International executives of the Salvation Army will meet in London this week to elect a new general to be international leader of the 1.4 million-member church. The move follows the surprise resignation May 20 of Gen. Bramwell H. Tillsley, a 63 year-old Canadian who cited health problems in his withdrawal.
Tillsley had a history of heart trouble and underwent a triple bypass operation before his election to a five-year term as general in April 1993. Assuming his office last July, Tillsley undertook the demanding travel and public-speaking schedule customary for Salvation Army leaders. He had made one visit to the United States.
"Although I have done my best to continue without letting others down," Tillsley said in announcing his resignation, "I have now reached the very sad conclusion that, in the interests of the Army and of my own health, I can no longer continue as general."
Capt. Peter J. M. Smith, legal secretary for the Army's international headquarters, said Tillsley's resignation was a first in the group's history. During the interim, Com. Earls A. Maxwell, an Australian who is the Army's second in command, is acting chief executive for the church. He was a runner-up in balloting for the top Salvationist job last year.
Although official declarations of candidacy are rare, Army insiders suggest the balloting likely will come down to a choice between Maxwell and Com. Paul A. Rader, who heads the Army's Western Territory in the United States.
Copyright © 1994 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.
ctjul94mrw4T80185619
Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here.
Our digital archives are a work in progress. Let us know if corrections need to be made.
Annual & Monthly subscriptions available.
- Print & Digital Issues of CT magazine
- Complete access to every article on ChristianityToday.com
- Unlimited access to 65+ years of CT’s online archives
- Member-only special issues
- Learn more
More from this Issue
Read These Next
- TrendingAmerican Christians Should Stand with Israel under AttackWhile we pray for peace, we need moral clarity about this war.
- From the MagazineShould the Bible Sound Like the Language in the Streets?Controversy over Bibles in Jamaica, the Philippines, and Germany reveal the divide between the sacred and the relatable.
- Editor's PickThe Story of Jesus Christ Is a True MythEvery year, we celebrate a dying and rising God who fulfills the hopes of ages past.