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Reports: Salvation Army backs off domestic partner benefits

Conservative organizations are reporting the Salvation Army has dropped plans to extend benefits beyond employees' spouses and children. "We are pleased to see the Salvation Army reclaim its biblical standard of morality and reaffirm the importance of marriage and the family," says a press release from the Family Research Council. The American Family Association issued an "Action Alert" on the change in the change in policy—just hours after it sent out an "Action Alert" attacking the Salvation Army. "We are extremely happy that The Salvation Army has rescinded this policy, because it had caused great confusion and consternation within the Christian community in the United States," wrote AFA president Don Wildmon.

In today's Focus on the Family broadcast (listen), James Dobson gives more details, reporting that "the leaders of the Salvation Army met for four hours by telephone yesterday, Monday" before rescinding the decision. He then extensively quoted from a Salvation Army memo not yet available on the Web:

My fellow officers,

In followup to my letter of November 8, 2001, I want to thank many of you for your letters and response offering commentary and opinion as well as your personal concerns and questions and those of soldiers, advisory organization members, as well as donors and the general public. The issue has, more than any other in recent history, caused the Salvation Army in the USA to seek unity of mind and spirit and has received both internal and external challenge. …

This review has resulted in the rescinding of the policy statement "Contracts for government funding, employment provisions." Today, November 12, 2001, the Commissioners' Conference has established a national policy to extend health benefits access to an employee's spouse and dependent children only.

I assure you again that the Salvation Army has not changed its position on marriage, the family, homosexuality, or other position statements, nor have we changed any of our basic doctrines or moral positions.

In rescinding this policy and in establishment of a national policy on healthcare benefit access to spouse and dependent children, we must stand united in the battle that will undoubtedly follow from those who would now challenge our biblical and traditional position. We will not sign any government contract or any other funding contracts that contain domestic partner benefit requirements.

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 and continue our ministry that will not compromise any of our principles.

I want us today to pray for each other and ask God to both bless and strengthen us as we stand together for the cause of Christ to save souls, grow saints, and serve suffering humanity without discrimination. You are free to share this statement with any persons who have questioned our position. Thank you for your prayers during these days. May God bless you.

Sincerely yours,
Lawrence R. Moretz
Commissioner, Salvation Army USA

"I can hardly contain the excitement and enthusiasm," said Dobson, who devoted last Wednesday's show to criticizing the Salvation Army's original decision. "I am especially pleased that I was not blamed for sharing this news. Sometimes people shoot the messenger." He reported that Friday's chapel service at Focus on the Family will be a time of prayer for Salvation Army officers and honoring them for the work they've done through the years. Dobson also encouraged his listeners to offer financial support for the organization. "At the very least," he said, "throw a little extra money in red kettle, because we do need to stand with the Salvation Army."

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November (Web-only) 2001, Vol. 45