New podcast series examines status of women’s leadership since Army’s inception

A team from The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters has released a four-part podcast series focusing on the role of women across the history of the movement. The series, titled Unalterable: Reclaiming The Salvation Army’s Unalterable Legacy of Women Who Lead was released in time for International Women’s Day this Sunday 8 March.

The series has been endorsed and affirmed by General Lyndon Buckingham.

“The unalterable conviction woven into our history is clear – God calls and equips women and men alike to lead, to preach, and to serve without limitation,” the General said. “Unalterable is an important and timely conversation, inviting us to reclaim the essence and message of our founders within today’s Army. It calls us to ensure that our practice faithfully reflects the theology we embrace.

“I encourage Salvationists everywhere to listen, reflect, and recommit to ensuring that the gifts of women are fully recognised, valued, and celebrated across The Salvation Army.”

Hosted by Rebekah McNeally from the Canada and Bermuda Territory and Lauren Westwood from the UK and Ireland Territory, the podcast is also a collaboration with the USA Southern Territory.

Episode 1, titled ‘Her Place in the Army’, explores the evolving role of women from the Army’s roots, examining how culture, calling and expectation have shaped the state of women’s leadership now.

Episode 2, titled ‘Voices from the Uniform’, brings together the perspectives of men and women serving in roles across the Army, as well as bringing theological and historical insights on leadership, identity and the Army’s original vision for women.

Episode 3, titled ‘Looking Ahead’, considers the future for women in The Salvation Army, and how the movement might go about responding with faith and courage to current hopes and challenges.

Episode 4 is titled ‘Reflecting and Responding’, and in it, hosts Rebekah and Lauren encourage ongoing dialogue around partnership, shared leadership and equal calling.

This news update is taken from an original report from International Headquarters. To find out more and listen to the podcast, see here.