About us

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church.
 

Its message is based on the Bible.

Its ministry is motivated by the love of God.

Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination.

We are at work in over 130 countries worldwide

Find The Salvation Army near you:

Our faith

Our message is based on the Bible. Our ministry is motivated by the love of God. Our mission is to make known the good news about Jesus Christ and to invite others to become his followers too.

The confidence we have in a loving and caring God finds outward expression in our love for humanity and our practical response to human need.

A group of Indonesian Salvationists bow their heads in prayer, gathered around a cross

Transforming lives since 1865

Illustration shows William Booth preaching to a large crowd of men and women
How did The Salvation Army get its name? Why did its charity work begin? What does it do in emergency situations, and how is it working to improve the lives of people around the world?

From humble beginnings in Victorian London to a movement found today in over 130 countries, this is our story so far.

Leadership and governance

General Lyndon Buckingham, in full Salvation Army uniform, gives an address

The General

General Lyndon Buckingham is the world leader of The Salvation Army.
He is the 22nd General of The Salvation Army, responsible for its ministry in 134 countries worldwide.

A group of Salvation Army leaders discuss around a table

Leadership

The General is supported in leadership by officers working directly with Salvationists and communities across the world.

Detail of meeting brochure

International councils

Find out more about the work of the General's Council and Consultative Council, the International Theological Council, International Moral and Social Issues Council and International Officer Training and Leader Development Council.