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Girls impacted by violence and discrimination across the world are not just numbers – they are lives, stories, and futures that matter deeply, writes Grace Hall. BY GRACE HALL* This year, for the  International Day of the Girl Child , which is today, The Salvation Army’s  International Social Justice Girls (ISJG) group has created powerful and hope-filled resources to celebrate, uplift, and champion girls everywhere. The theme of their campaign this year is: ‘The Warrior, Her Voice, His Victory’ – based on words from the book of Ephesians, chapter 6, verses 10-18, which encourage us all to stand firm and speak up for what is right.   Girls around the world face serious and heartbreaking challenges every day. From child marriage – where an estimated 12 million girls under the age of 18 become child brides each year – to modern slavery, where over 63 million girls are trapped in child labour, the statistics are staggering. In Australia alone, one in five children experience domestic violence, and one in three teenagers report experiencing sex-based discrimination. These are not just numbers – they are lives, stories, and futures that matter deeply.  Believing that the voices of women and girls are critical to addressing many social issues that negatively impact societies, The Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission launched in 2021 an initiative called the International Social Justice Girls group. It arose out of the significant engagement of Salvationist girls in the 2020 International Day of the Girl Child observance during which interest in further development of advocacy was expressed.  The initiative has opened the door for girls aged 14 to 25 to learn and develop as advocates for women and girls. The ISJG was created for the purpose of empowering, encouraging and educating women and girls in The Salvation Army from around the globe. More than 40 girls applied, and 25 were selected. They represent 15 countries and 10 languages.  The ISJG wants girls around the world to know that they are not forgotten and are not alone.   *Grace Hall is an Administration Assistant at Queensland Divisional Headquarters, and is also an ISJG Girl Advocate.

