express their religious beliefs without fear of coercion, discrimination or persecution.

Rooted in biblical principles and aligned with international human rights standards, including the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the statement highlights religious freedom as essential to human dignity, social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.

Serving in more than 130 countries, The Salvation Army works across diverse cultural and religious contexts. The statement underscores the movement’s commitment to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ while meeting human need without discrimination, and to engaging with people of all faiths with wisdom, humility, compassion and respect.

"The Salvation Army believes all people are created in the image of God," the statement says, "and therefore possess intrinsic and equal value (Genesis 1:26-27). This provides the foundational understanding of human dignity for The Salvation Army that all people should be treated with respect and their dignity upheld without any conditions attached, such as religious beliefs."

The Salvation Army also calls on Salvationists worldwide to learn about religious freedom, pray for those facing persecution, foster interfaith co-operation and advocate for the protection of this vital freedom at local, national and international levels.

The full International Positional Statement on Religious Freedom is available here.

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On Friday, March 20, 2026, Oldie said:

Some of the wording in this is very confusing and i think conniving. The Salvation Army always accepted all people but this statement needs to have an affirmative stand that we stand on the truth of Gods Word and if there are religions that doesn’t agree with this (and there are many) we can’t go along with them. The Salvation Army was raised on the true standards of God’s Word, we exalt the Lord Jesus as God and the only way to Eternal Life and I think that we need to Be Bold Salvation Army!

On Thursday, March 19, 2026, Irene Bridger said:

As long as they do not conform to the things of this world .but follow the the truth that there is only one way to heaven Through Jesus only

On Thursday, March 19, 2026, Lorna Rogers Simard said:

As soon as I read this IPS I anticipated it would provoke controversy. I appreciate this statement from IHQ because it's bottom line is the biblical stated truth that every human being is created in the image of God and as such has dignity and is worthy of respect and love, despite differing religious beliefs.It is important to consider what the 'image of God'is because this IPS statement hinges on that theological concept. So much has been written on thistopic over centuries that a brief comment here would not do it justice, however suffice it to simply say, since God is spirit without physical form, we are like God in spiritual aspects and not in our physical body form. Therefore, however genetics determines human physical bodies and capacities, or intellect or complete lack of it, it is irrelevant to the truth that every human being is created in the image of God,and as such is deserving of respect and love.

On Thursday, March 19, 2026, Dianne Hill said:

Excellent policy statement. Happy to see the Army taking a stand where everyone’s religious rights can be honored. In the 21st century, some statements need updating. Good work!

On Thursday, March 19, 2026, Lt. Colonel Patricia Ryan said:

Priscilla Burgmayer is so right; there is a difference between having compassion and love and then joining in the worship of gods who are not the Father of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. The attitude that is pervasive today is that we must approve of non-Christian rhetoric at all costs, but never mention WHY we are caring, loving and helpful. We do others an injustice when we fail to mention the redemption that only Jesus Christ offers, yet say nothing about the needs and practices that ruin Christian society as we know it. "And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." Mark 15.16 does not say, 'bless them but withhold the knowledge that there is one path, and only one path' that will take us to Heaven.

On Monday, March 16, 2026, Priscilla Burgmayer said:

What are you trying to say in this new statement??? The publication, Christianity Today, recently put out their position statement (Volume LXX, Number 2, March/April 2026). I think you should take a look at the Editor In Chief's "Declaration of Principle". It is absolutely clear, direct, consise, comprehensive - and scripturally sound. Is there a reason that The Salvation Army can not do the same?

Honestly, as a life-time soldier and lay officer, I am embarrassed at the Army's current positional statements. We give the appearance of floundering, of being afraid to take a clear stand on social and moral issues of our day. This is very concerning, and the public is beginning to take notice.

I am not normally a responder to facebook posts, but I cannot in good conscience sit back and clap my hands at this posting. It is an embarrassment.