Abandon the High Council in The Salvation Army

It’s time to abandon the High Council in The Salvation Army.

In recent days the High Council of The Salvation Army (TSA) have been gathering to determine who will be the next General of TSA. So far, to my knowledge, five men have been selected, one of whom will spend the next few years as General. I don’t know these men personally, so I can only assume that each of them are capable, that they are deeply committed to Jesus and committed to the mission of The Salvation Army. 

But I fear they will be discredited before they start.

And that is because they are male and they are white. 

This photo appeared on my facebook feed, and while there are some clear errors on the list (the years don’t seem to add up) it is the comments that appeared that concern me most. Here are a few, (I have chosen not to include the names)

·      While each of these candidates have my respect, I am waiting for the day we have a General from the Two Thirds world that represents the most significant growth in The Salvation Army.

·      majority of them have spent 30 odd years working at in a office playing with the photocopier machine! lol And not working in the "field"

·      I would actually have liked to have seen a Commissioner from somewhere like Africa, India, or South America nominated. I think they would have a good new perspective on evangelism and living a Christ-like life that they could bring to the rest of the Army.

Add these thoughts to the blog that I read from a current Corps Officer, - the-next-general - and I’m left with an uneasy feeling.

I have an uneasy feeling that until a married woman is appointed as General, too many salvo officers will not believe that the current General is the right person.

I have an uneasy feeling that until an officer from Africa/Asia is appointed as General, the current General will not be accepted by current officers.

But I add to that a very uneasy feeling that when someone in these categories is appointed, many will feel that he/she is just a token general.

So maybe it’s time to just abandon the idea of the high council. I don’t have any suggestions for an alternative, but maybe it’s time for a change.