http://www.salvationarmysouth.org/news.htm

November 14, 2001

To: Officers, Cadets, Soldiers and Friends of
The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory

Subject: CONTRACTS FOR GOVERNMENT FUNDING - EMPLOYMENT PROVISIONS
COMMISSIONERS' CONFERENCE DECISIONS

Dear Salvationists and Friends:

The Salvation Army in the USA has passed through some very difficult days since Tuesday, November 6th when a recent Commissioners' Conference decision and another territory's extension of employee benefits became public knowledge. This issue has, more than any other in recent history, received enormous internal and external challenges, and has caused The Salvation Army in the USA to seek unity of mind and spirit. I want to thank many of you for your letters of response, offering commentary and opinion as well as your personal concerns and questions.

Following review of the issues surrounding the recent announcements and the responses from Salvationists and other members of our constituencies, the Commissioners' Conference has issued the following statement:

COMMISSIONERS' CONFERENCE STATEMENT
November 12, 2001

The Salvation Army's Commissioners' Conference has continued a review of issues surrounding extended employee benefits, which has included messages received from Salvationists and other members of our constituencies. This issue has always centered on service to people and we deeply regret the perception that the Commissioners' Conference surrendered any biblical principles in making the original decision.

This review has resulted in the rescinding of the policy statement - "Contracts for Government Funding - Employment Provisions." Today, November 12, 2001, the Commissioners' Conference established a national policy to extend health benefit access to an employee's spouse and dependent children only.

I assure you once again, that The Salvation Army has not changed its position on marriage, the family or homosexuality nor have we changed any of our basic doctrines or moral positions. The USA Southern Territory has never signed any government, or other funding contracts that contain domestic partner benefit requirements and we have no intentions of doing so now. With the rescinding of this policy and the establishment of a national policy on health care benefits limited to spouses and dependent children, we may still face challenges to our biblical and traditional positions in the future. We must stand united in the battles which will most likely follow this stand. This will mean that we may need to walk away from historical funding sources or cut back service in communities where such opposition or local regulations conflict with our policy. We must be prepared for this, and prayerfully accept the challenge to seek funding that will not compromise our principles, and continue our ministry.

I want us today to pray for each other and ask God to give healing and to bless and strengthen us as we stand together for the cause of Christ to SAVE SOULS, GROW SAINTS AND SERVE SUFFERING HUMANITY without discrimination.

Please feel free to share this statement with any persons who have questioned our position.

Thank you for your prayers and continued support in these trying days.

Kind personal regards. God bless you.

Sincerely,

Commissioner Raymond Cooper
TERRITORIAL COMMANDER