Ring-a-ling-a-ling goes the bell as stalwart souls stand in the cold, next to the familiar red kettle beseeching passersby to give alms every Advent. Looking into their faces you can see kindness and dedication to a cause in which they fervently believe. Their expression is joyful and they banter with anyone who is willing to donate to their cause – the Salvation Army (SA). Yet there is, as Paul Harvey would say, ‘the rest of the story’. Are we really free to sacrificially give and then go merrily on our way with a placated heart and soul? Not so fast!
As with any aspect of our Christian lives, it behooves us to become well catechized before we act. When we donate to a large organization it isn’t the same type of faithful giving as giving the man on the street corner your last $20 because he is hungry. That act is done out of faith – on an individual basis. Sure, you don’t know this man and he could take your gift and buy himself a bottle of cheap bourbon – but the onus is on him because you have given out of true charity and a clear conscience. When it comes to organizations, however, we have the ability – and duty – to delve a bit deeper into the mission and moral standing of the recipient. There are pertinent questions to be answered before a wholesale submission of a gift is given.
Salvation Army Mission Statement
On its surface the Mission Statement of the Salvation Army, as it pertains to abortion, appears sound.
“The Salvation Army believes all people
are created in the image of God and therefore have unique and intrinsic
value…The Salvation Army accepts the moment of fertilization as the
start of human life…The Salvation Army believes that life is a gift from
God and we are answerable to God for the taking of life.”
“The Salvation Army recognizes tragic
and perplexing circumstances that require difficult decisions regarding a
pregnancy… The Salvation Army believes that termination can occur only
when carrying the pregnancy further seriously threatens the life of the
mother; or reliable diagnostic procedures have identified a foetal
abnormality considered incompatible with survival for more than a very
brief post natal period.
In addition, rape and incest are brutal
acts of dominance violating women physically and emotionally. This
situation represents a special case for the consideration of termination
as the violation may be compounded by the continuation of the
pregnancy.”
Der Bund: You involve yourselves with questions such as abortion. I am assuming that The Salvation Army is against it?
General Clifton: That’s too simple. We are
not as conservative as our catholic brothers and sisters. There are
situations in which abortion is the lesser evil, for instance in cases
of severe deformities of the foetus, [or] rape…
continue reading at http://www.catholicsistas.com
Birgit is a 50-something cradle Catholic who is passionate about the pro-life movement. She enthusiastically serves on the Diocesan Gospel of Life Committee where she chairs pro-life events and writes pro-life articles. Birgit has been married to her Catholic convert husband, Rick, for 37 years. They have four children and seven grandchildren (all age eight and under). Their frequent visits eliminate any fear of an empty nest! Her vibrant Catholic faith colors every aspect of her life. She also sings in the church choir with her husband and daughter. Other interests include politics, as they relate to ‘Life’, and Church liturgy as well as photography, cooking, and gardening. She can also be found on her personal blog, Designs by Birgit.
Birgit is a 50-something cradle Catholic who is passionate about the pro-life movement. She enthusiastically serves on the Diocesan Gospel of Life Committee where she chairs pro-life events and writes pro-life articles. Birgit has been married to her Catholic convert husband, Rick, for 37 years. They have four children and seven grandchildren (all age eight and under). Their frequent visits eliminate any fear of an empty nest! Her vibrant Catholic faith colors every aspect of her life. She also sings in the church choir with her husband and daughter. Other interests include politics, as they relate to ‘Life’, and Church liturgy as well as photography, cooking, and gardening. She can also be found on her personal blog, Designs by Birgit.
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