Salvation Army officers and other personnel who have suffered the recent loss of a loved one: Major Marlene Schultz  shares with deep sorrow that her beloved son, Alistair, was called home by Jesus overnight on Monday 29 September 2025. We pray God’s love and peace will surround Marlene and the family as they remember and celebrate his life, particularly in the days and months ahead. Our thoughts are with  Major Lynn Lewis  and her sister Carol on the recent passing of their father Ben Lewis on Wednesday 17 September 2025. We pray God’s love and peace will surround them and the family as they remember and celebrate his life, particularly in the days and months ahead. ‌ ‌ Majors Kelvin and Brenda Stace would like to acknowledge the passing of Helen Stace (nee Seymour), of the Armidale NSW Corps. Helen was the mother of Kelvin, Malcolm and Karen and mother-in-law of Brenda. She went to Jesus in her sleep on the night of Sunday 21 September 2025. In keeping with her wishes, there will not be a funeral. ‌ ‌Our love and support are with Captain Penny Cooper and Captain Dale Allan , along with their families, as their precious Mum, Hazel Allan, passed away on Thursday 18 September 2025. The Celebration of Hazel’s life will be held at Waverley Corps, 958 High Street Road, Glen Waverley on Monday September 29 at 11am. Live stream will be available HERE Major Gwen Coleman is mourning the loss of her husband, Don Coleman, who was Promoted to Glory on Sunday 27 July 2025. We extend our heartfelt sympathy and uphold Gwen and her family in our prayers during this time of sorrow. Major Annita Allman is bereaved of her mother on Saturday 19 July 2025. We extend our love and uphold Annita and the family in prayer during this time of sorrow.  Major Megan Aitken  is bereaved of her mother on Saturday 6 July 2025. Our love and prayers surround Megan and the family at this sad time.   Major Merrilyn Ingram  is bereaved of her brother who passed away recently. Our love and prayers surround Merilyn and her family at this sad time.  Captains Heather and Peter Stamp  are bereaved of their mother and mother-in-law, Robyn Harding, who was Promoted to Glory on Friday 30 May 2025. Robyn worked for The Salvation Army for 30 years, working up until a month ago when she became sick. Our love and prayers surround Captains Heather and Peter Stamp and the family at this sad time.  ‌ Captain Scott Frame was bereaved of his father, George Andrew Frame, who was Promoted to Glory on Saturday 14 June 2025. Prayer would be appreciated for Norma and for the wider family, particularly the grandchildren who greatly treasured their loving 'Pa'. Major Lynn Lewis was bereaved of her mum, Sheila McDonald, who passed away on Monday 9 June 2025. Our love and prayers surround Lynn and her sister Carol and the family at this sad time. ‌ ‌ Commissioner Heather Lang was bereaved of her sister, Mrs. Jean Fouracre, who was Promoted to Glory on Thursday 12 June 2025. Our love and prayers surround Heather and the family at this sad time. Major Kath Lewis  was bereaved of her brother, John Zilm, aged 79 years, who was Promoted to Glory on Wednesday 28 May 2025. Our love and prayers surround Kath and the family at this sad time.   Major Beverley Watters  was bereaved of her daughter, Joanne Marshall, who passed away suddenly on Saturday 31 May 2025. Joanne was also the sister-in-law of Auxiliary Lieutenant Catherine Philpot and the niece of Majors Brian and Margaret Watters. Our love and prayers surround Beverley and the whole family at this sad time. Major Len Turner  was bereaved of his wife, Mandy (Amanda) Turner, aged 63 years, who was Promoted to Glory on Friday 18 April, 2025. Our love and prayers surround Len at this sad time.  Major Denise Milkins  was bereaved of her mother, Coral Haynes, of Townsville, aged 88 years, who passed away on Monday 31 March 2025. Our love and prayers surround Majors Denise and Alan Milkins, Captain Jeff Milkins and the whole family at this sad time.    Captain Steve Spencer  was bereaved of his father, Keith Spencer, a Soldier of Nambucca River Corps, who was Promoted to Glory on Monday 7 April 2025 in Princess Alexander Hospital, Brisbane. Our love and prayers surround Steve and Lydia and the whole family at this sad time. Messages of support can be sent to steve.spencer@salvationarmy.org.au  ‌ ‌ Captain Perry Lithgow was bereaved of his father, (Lawrence) Ray Lithgow aged 89 years, who passed peacefully into his Saviour’s presence on Tuesday 8 April 2025. A celebration of Ray’s life will be held at the Charters Towers Uniting Church on Tuesday 15 April at 10am. Our love and prayers surround Perry, Joshua, Rebecca and Zachary and the whole family at this sad time.   ‌ Major Julie Schofield was bereaved of her brother, Richard Orchard, aged 77 who passed away on Friday 14 March after a long illness with cancer. Our love and prayers surround Julie and Andrew and their family with this terrible loss.     Majors David and Joan Tong are bereaved of  their son-in-law, Ken Wassell, who was Promoted to Glory on Monday 17 March. Ken was married to their daughter, Michelle. Our love and prayers surround David and Joan, Michelle, Blake and Jay, Jenna and Kenan, and Tayla at this sad time.    Major Gaye Day was bereaved of her twin brother Stephen, son of Soldiers Howard and Joycelyn McLachlan on Sunday 23 March 2025.   We pray God’s love and peace will surround Gaye, Richardand the extended family as they remember and celebrate his life, particularly in the days and months ahead.  Majors Glenn and Lynn Whittaker are bereaved of their daughter, Melanie who passed away on Monday 3 March after a battle with aggressive breast cancer. Melanie was the sister of Major Kate Young. Our love and prayers surround the whole family with this tragic loss.     Major Carole Smith  was bereaved of her Dad, Keith ‘Gov’ Smith who was recently Promoted to Glory. A celebration of Keith’s life was held on Monday 10 March. Our love and prayers surround Carole and her family at this sad time.  Our love and prayers are with Major Paula Glover on the recent passing of her Mum, Mrs Dulcie Drury, after a long period of illness. The Celebration of Life was held at Stafford Corps conducted by Majors Bronwyn and Ashley Barkmeyer on Tuesday 11 February.  We pray that the strength, joy and peace of God which ‘passes all understanding’ might continue to hold Paula, her Dad Alan, sister Kylie and extended family and friends, in the days ahead. Major Mark Soeters  was bereaved of his brother Michael who recently passed away unexpectedly in New Zealand. Please keep him in your prayers at this sad time.   Major Erica Kollmorgen  is bereaved of her father, Mr Eckhart Ernst, who passed away after a long time of sickness on Tuesday 24 December 2024. The funeral service was held at Ivan Butler Funerals in Adelaide on 31 December and conducted by Erica. Our love surrounds Erica and her mother Beryl, and we pray that the peace of God, which passes ‘all understanding,’ might sustain the family at this time.    Captain Melissa Marsh  is bereaved of her mother, Shirley Seller, who passed away on Friday 27 December 2024, aged 89 years. A funeral was held on Sunday 6 January in Ararat, Victoria. Please keep Melissa and the family in your thoughts and prayers.    Captains Alana and Aaron Reid  and Captains Daniel and Andrea Wayman are bereaved of their uncle, Luke Walford, who passed away on Saturday 28 December 2024 after a shark attack in central Queensland. Luke was assistant pastor at Cathedral of Praise in Rockhampton.  Kayelene Walford (Wayman), his wife, previously worked at DHQ in Central Queensland as a long serving DC secretary and DYS for 2 years. The funeral was held at Cathedral of Praise in Rockhampton on Tuesday 7 January. The family asks for prayers as they navigate this tragic loss.

