General extends leadership term of Commissioner Miriam Gluyas

Commissionr Miriam Gluyas has had her term as Territorial Commander extended until mid-2027.

 BY DEAN SIMPSON

General Lyndon Buckingham has approved a one-year extension to Commissioner Miriam Gluyas’ term as Territorial Commander of Australia.

This will extend the commissioner’s term to 1 July 2027.

Announcing the extension on behalf of the General, Chief Secretary Colonel John Chamness said he and his wife, Lani (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Leader Development - Officers), were grateful for Miriam’s willingness to continue leading the Australia Territory.

“As she enters this extended season of service, our prayer is that she will know God’s sustaining grace, renewed strength and fresh joy in the ministry entrusted to her,” John said.

“We are thankful for the faithfulness and spirit with which she leads and serves.”

Miriam was officially installed as Territorial Commander in February 2023 by the then-territorial leaders, Commissioners Robert and Janine Donaldson.

She quickly established a new rallying cry for the territory – ‘Jesus-centred, Spirit-led, hope revealed’ – which she has successfully promoted across the territory.

Commissioner Miriam Gluya with Colonels John and Lani Chamness on their arrival in Australia in January.

She has built on this rallying cry with the introduction of The Way initiative, launched last weekend, which sets the spiritual direction for The Salvation Army’s future in Australia.

“I am looking forward to seeing the impact of The Way across our territory throughout 2026,” said Miriam, who is now based at Territorial Headquarters in Redfern, Sydney, with her Territorial Leadership team.

“The focus is on discipleship, prayer, evangelism, spiritual warfare, and being on mission. This is the way of Jesus. This is our way, and forever. Let’s come along, sharpen the focus, be iron sharpens iron to and with one another, and then walk so closely in the footsteps of Rabbi Jesus that we are covered in his dust.”

John and Lani, who arrived in January from the United States, said they are fully supporting The Way and are excited to work alongside the Australia Territory Leadership team.

“We look forward to continuing to work together as a team, united in purpose, as we seek to see the Kingdom advance across the nation,” John said.

‌

“Please join me in praying for the future of our territory and for Commissioner Miriam as she continues to guide us in the year ahead. God bless.”