Women in Ministry

In 1860, William Booth (founder of The Salvation Army) was preaching one Sunday morning, when his wife, Catherine Booth, walked up the aisle. ‘What is the matter, my dear?’ he asked. ‘I want to say a word,’ she replied. Women did not usually speak in public in those days, but she had long felt it was her duty to begin. ‘My dear wife wishes to speak,’ William announced. He sat down while Catherine gave her testimony.

Catherine continued public speaking for 28 years until illness prevented her, becoming one of the most effective orators in England.

The Salvation Army rules of 1870 allowed women not only to preach but to hold office and have a voice in all official meetings. Women officers have lead thousands of people to God, and women began Army work in Ireland, France, Sweden, Norway and Finland.

‘One of the principles of the Army,’ reads the regulation, ‘is that women have the right to an equal share with men in the great work of publishing salvation to the world. A woman may hold any position of authority or power in the Army, from that of a local officer to that of General’

Founder William Booth’s daughter, Evangeline, was the first woman to hold the highest position of all—that of General. In 1986, Australian born Eva Burrow became the Army’s world leader. She was a very popular General and served for seven years.

Source: Any Questions—answered by Cyril J. Barnes
Image source: War Cry 1890 October 18 p1 Catherine Booth