General Lyndon Buckingham has congratulated the Right Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally on her appointment as head of the Church of England. The Salvation Army’s international leader, General Lyndon Buckingham, has congratulated the Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Anglican Bishop of London, on her appointment as the next Archbishop of Canterbury.   His Majesty the King (King Charles III) approved the nomination of Bishop Mullally by the Crown Nominations Commission for Canterbury, and the appointment was announced on 3 October 2025 by the office of the UK Prime Minister. Bishop Mullally will be the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury and the first woman to hold the office. She will lead the Church of England and become the most senior bishop in the worldwide Anglican Communion. General Buckingham recognised the nomination’s approval in a letter to Bishop Mullally, written on behalf of members and employees of The Salvation Army throughout the world.   The General congratulated Bishop Mullally and shared: “As the first woman to hold this office, this is a momentous milestone for the Church and for the world.   “I join countless others around the world in my gratitude that you accepted God’s calling long ago ... I have every confidence that his wisdom and providence will continue to be yours as you take on this new ministry.”   “Be assured of the prayers of myself and the worldwide Salvation Army as you prepare to transition to your new responsibilities,” General Buckingham concluded. Bishop Mullally’s Confirmation of Election will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, UK in January 2026, and Bishop Mullally will be installed as Archbishop of Canterbury at Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, UK in March 2026.   Prior to Bishop Mullally’s ordination to the priesthood in 2001, she was the UK Government’s Chief Nursing Officer for England – the youngest person ever to be appointed to that role at the age of 37. She has described nursing as “an opportunity to reflect the love of God”. She is married to Eamonn, and they have two children. General Lyndon Buckingham speaks to the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell and incumbent Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally.

To read Mary’s Promoted to Glory notice and appointment history, click here

Two illustrations from a 1925 edition of the War Cry depicting The Salvation Army’s view on ‘the world’. BY BARRY GITTINS One hundred years ago, in their 1925 periodical, the War Cry , Salvationists were bemoaning the influence of popular culture (films, sport, gambling, ‘the funny paper, the dance rooms’, etc.) on ‘the worldlings’ they wanted to recruit – that is, on their neighbours, relatives, workmates and fellow citizens who they believed were seduced by ‘the world’ and all its pleasures. The role of ‘the world’ in distracting people from joining The Salvation Army, in cahoots with those other distractions ‘the flesh’ and ‘the devil’, was a serious issue for Salvos, as shown by the illustrations from that year. The 3 October cover showed ‘the world’ focusing on money, drama, fashion, gossip, etc., ignoring The Salvation Army’s invitation. It’s a common theme for many churches, this fear and jealousy of the world’s drawing power. It possibly stems from Jesus Christ’s evocative command to be in the world but not of the world; to swim in the culture but not be part of the culture. The Salvos were a curious case of embracing and using popular culture when it suited them, and no lesser an authority than William Booth had dreamed that The Salvation Army could be ‘the whole world redeeming’ in scope, if they swam in Christ’s love (in his 1893 song, O Boundless Salvation ). Another way to see the world – as a beautiful creation of God, who as Jesus taught wanted people to have ‘life in all its fullness’ – was that the world could point people to the One who made it. The classic 1927 song (we used to call them Negro spirituals) He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands used the examples of creation to encourage singers to see God’s hand present and over all creation. Three more illustrations of the era when the War Cry ‘went to war’ on the lure of ‘the world’. It was in 1934 that the Army’s fourth world leader (and first female General) Evangeline Booth wrote the life-affirming, ambitious anthem, The World for God , with its pledge: ‘I give my heart! I’ll do my part!’ The Salvation Army is at its most alluring when it presents the message of Christ’s love to the people it encounters, be it at the movies, the shops, at the corps or in the workplace. The notion of ‘the world, the flesh and the devil’ all conspiring to lead humanity away from God is not necessarily one that Jesus pushed; the Son of man was more likely to be found hanging out with his mates or with ‘dodgy types’ at parties than sitting morosely with Pharisees and the respectably judgmental. READ MORE: For more articles on Salvation Army history, click here

