Research

Changing Attitudes, Orders and Regulations: Assessing Grassroots Activism and the “Let’s Talk” Process in The Salvation Army in Regard to Same-Sex Relationships 
This qualitative research project examines a dialogue and change process within The Salvation Army (TSA) relatingto matters of equity and inclusion for those who are gender or sexuality diverse (GSD). Interviews with 19 senior leaders and those involved in grassroots ministry form the basis of thisexploration of organisational, political and theological dynamics of dialogue and change processes from 2013 –2021. In this period there was an identified awareness at the most senior levels of TSA of the mission imperative for dialogue and change. A top down approach to dialogue using a Faith Based Facilitation approach, called “Let’s Talk” was developed, there was an increase in grassroots advocacy seeking dialogue and change and, significantly, the development and release of a new ‘Orders and Regulations’, the guide book of belief and practice for TSA occurred during this period.

Captain Kris Halliday

Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity Conversion Practice
Conversion or reparative therapy, as it is most popularly known, is an umbrella term used to generically describe a range of practices, neither conversional or reparative in nature, used with the intent of changing a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. For the purposes of this paper, I will use the term ‘practices’ rather than therapies to emphasise the lack of clinical or therapeutic basis for these acts.

Major Brad Watson

Holiness and Human Sexuality
An investigation and critique of the impact that The Salvation Army’s understanding of holiness has on showing love and acceptance to the gay community

Captain RIchard Day

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment for the requirements of Nazarene Theological College, Masters of Divinity

Rejecting Rejection: My Journey to Becoming an LGBTI Ally
An exploration of concept: ‘Rejecting Rejection’ — specifically the rejection of LGBTI people by some Christians and Christian churches. This is perhaps one of the most difficult topics before the church today. 

Major Christina Tyson

Presented at the Booth College of Mission (New Zealand) Thought Matters Seminar 2017

Whosoever Will
This essay will explore the theology of salvation held by TSA and its implications for the inclusion of LGBTQI persons. TSA holds to a doctrine of universally available grace as expressed in the song lyric, “Whosever will may come and who comes to Thee shall never disappointed turn away; Praise the Lord! ‘tis whosoever.” But is that belief matched by practice when it comes to people of difference, particularly LGBTQI persons? This study will explore whether a gap exists between belief and practice and propose an approach to LGBTQI inclusion consistent with TSA’s stated theological position.

Major Karina Wood

The Salvation Army & Same Sex Love
The Salvation Army teaches heterosexual marriage as the only God-given and Biblical framework for cohabitation and sexual expression. This implicitly leads to condemnation of gay relationships and an explicit expectation that gay salvationists and officers should live in celibacy. A growing number of salvationists, adherents, employees, family members and Salvation Army friends find this practice problematic. Our experience is that there are Christians in same-sex relationships that do important services in our corps, and who dedicate their lives to God. Does this contradict the words of the Bible?

A. Rebecca Solevåg