Inclusion
Our Commitment to Inclusion
The Salvation Army Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and work and pay our respect to Elders past, present and future.
We value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and intersex status. We are committed to providing programs that are fully inclusive. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of people of all ages, particularly children.
Our values are:
- Integrity
- Compassion
- Respect
- Diversity
- Collaboration
The Salvation Army is a worldwide movement known for its acceptance and unconditional love for all people. We love unconditionally, because God first loved us.
The Bible says, “God so loves the world” (John 3:16, RGT). As both a church and charity, we believe all people are loved by God and are worthy of having their needs met. Everyone is welcome to find love, hope and acceptance at The Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army Australia Territory wishes to acknowledge that members of the LGBTIQA+ community have experienced hurt and exclusion because of mixed comments and responses made in the past.
The Salvation Army is committed to inclusive practice that recognises and values diversity. We are ensuring our services affirm the right to equality, fairness, and decency for all LGBTIQA+ people, rectifying all forms of discriminatory practice throughout the organisation.
We seek to partner with LGBTIQA+ people and allies to work with us to build an inclusive, accessible and culturally safe environment in every aspect of Salvation Army organisation and services. Everyone has a right to feel safe and respected.
Rainbow Tick Accreditation
35 Salvation Army social service locations in Victoria are Rainbow Tick Accredited, including the Territorial Head Quarters.
We acknowledge the past mistakes made by The Salvation Army and the hurt that many LGBTIQA+ community members still hold. We are sorry for the harmed caused. As a movement we commit to ongoing improvement, learning from past mistakes and growing in understanding, acceptance and respect. In particular, we are focused on having an open dialogue with all community members around our inclusive practices.
We are on a journey; we are getting it right in some places but there is still work to be done to ensure all community members feel safe and welcomed in our spaces.
The Salvation Army is committed to ongoing open dialogue and learning from partners and community members.
Towards reconciliation
The Salvation Army acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters throughout Australia. In December 2020 we launched our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, as a statement of our commitment to respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We commit ourselves in prayer and practice to this land of Australia and its people, seeking reconciliation, unity and equity.
Embracing diversity
The Salvation Army’s values guide us and help us to care for and support Australians in need. They are:
- Integrity
- Compassion
- Respect
- Diversity
- Collaboration
We believe inclusivity is achieved by treating all people with dignity, compassion and respect. One of The Salvation Army’s mission statements is “caring for people”. This sees us delivering programs with cultural sensitivity and working with diverse groups to best understand their needs. This includes people of all cultures, languages, capacities, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions.
- The Salvation Army does not permit discrimination in the delivery of its programs or in its employment practices. We are working towards gender equity in our leadership structure.
We encourage you to find your nearest Salvation Army location, where you will be warmly welcomed and loved.
Welcoming of all ages
The Salvation Army is committed to the safety and wellbeing of people of all ages, particularly children. We are a child safe organisation and are dedicated to protecting children from harm.
Across Australia, we offer a suite of programs to meet the unique needs of all age groups – from birth to the aged. With more than 25 specialised aged care facilities across the country, and a Salvos Funerals service in two states, we deliver compassionate and loving care to aged Australians.
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