The New Zealand General Election of 20 September is growing ever closer. The Salvation Army is preparing a series of short election videos designed to help people think about important issues facing all New Zealanders. War Cry will share more information about how you can watch these in our next edition.
It’s interesting that when The Salvation Army speaks out on issues such as poverty, housing needs, and social hazards such as alcohol abuse and problem gambling, we’re sometimes criticised as being too ‘political’. Some of this criticism comes from those outside our ranks, but there’s also ‘friendly fire’ from within.
Does this indicate some are more comfortable with a Salvation Army that confines itself to helping people without questioning what may have caused them to turn to us in the first place? Perhaps we are supposed to keep ourselves to ourselves, satisfying ourselves with encouraging Bible stories of a wonderful Heaven to come and distracting ourselves with a few cheery songs from the plight of those who are in need or facing unjust circumstances?
I recall our founder William Booth’s words: ‘But what is the use of preaching the Gospel to men whose whole attention is concentrated upon a mad, desperate struggle to keep themselves alive?’ Thank God we are not content with mere religious piety, or with being the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff!
Of course, by international policy, The Salvation Army takes an apolitical stance, not aligning itself with any political party. This approach allows us to work with a wide range of governments and organisations around the world. And, of course, among our number you’ll find a wide range of political views represented.
But while The Salvation Army itself is apolitical, that’s not the same as being non-political. And as we continue to speak to people across the political spectrum, we will always be strong and unapologetic advocates for values of justice, compassion and mercy.
Christina Tyson
Editor
1 John 3:17 Contemporary English Version
‘If we have all we need and see one of our own people in need, we must have pity on that person, or else we cannot say we love God.?’
1 Hoani 3:17
‘Ko te tangata ia ia ia nei nga oranga o tenei ao, a ka kite e matea ana tetahi mea e tona teina, na ka tutakina iho e ia tona ngakau aroha ki a ia, e mau pehea ana te aroha o te Atua i roto i a ia?’