General Lyndon Buckingham, in traditional Maori costume, prays at the Together Congress. BY VIVIENNE HILL* The Salvation Army’s international leaders – General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (World President of Women’s Ministries) – recently led the Together Congress 2025 on their ‘home turf’ of New Zealand. The Buckinghams are the first New Zealanders to lead The Salvation Army in its 160-year history. They joined with people gathered from all parts of the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory in the New Zealand north island city of Hamilton, for the congress from 26-28 September. The weekend was a powerful celebration of unity, cultural richness and spiritual renewal, with delegates from the four nations – who had not been together for six years – experiencing shared worship and mission fellowship. The congress opened with a deeply moving pōwhiri, a traditional Māori ceremony of welcome, honouring the presence of the international leaders. It was a moment of reverence, hospitality and connection to the land and its people. (Left) General and Commissioner Buckingham and various leaders of the NZFTS Territory during a praise and worship time. (Right) Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham has her traditional Maori dress adjusted. A celebration of culture Throughout the congress, the Fiji, Tonga and Samoa delegations brought vibrant energy that enriched every moment. Their cultural expressions – through music, dance, language and dress – added colour, depth and authenticity to the gathering. From powerful Pacific songs to traditional attire and heartfelt testimonies, their presence reminded all delegates of the beauty and strength found in the territory’s diversity. These contributions were not just performances, but acts of worship, identity and unity. The Buckinghams delivered stirring messages that reverberated across the territory, igniting hearts with renewed purpose. Their call was unmistakable and urgent: “We are commissioned to be salt and light in a world aching for healing and hungry for hope.” What also shone through was the undeniable joy they felt as they stood among familiar faces in their homeland – a moment rich with warmth and connection. (Left) The Buckinghams are interviewed on stage at the congress. (Right) The General presents a message at the congress. A powerful sense of divine orchestration emerged when it was acknowledged that both the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory and the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory had this year named their gatherings  Together . This was seen by some as a prophetic declaration of global alignment, spiritual unity and shared mission. It was a reminder that the work of transformation is not isolated, but collective; not temporal, but eternal. Faith in action On Saturday afternoon, delegates stepped out into the community for ‘Love Kirikiriroa’, a city-wide outreach initiative to serve others. From rubbish clean-ups and prayer walks to toy-making for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, delegates lived out the mission of being Christ’s hands and feet. The ‘Together Festival’ added a celebratory dimension to the weekend. With food trucks, live music, pop-up markets and family-friendly activities, the event welcomed the wider Hamilton community into the congress experience. Territorial Commander Commissioner Janine Donaldson described it as “a festival for the whole community”, and it truly was a joyful expression of faith, fellowship and inclusion. Many dances took place at the congress that reflected the different island cultures of the territory. Workshops and breakout sessions offered space for reflection, learning and spiritual growth, and included contributions from missiologist and prolific writer on mission Mike Frost. Delegates explored themes of leadership, justice, youth empowerment and holistic mission. The congress was more than an event; it was a prophetic moment in the life of the territory. A declaration that, together, we are called to be light in the darkness, salt in the fire and love in action. *Vivienne Hill is Communications Manager and Editor of   SALT ,  New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory For more information and to read the SALT magazine, click here .

To read Brian’s Promoted to Glory notice and appointment history, click here

BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE With The Salvation Army’s Thought Matters Conference fast approaching, spots for in-person attendance are now filled.  According to conference convenor Major Sandy MacDonald, though all in-person registrations had been taken, online spots were still available up until the conference commencement on 10 October. This year’s event is being held at Eva Burrows College in Melbourne. The conference presentation schedule features diverse papers, each addressing the topic of ‘Theologies of Work, Play and Rest’. There is a paper by first-time Thought Matters presenter Lieutenant Sarah Walker that draws parallels and contrasts between faith communities like those within The Salvation Army and Parkrun. Another paper, by Salvos Stores Chaplain Richard Wiltshire, focuses on reclaiming the concept of logos  as a pattern of sacred living. And there is another paper by The Salvation Army New Zealand’s Major Sue Hay and Lieutenant Tammy Mohi, which presents the concept of wellbeing within Māori culture known as ‘Whiti Te Rā’. Sue and Tammy are two of many New Zealand attendees at the conference.   Sandy said the conference schedule also allowed for fun activities and for those who attended Parkrun to do so on the Saturday. She said there was a wide range of presenters, including both officers and staff. She said this year’s conference was very accessible as it offered something for everyone.   “There’s some very deep, theologically-heavy papers, but there’s also some more lived experience [ones],” she said.   “Often people pit work versus play or work versus rest. But there’s this important synergy that we’re hoping will come out of the conference. It’s not going to be a conference that bashes all work and says work is terrible. We’re hoping that there’s a bit more of an opening of conversation than just sort of pushing one thing versus another.”  To find out more about the conference, click here .

