Why You Should Still Be Skeptical Of The Salvation Army

[moonshaz]

If history provided no context, the Salvation Army might look like a fairly LGBT-friendly organization. The only thing the church organization seems to have to say about LGBT people in December of 2014 is that it proudly hires and serves them without discriminating. However, not only is that provably untrue, but it also sweeps a significant anti-

Comments

[nicosian]

my donation $ and goods have bypassed the Salvation Army for well on 15 years, since they ever SO generously took in a gay friend to alcohol treatment, forced him into converting to religion or be thrown out, worked him in the rehab/detox facility for beyond a reasonable amount of work, and the stories he told me, of large donations of goods would come in, the upper "members" would pick thru for choice things, and dump the rest in the thrift stores. He saw them haul off pretty nice things that would have scored a nice sum for the Sally Ann, if it hadn't been taken by upper staff. This happened so consistently, he was pretty disgusted. Not that they shouldn't have nice things, but everything was groomed out this way

[nicosian]

Yeah, he's been sober 8 years? now, but the Sally Ann rehab/detox center sure put some angst and misery into the methods, which I didn't like.

Honestly I think he just found his way out of addiction, fed up the rehab-cycle.

I got to see more of a Salvation Army facility than you'd expect, since I visited him several times a week while he was in for the better part of a year. I get that they want people to work, but he was running 6 am to 8pm most days.

[sio]

yup, then there's the being caught throwing away brand new donated Harry Potter and Twilight toys during one Christmas toy drive because those fandoms were "evil influences" according to some "officer". bullshit--it's up to the parents to approve or disapprove of what fandoms their children may read/watch/etc.

[silver_apples]

They also have some pretty lousy attitudes towards the married women who work for them. Officers cannot marry non-officers and married couples are promoted together, the wife being given a position as her husband's assistant or a related role in the women's ministries. Best of all, married women's pay is added to their husbands' paychecks.

[rhysande]

I've got issues with the Salvation Army due to their policies re: LGBT folk and atheists. But even before I became aware of the SA's positions I'd decided I'd rather my donations go to an organization that doesn't use a person's misfortune as a hook to proselytize to a captive audience. I'd much rather give to food pantries and shelters that serve the community without using a patron's need as an opportunity to conduct a membership drive.

[fabrisse]

I will say one thing in their favor. Unlike some churches which try to take Federal money, but refuse to adhere to Federal equality standards "for religious reasons" (see Catholics, Evangelicals, etc.). The Salvation Army doesn't take a dime of Federal money. At least we as taxpayers aren't paying for their prejudice.

[apostle_of_eris]

My father was a medic in WW II. He was once on a hospital train that got stuck somewhere in India in 100-plus-degree heat for three days, and food and water from the Salvation Army is what kept everyone alive.
I really do hope they are cleaning up their act, because I want to go back to donating to them. For all their problems and failings, some of what they do really is God's work.

[joiedumonde]

I grew up in a small town along the Mississippi River, and during the flood of '93 there was more help from the Salvation Army than the Red Cross. I was only in first grade then, but I spent time with my mom helping to sandbag the levees downtown and someone from Salvation Army was there every evening with food and drinks for the volunteers, not to mention helping relocate/temporarily house those whose homes were damaged by the waters.

I was a big supporter of them until I was old enough to realize what their policies were. It pains me sometimes that I don't feel comfortable supporting them, even with my time.