The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church with its own distinctive governance and practice. Its doctrine follows the mainstream of Christian belief and its articles of faith emphasise God’s saving purposes.
Ecumenism
The Salvation Army in the Body of Christ
The Body of Christ on earth comprises all believers in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.
Believers stand in a spiritual relationship to one another, which is not dependent upon any particular church structure.
The Salvation Army, under the one Triune God, belongs to and is an expression of the Body of Christ on earth, the Church universal, and is a Christian denomination in permanent mission to the unconverted, called into and sustained in being by God.
Denominational diversity is not self-evidently contrary to God’s will for his people.
Inter-denominational harmony and co-operation are to be actively pursued for they are valuable for the enriching of the life and witness of the Body of Christ in the world and therefore of each denomination.
The Salvation Army welcomes involvement with other Christians in the many lands where the Army is privileged to witness and serve.
Download the full ecclesiological statement
Issued by the International Headquarters of The Salvation Army by authority of the General, in consultation with the International Doctrine Council and the International Management Council.
Latest news
Ecumenism
General’s representative meets Pope Leo XIV; attends inauguration mass
Lieut-Colonels Andrew and Darlene Morgan joined representatives from other churches and faiths at the Vatican to meet Pope Leo XIV
Ecumenism
Christian World Communions celebrate Easter 2025 and 1700th anniversary of the first ecumenical council at Nicaea
The Salvation Army has joined 11 other Christian World Communions to issue a message to mark the shared date of Easter in 2025 by all Christians
Ecumenism
Collaborative Conversations: The Salvation Army and the World Methodist Council
Salvation Army representatives joined with members of the World Methodist Council (WMC) for a time of discussion
Ecumenism
Reimagining the Communication of the Gospel
Representatives from The Salvation Army and the Catholic Church convened at Sunbury Court to continue with a series of informal conversations