The gathering, to be held at William Booth College in Denmark Hill, London, will also recognise Commissioner Rosalie Peddle (World President of Women’s Ministries), as well as Commissioners Lyndon and Bronwyn Buckingham, appointed Chief of the Staff and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries respectively. The leaders took up their new responsibilities for The Salvation Army’s worldwide mission on 3 August.
A musical prelude – including contributions from the International Staff Songsters, London’s Regent Hall Band and the Croydon Citadel Singing Company – will set the tone of the meeting from 3:30pm BST. Formal proceedings begin at 4pm, as the international leaders enter the historic venue in traditional Salvation Army style, behind their flags of office.
Lively contemporary worship will be led by cadets of the William Booth College, and the internationalism of The Salvation Army – now officially at work in 131 countries – will be reflected through filmed inserts of prayer and song interspersed throughout the programme.
The sacred and holy moments of dedication will be led by Commissioners John and Elizabeth Matear, former territorial leaders of The Salvation Army’s United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland.
During the Bible message, the General will share his heart in relation to his sense of God’s specific call to The Salvation Army of the 21st Century. Salvationists worldwide will be invited to reflect and respond on what such a call means to them as an active and engaged Salvationist.
Salvationists and friends keen to take part in this significant meeting are advised that tickets are not required, but are encouraged to arrive early in order to be certain of a seat.
The entire meeting will be streamed live on the International Headquarters YouTube and Facebook channels, and available to watch on demand shortly after the conclusion. It is anticipated that many corps and other Salvation Army centres will screen the live stream in their own communities.