A new table at Salvos’ Village café at Panania in Sydney encourages community and connection. BY LAUREN MARTIN   There’s a saying that resonates at ‘The Village’ café run by The Salvation Army in Sydney: “When you have more than you need, build a bigger table, not a higher fence.”   That’s exactly the ethos of ‘The Village’, which opened in 2024 as a mission expression of Shire Salvos Panania, serving great coffee and inviting people into loving community and ultimately sharing the love of Jesus.  The Panania Mission Leader, Lieut-Col Sandra Godkin. And community connections are growing exponentially. So much so that Panania Mission Leader, Lieutenant-Colonel Sandra Godkin, said one day, “We need a bigger table!”   “We already have a book club that comes here,” said Sandra. A Bible study also meets at The Village, and a group of retired officers meet every fortnight to encourage each other.   “We were getting very busy – all our tables were full, so we needed new tables and thought, ‘Let’s get a really big table that can be a focus point for the café.” In true Salvation Army ‘thifting’ style, a table was discovered in the local area that someone had put outside for the local council to take away in a ‘clean up.’ The work experience student, Jake, sands the edges of the table destined for The Village café. Shire Salvos member and local builder, Luke Soper, got hold of it and worked alongside a teenage work experience student and another volunteer to sand it back and give it a new life. “It looks lovely!” said Sandra. “It’s become a real focus on our verandah. A lot of parents gather there because it’s right near our play area.”   Last month, a new connection group started at the table, called ‘Connect at the Village’, run by a volunteer who is studying counselling.   “The Village is all about loving people and helping people to realise their full potential,” said former Panania Mission Leader Natalie Sheehan when the café first opened.   And that’s exactly what is happening, as the Holy Spirit draws more and more people to the table. READ MORE: Café offers hope and connection Volunteer Jeremiah (left) and work experience student Jake deliver the refurbished table to the Salvos café in Panania in July.

To read Kathleen’s Promoted to Glory notice and appointment history, click here

In this God Defining Moment, Major Kim Haworth shares a personal encounter she had with the Lord early on in her faith journey. Finding herself compelled to pray on her lounge room floor, she felt the Spirit of God talking to her spirit, reminding her to love the Lord with all her heart, mind and soul. This encounter would shape her commitment to God’s service, her desire to respond willingly to God’s call and remain faithful to his will at all times.

BY LAUREN MARTIN   Salvationists, volunteers, employees and community members are being invited to enter into ‘The Way’ – a spiritual focus of The Salvation Army for 2026.   Territorial Commander and spiritual leader of the Australia Territory, Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, says ‘The Way – Jesus-centred, Spirit-led, Hope revealed’ is  a united call for the whole movement to  discover how to live more deeply in the way of Jesus.     “Flowing from our rallying cry, Jesus-centred, Spirit-led,  hope revealed, this is not a program or campaign,” she says, “but a posture.    “It’s  an invitation to let the life of Jesus continue to move us and to shape our lives, communities, and mission together. ”   The official launch of ‘The Way’ will take place at 50 Salvation Army sites across the country in February 2026. It will be a two-day territory-wide experience, featuring worship, a keynote speaker and electives designed to equip and inspire people. Corps, centres, mission expressions and mission enterprises are being invited to make ‘The Way’ the key focus for the year and invest in growing in five key areas of spiritual life which model the way of Jesus.   These key areas are: Discipleship, Evangelism, Prayer, Spiritual Warfare and Mission.   “It’s an invitation to return to what really matters - following Jesus each day and growing closer to him and to one another,” said Miriam. “Let us focus on simple, practical ways to live out our faith: through prayer, mission, sharing our faith, standing strong spiritually, and deepening our relationship with Christ. “More details will follow very soon but I encourage you to begin praying, planning and considering how your leadership can help focus and sustain this posture throughout the year.”