General-elect commits to mission

28 May 2023

The Salvation Army's Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham, speaks after having been announced as the 22nd General to lead the church internationally. Source: Still taken from a video on the The Salvation Army International2023 High Council daily bulletins page.

The Salvation Army’s Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham is to become the church’s 22nd General when General Brian Peddle officially retires at midnight on August 2, 2023 (London time).

The announcement, made overnight Brisbane time, came after a week of deliberations by the High Council at Sunbury Court, London.

After having been introduced to the world as the general-elect by High Council President, Commissioner Brad Bailey, Commissioner Buckingham took to the microphone to affirm his commitment to the mission of The Salvation Army and Jesus Christ.

"We are so grateful and humbled to have an opportunity to serve in this way," Commissioner Buckingham said.

"We love the mission of The Salvation Army. We believe passionately that Jesus is the hope of world.

"We have already made a promise … that we will serve wholeheartedly the mission of The Salvation Army and our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

“We will do so with humility with grace and with courage” he said.

Together, Commissioner Buckingham said - with great leaders soldiers adherents and  supporters around the world -  we will carry the mission of The Salvation Army forward.

He thanked salvationists around the world for their support and prayers over Sunbury Court, the High Council and “the proceedings”.

“Let’s get ready for the new chapter,” he said.

Outgoing leader, General Brian Peddle posted on social media that the was “excited to commend to you (Salvationists globally) our new world leaders”.

Commissioner Buckingham has been Chief of the Staff since August 3, 2018. The first General to come from New Zealand.

His wife, Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, has been the Army’s World Secretary for Women’s Ministries. She will now become the President, taking over from Commissioner Rosalie Peddle.

The sole purpose of the High Council is to meet every three years or so to elect the new General or if there are extenuating circumstances which require a general to step down.

#highcouncil2023 #TheGeneral #TheSalvationArmy The Salvation Army International 2023 High Council