Saturday Magazine

8 Jul 2014

The Salvation Army returns to JOY 94.9

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The Salvation Army’s Major Brendan Nottle has apologized for what he called “attitudes I have carried in the past toward the gay and lesbian community”.

Speaking on this edition of Saturday Magazine, Major Nottle said that over time, his attitude has changed significantly, and he now understands the importance of welcoming people from all kinds of backgrounds.

“When you’re involved on the ground with all sorts of people that are really vulnerable and in deep pain, you have to embrace all of them“, he told Saturday Magazine’s host, Macca.

“And it doesn’t matter what background they’re from, they’re human beings that deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”

Major Nottle admitted that, theologically, the Salvation Army has a stand which is “similar to other mainstream churches”. However, he feels encouraged by the conversations that have begun occurring within the organization.

“The movement is glacial, but the conversation is happening to the point where there is a theological forum happening with the Salvation Army in New Zealand next month, and the title is Human Sexuality, they’re covering all gametes of human sexuality,” he said.

He also pointed to some of the unofficial ways the Salvation Army has begun approaching LGBTI issues, such as internal groups who meet regularly for constructive discussions.

“There are members and there are employees, and volunteers, that are gay… and they’re all embraced and welcomed.”

The Salvation Army sent ripples around the world back in June, 2012, after Major Andrew Craibe told JOY 94.9’s Pete Dillon and Serena Ryan that the organization stands firm against a part of its doctrine that says homosexuals should be executed.

The comments were later hosed down by the organisation’s Communications and Public Relations Secretary, Major Bruce Harmer, with the issue of an official apology and statement of clarification. Relations between the Salvation Army and the LGBTI community, however, have since been somewhat tense.

Major Nottle said that while there is still work to be done, he is encouraged by the current progress.

“We are a broad church in the sense that there are a wide range of views. The only thing that I ask is that those conversations continue, but continue with respect, and continue with sensitivity.”