The Salvation Army is an integral part of the Christian Church, although distinctive in government and practice. Our doctrine follow the mainstream of Christian belief and our articles of faith emphasise God’s saving purposes. The object of our ministry is ‘the advancement of the Christian religion… of education, the relief of poverty, and other charitable objects beneficial to society or the community of mankind as a whole.’
The movement, founded in 1865 by William Booth, has spread from London, England, to many parts of the world.
In Tanzania, the Army began in 1933. Missionary evangelists started preaching in Tabora. Soon the Army grew and spread throughout the north of Tanganyika. In 1950 the Army was invited by the Colonial Governor to set up the Salvation Army’s ministry in Mgulani, Dar es Salaam. Today the Salvation Army’s headquarters remains in Mgulani.