Salvation Army continues apolitical stance

Wellington, 19 September 2007 - The Salvation Army is not a member of the National Advisory Council of the new Christian party headed by Gordon Copeland and Richard Lewis.

The New Zealand Herald today reported comments claiming that The Salvation Army was represented on the new party's National Advisory Council. This claim is incorrect.

The Salvation Army's Territorial Commander, Commissioner Garth McKenzie, says that The Salvation Army takes an apolitical stance, not identifying itself with any political party.

'The Salvation Army has a Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit in South Auckland that engages with national opinion makers in politics, government, business, media and education. We take regular opportunities to meet with all political parties in New Zealand in order to encourage policies that will reflect social justice and Christian values.

'We have people of all kinds of political persuasions in our ranks but our apolitical policy serves us well, allowing us to work with the New Zealand Government as well as overseas governments and non-governmental relief agencies around the world.

Commissioner McKenzie says that Independent MP Gordon Copeland wrote to him in July and again in August asking if The Salvation Army would join the National Advisory Council.

'On both occasions I declined and clearly stated that The Salvation Army maintains a strictly apolitical stance.'

The Salvation Army is a church and social services provider. Our extensive range of social and community programmes include providing supportive and emergency accommodation; helping people overcome alcohol and gambling addictions; providing food parcels, budget counselling, and employment training; responding to disasters and emergencies, and tracing missing loved ones.

ENDS

© Scoop Media