Welcome to the 2023 High Council and Farewell to the General and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle
Saturday 20 May 2023
Join the international Salvation Army in welcoming the 2023 High Council to London.
Senior leaders from across the Army world will be gathering in the United Kingdom this May for the 2023 High Council. The welcome event is an opportunity for Salvationists and supporters to worship with High Council members and uphold them in prayer as the important task of electing the next General begins.
The ministry of the current international leaders, General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle (World President of Women's Ministries), will also be honoured, as they prepare to enter retirement.
Held at Central Hall Westminster and streamed live online, the event will feature contributions from many different Salvation Army musicians.
Be a part of the celebration as we bring this important moment in the life of The Salvation Army before God.
Attend the event in London
Book free tickets to join the congregation at Central Hall Westminster.
Seats in the balcony, accessible seating in the stalls and spaces for wheelchair users are all available to book online:
Doors open at 3.15pm. Pre-meeting music will begin at 3.30pm.
Central Hall Westminster is opposite Westminster Abbey in central London. A short walk from both St James' Park and Westminster underground stations, it is also served by several London bus routes. Plan your journey here.
Please note: By attending you may appear on film or in photographs that will be shared online by The Salvation Army International. If, for any reason, you cannot be filmed or photographed, please contact us to discuss appropriate seating options.
Watch the livestream
The full event will be livestreamed here on the IHQ website.
Join Salvationists in prayer and worship from wherever you are in the world.
Participating groups
African Praise Fellowship Zimbabwe (APFZ) A praise collective with more than 800 members from across the United Kingdom, APFZ was created by a Salvationist who migrated from Zimbabwe. Though membership is not exclusively Zimbabwean, worship in Zimbabwean expression and style underpins the fellowship's core values. Konverse Dance Crews (KDC) KDC was founded in 2014 by 14-year-old Elvire Mavusi Matu, a member of The Salvation Army in Barking, London, as a platform for young people to express themselves through dance. Since then, KDC has worked with over 700 young people aged between 5 and 18, and now offers classes for parents too. International Staff Songsters (ISS) Founded in 1980, the International Staff Songsters is at the forefront of Salvation Army vocal music making in the UK and Ireland Territory and around the world.
Their repertoire offers a range of styles to suit all tastes, including music by Salvation Army composers and other artists including John Rutter, Will Todd and Mark Hayes. International Staff Band (ISB) Officially formed in 1891, the ISB constantly aims to achieve the very highest stands in communicating the Christian message through its music. Conducted by Staff Bandmaster Stephen Cobb, the band consists of 32 musicians from across the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. International Headquarters Praise Team Made up of officers and employees based at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters (IHQ), the praise team will support worship throughout the meeting. They are not an official Salvation Army group, and the members offer their time and musical ability within this IHQ praise team as volunteers.
Also at the venue: Salvationist Publishing & Supplies will host a resource stall.
Help promote the event
We want as many people as possible to have the opportunity to join the event either in London or online.
Download a poster, a presentation slide and a video clip to promote the event at your corps, church or centre:
You can also join the event on Facebook to let friends know that you plan to attend.
Frequently asked questions
If your question is not answered here, please contact the events team.
Is the event wheelchair accessible?
There is step-free access to the venue from Westminster underground station and accessible toilets throughout the building. For step-free access, please book tickets for the stalls (accessible seating). Seats in the balcony are only accessible via stairs.
Is there a hearing loop?
Yes, a hearing loop is available.
Will there be a sign language interpreter?
Yes, the meeting will be signed by a British Sign Language Interpreter. We recommend booking seats in block C for the best view.
Can children attend this event?
Yes! It would be great to have children attending. There will be a free activity pack available for children. Please add this to your booking when selecting your tickets.