General Clifton calls for Day of Prayer for suicide prevention and care of the bereaved

GENERAL Shaw Clifton has called the worldwide Salvation Army to a Day of Prayer for individuals and families bereaved by suicide and for those at risk.

It is hoped that the day of prayer, to be held on 9 August 2009, will draw attention to the ministry being undertaken by Salvationists around the world, and that the prayerful and practical support given to this ministry will be enhanced and further developed.

Last year the centenary of Salvation Army suicide prevention work was recognised at the Annual Conference of the International Suicide Prevention Association, with William Booth being acknowledged as the instigator of organised work. When William Booth opened The Salvation Army’s first suicide bureaux in London in 1907, he also made a call to other agencies to follow his lead. They quickly did so, and a worldwide network of bodies working in this field now has a vital role with care, expertise and a ministry to the bereaved.

The Australia Eastern Territory has played a major part in establishing an ongoing and effective ministry to those contemplating suicide as well as to the bereaved. Details and information about their work can be obtained from their website: www.suicideprevention.salvos.org.au. Downloadable posters publicising the day of prayer will also be made available on the site.