International Positional Statement
Persons With Disabilities
This International Positional Statement is intended to provide information and guidance to members of The Salvation Army.
As the official position of The Salvation Army, officers and others representing The Salvation Army must speak consistent with the position.
It is understood, however, that individual Salvationists may hold different views on some subjects and acceptance of position is not essential to membership.
The Salvation Army also recognises that non-members may not share the same perspective and does not discriminate or condemn those who do not hold the same beliefs or exclude them from attending our church services, working for us or receiving our support.
Persons with Disabilities: Statement of position
All people are made in the image of God and are of equal intrinsic value. This, The Salvation Army celebrates difference and seeks to treat all people with dignity and respect.
Many people around the world experience discrimination due to disabilities. The reality ranges from stigma or negative attitudes to deeply engrained and systemic exclusion. The Salvation Army’s response is to go beyond minimum national legal requirements and to make it possible for persons with disabilities to be fully included and to flourish.
We know less of who God is and how God appears in the world when people with disabilities are excluded. Inclusion is beneficial for everyone. Diversity within our communities and congregations strengthens us and shapes our mission and ministry. The aim of all Salvationist practice is to ensure that we are a church that makes the embodied gospel accessible for all.
This positional statement was approved by the General in October 2020.
About our International Positional Statements
The International Moral and Social Issues Council (IMASIC) is the body of The Salvation Army that advises the General and recommends statements of official position on contemporary moral and social issues.
The Positional Statements are subject to periodic review, and therefore represent the considered view of The Salvation Army on a subject at a certain point in time.
For more information about IMASIC and our International Positional Statements, visit our international website.
Discover more
See moreThe Salvation Army's International Positional Statement on Caring for the Environment.
The Salvation Army's International Positional Statement on Refugees and Asylum Seekers.
The Salvation Army's International Positional Statement on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.