ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Gender equity work is an ongoing process, and success stories within the work can sometimes be difficult to see. Here are some of the accomplishments that have taken place within the territory:
Gender Equity Interview with the Territorial Commander
In March 2025, Commissioner Lee Graves, territorial commander for Canada & Bermuda, and Lt-Colonel Wanda Vincent, former gender equity officer, participated in a Salvationist podcast on "Gender Equity in The Salvation Army". Many important topics were discussed, including successes and areas for further improvement, providing a Salvation Army resource for deeper awareness and understanding of gender equity.
Launch of the Gender Equity Blog
In February 2025, a blog was launched on the gender equity website that covers an array of topics surrounding the work of gender equity as it pertains to The Salvation Army. Entries include discussions such as gender representation on our boards and committees or how we can apply a gender equity lens to our everyday lives. Blog entries are posted on a monthly basis and feature a variety of authors and talking points.
Gender Neutral Language
The Policy Statement of Authority has now been updated to ensure the use of gender neutral language in all new and existing policies.
Gender Equity Principles
Content surrounding the gender equity principles has been updated and refined as a resource for those who want to learn more about gender equity within The Salvation Army. The content outlines three distinct principles (Inclusive Culture, Unique Personhood, and Multiple Views Enrich Us) as well as sample actions and desired outcomes for each principle. All of this information can be found under the "About Us" tab on the gender equity website.
Gender Equity Conversation Cafés
In May 2025, our very first Gender Equity Conversation Café took place for lieutenants in the Ontario Division. This is a virtual event where attendees are able to learn more about gender equity within the territory while also providing a safe space to discuss and ask questions. More of these conversation cafés are in the works! If you would be interested in attending a café, please send us a message under the "Connect" tab or email us at gender.equity@salvationarmy.ca.
Support and Endorsement from the Territorial Commander
Commissioner Lee Graves has provided the following statement: "As the Territorial Commander, I give my full support to the work of gender equity which is spearheaded by the Gender Equity Committee".
Conversation Circles
Three conversation circles have been held at women's camps across the territory, providing a safe space for people to connect in-person and discuss gender equity. These conversation circles have created an opportunity for officers to speak up about their own experiences related to gender equity (if they are comfortable doing so), as well as providing a chance for questions and further learning to take place.
CFOT Introductory Gender Equity Class
In May 2024, a virtual class on gender equity was taught at the College for Officer Training, providing a helpful introduction to the topic within The Salvation Army for cadets as they enter into their new roles as officers.
Myth Busters Salvationist Article
In March 2025, Lt-Colonel Wanda Vincent, former gender equity officer, wrote an article for Salvationist titled "A Fair Deal". This article addresses eight myths about gender equity in The Salvation Army while subsequently busting these myths to allow further understanding for those who want to learn more about gender equity.
EVENTS
The Gender Equity Committee seeks to shift the culture of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda to be one that fosters gender equity. For this reason, ongoing education and training is essential. Gender equity content and learning has been shared through facilitated workshops based on the Report and recommendations.
Below is a list outlining some of the gender equity presence in the territory.
Gender Equity Presentation for Area Commanders | June 2025 |
Gender Equity Conversation Café for Lieutenants in ON Division | May 2025 |
Gender Equity Interview with Commissioner Lee Graves | January 2025 |
Gender Equity Presentation for DMMC (Ontario) | January 2025 |
Gender Equity Conversation Circle for Women Officers at Ontario Women's Adventure Camp | September 2024 |
Gender Equity Conversation Circle for Women Officers at Camp Sunrise | June 2024 |
CFOT Gender Equity Class | May 2024 |
Explore Your Call Weekend for Western Canada in Alberta at Pine Lake Camp | February 2024 |
UPCOMING EVENTS
Check back soon for more upcoming Gender Equity events!
April 29, 2024
The Gender Equity Committee is pleased to announce the launch of a new gender equity website and social media campaign that will aspire to inform, educate, engage and connect with our partners on the importance of gender equity. Be a gender equity advocate and share our campaign assets to help spread the word on how The Salvation Army, Canada and Bermuda, is #WorkingTowardsEquity together.
February 23, 2024
In response to recommendations made by the Gender Equity review committee and approved by the Spiritual & Denominational Affairs Board in 2023, and in keeping with current trends in Corps Mission, we are happy to announce that Women’s Ministry will become part of the Corps Mission Department effective March 1, 2024. Going forward, Women’s Ministry will cease to be its own department in the Canada and Bermuda Territory and will become a part of the corps life team, alongside corps health, children and youth, and music and arts to serve the territory. Commissioner Debbie Graves, Territorial President for Women’s Ministries, will continue to support ministry to and for the women of Canada and Bermuda.